M.A. Social and Cultural Anthropology

Faculty
Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences

Final degree
Master of Arts (M.A.)

Start of Studies
Winter semester

Standard period of study
4 semesters

Language of instruction
English

Admission Requirements
Language proficiency: English B2, German A1

Profile

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. 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. Fieldwork, which often takes place in collaboration with institutions abroad, usually lasts at least six weeks and can be conducted either as part of a group or individually. The guided research project is co-sponsored by the University of Bayreuth.

Structure and content

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).

The social and cultural anthropology program at the University of Bayreuth is one of the largest in Germany. We offer a cutting-edge, research-oriented master's program that provides you with excellent methods-training as well as first-hand insights to contemporary themes and discussions in anthropology (including activism and engagement, belonging and citizenship, digital materialities, epistemologies of the Global South, gender and feminism, global inequalities, infrastructures and technologies, politics of kinship, race and racism). In addition, the University of Bayreuth's focus on Africa and the Africa Multiple Cluster of Excellence offers unique opportunities to engage with international scholars and students and to participate in current academic, political and artistic debates in the field of African Studies. With the University of Bayreuth Graduate School and the Bayreuth International Graduate School in African Studies (BIGSAS) you have excellent opportunities to pursue a doctoral degree (Ph.D.) after your Master's degree.

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.

Completing a doctorate at the University of Bayreuth

BIGSAS (Bayreuth International Graduate School of African Studies) offers a structured programme and research with multidisciplinary mentorship.The programme enables the doctoral candidates (Junior Fellows) not only to write their thesis within the time-to-degree, but also to enhance their research skills through theoretical and methodological courses as well as in discussions with their supervisors, mentors, fellow students and guest professors. This lively exchange of thoughts and ideas is enriched by and based on the cultural diversity found at BIGSAS. You can find more information here:

BIGSAS Doctoral Programme

The University of Bayreuth Graduate School supervises doctoral students of all subjects who are pursuing a doctorate in a structured programme or at one of the University's seven faculties. We facilitate scientific exchange already in the earliest phase of independent research, and complement the interdisciplinary education of doctoral students with additional teaching and training opportunities. Our aim is to create the perfect research and learning conditions for them.

You can find all the information on doctoral studies in Bayreuth on the homepage of the Junior Scholar Office WiN.

Visa Application and Immigration

A first important step for many international students coming from so-called third countries is the application for a student visa at the German diplomatic mission of the home country. If and how the application for such a visa should be done is explained on this website.

We highly recommend researching the regulations and requirements as well as the appointment schedule regarding the visa as early as possible. The international Office of the University of Bayreuth is not able to schedule appointments or inquiry about the status of the visa at the diplomatic missions.

German Student Visa Interview Questions, Answers and Tips

Semester fee

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.

Notes on application and enrollment

Application period

for German and EU citizens:
1 March to 15 October for winter semester
for non EU citizens:
1 March to 15 July for winter semester

Application guide

Individual information on the application process (documents, deadlines, link to the application portal)
click here for German version

Admission Restrictions / Application
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.

Qualification
A bachelor's degree with at least an examination grade good in the Bachelor's degree programme "Social & Cultural Anthropology", "Culture and Society (subjedt Social nad Cultural Anthropology)", "Culture and Society in Africa (subject Social and Cultural Anthropology)" or "Interdisciplinary African Studies", or an equivalent degree

Equivalency
Equivalency of the comleted bachelor's degree is the responsibility of the board of examiners and is not determined conclusively until the application process is under way; for this reason, no information can be provided in advance

Language proficiency
ENGLISH B2
GERMAN A1

Applying without a degree certificate
Applications may already be submitted before comppletion of the bachelor's degree; however a total of at least 150 credit points with a final German grade of 2.5 or better must be earned by the time of application.
Conditional admission is possible; special conditions may comprise up to 30 credit points (see Examination Regulations § 2 para 2)