M.A. Social and Cultural Anthropology

Social and Cultural Anthropology

• 4 Semesters / 120 ECTS
  
• Master of Arts (M.A.)

• Every winter semester
• Admission starts on 01 March

• Information on the admission process - please also have a look at the "good to know" section down below

• Application deadlines:

  Application for German citizens

  01 March – Registration deadline (for winter semester)
  Application

  Application for EU citizens

  01 March – Registration deadline (for winter semester)
  Application

  Application for non EU citizens

  01 March –  15 July (for winter semester)
  Application

• This research-focused Master of Arts program is open to students who have a Bachelor’s degree in anthropology or a neighboring discipline (min. 60 credit points/ECTS) of 2.5 (B-) or better.  All applicants must submit a cover letter comprising a maximum of 2 pages where they explain why they consider themselves well-suited for the M. A. program Social and Cultural Anthropology. This letter can contain references to the applicant’s previous studies, stays abroad, internships, interest in the theory and methodologies of social and cultural anthropology as well as initial ideas on the research project they plan to conduct during the M. A. program.
  
• Language proficiency: ENGLISH B2, GERMAN A1
  

The M.A. in Social and Cultural Anthropology is a research-focused master’s program which offers students an advanced orientation in socio-cultural anthropology and guides them through an ethnographic research project. At the heart of the program is the “guided research” component, in which students develop independent research projects in close conversation both with teaching staff and the other students in their cohort. Both in their research projects and in accompanying courses, students engage with enduring and contemporary questions in the field of anthropology and learn to use ethnography as a reflexive lens onto a particular research problem. The program is informed by its emphasis on the multiplicity of human experience and on its global entanglements. Students benefit from a close working relationship with professorial staff and may take advantage of the University of Bayreuth’s distinction as a center of African Studies.

The M.A. in Social and Cultural Anthropology is an internationally oriented degree that builds on B.A.-level training in anthropology or related disciplines. In the first term, all students participate in foundational courses (module A) which serve as an advanced introduction to anthropology. These include courses on Social and Cultural Theory and World Anthropologies, as well as a course on questions in ethnographic methodology, Doing Ethnography. In Contemporary Themes in Anthropology (module B), students will engage with central concepts in contemporary anthropology that are relevant to their research projects. The core of the program is the research project (module C). It consists of a series of scaffolded courses which include preparation, fieldwork and analysis. Fieldwork takes place in the third term and can be combined with a study abroad program. The research project is guided by senior members of the teaching staff, thereby offering students the opportunity to pursue their research interests with careful mentorship. In addition, students have the opportunity to choose from a number of elective courses (module D) to shape their program according to their own interest. This includes the opportunity to study a foreign language (other than English or German).

With thorough training in analytical and research skills, successful graduates are well prepared for academic positions in universities and research institutions as well as for a wide variety of non-academic careers. The M.A. program’s engagement with questions of global interconnection and diversity makes students particularly suited to positions involving international and intercultural cooperation—for instance, in the NGO sector, in public and media relations, and in international organizations. Cultural heritage institutions, museums, the tourism industry, foundations, and other private organizations also look for experienced social and cultural anthropologists. Research done during fieldwork can also be used as the basis for further Ph.D. studies.

• Information on the admission process
• Module handbook
• Study and examination regulations
  
• Information concerning the course of studies on the website of the University of Bayreuth
• Flyer

• Program Coordinator: Dr. Barbara Polak
  
• Program Advisor: Prof. Dr. Katharina Schramm 
  
• Chair of the Board of Examiners: Prof. Dr. Katharina Schramm 

• International applicants can apply via uni-assist to have their degree documents checked when starting their application (fees are around 70,00€). Please find further information here.

• The University of Bayreuth's Welcome Services and International Office are always happy to assist you in coming to Bayreuth. Please also check their web page.

• The official admission letter for the Master's program in Social and Cultural Anthropology at the University of Bayreuth is a notification via e-mail and a supplementary letter carrying the university's letter head. There is an admission e-mail for applicants who still need to fulfil specific requirements and there is one for those who don't need to take additional courses. Regardless of that, all of the applicants who present one of these two documents and their supplementary letter have been accepted to the Master's program in Social and Cultural Anthropology.

• The University of Bayreuth does not charge tuition fees. The only contribution that has to be made is the semester fee, which consists of a contribution towards the student services and the semester ticket in order to use public transportation within Bayreuth. This fee has to be paid by every student and prior to enrolment. Banking details are given on the admission letter. As it takes up to seven business days to process the payment, this should be done as early as possible to ensure a quick enrolment. Please note that payment cannot be effected in person at the university.