MA African Studies: Critical Perspectives on Society, Politics and Culture University of Bayreuth

All courses are taught exclusively in English.

Profile of the Master's programme

The Master of African Studies: Critical Perspectives on Society, Politics, Culture (MA) programme integrates the social science disciplines of social and cultural anthropology, sociology, political science, history and religion into one dynamic programme, while offering ample opportunity to specialise given the extensive Africa-related course selection available in each of the disciplinary areas. Students acquire an in-depth appreciation for diverse knowledge systems, multiple understandings of Africa, key debates in African Studies and current social and political developments on the continent as well as for the global processes and contexts that constitute them. Significantly, the guiding principle of the MA is that the generation of knowledge today can no longer be limited to the old intellectual traditions of Europe. The examination of knowledge production in Africa is exemplary for a decentred view of perspectives from and with the Global South.

African Studies in Bayreuth

The University of Bayreuth is one of the most important European locations for interdisciplinary African research with more than 40 professors and lecturers who have a research focus on Africa. Students are able to pursue a broad, interdisciplinary range of courses on Africa and Africa-related issues. Successful graduates of the Master in African Studies also have the opportunity to pursue a doctoral degree through the Bayreuth International Graduate School of African Studies (BIGSAS). 

Career Perspectives

Graduates are well prepared for academic positions in universities and research institutions as well as for non-academic careers. Graduates of the Master's programme are trained for doctoral studies in the interdisciplinary field of African Studies; in other interdisciplinary areas, such as Global Studies, International Development or Peace and Conflict Studies; and in the disciplines that are the main focus of the Master's programme (social and cultural anthropology, history, politics, sociology, or study of religion).

Their experience with international research makes graduates particularly suited to projects involving international and intercultural cooperation, including positions in public and media relations, in non-governmental or international organisations, or in diplomacy.

The specialised knowledge acquired in the MA, both the analytical potential and the ability to conceive and critically reflect, is in great demand at national and international institutions, which have a growing need for qualified employees with interdisciplinary, social science training.

Application deadline for each winter semester: 15 July (for non-EU applications), end of September (for EU applications)

Three Core Modules (A: Total 15 ECTS)

The MA programme begins with an introduction to the field of interdisciplinary African Studies, with a focus on the social sciences. A second core module offers a seminar on current debates in the study of Africa, taking up a topical issue or research frontier that we will engage from different disciplinary angles. A third core module brings insights into the contemporary politics of knowledge production and important debates around epistemologies of the Global South, including knowledges born within the struggles against racism, enslavement, colonialism, capitalism, patriarchy and global coloniality.

Three Chosen Disciplines (B1/B2/B3/B4: Total 15 ECTS)

The introduction to basic theoretical concepts and the interdisciplinary approach to African Studies is complemented by a disciplinary introduction to three of the social and cultural studies subjects that constitute the programme. You will choose three of the following four disciplines, each with a focus on Africa:

1. Global Political Sociology / Politics
2. Social and Cultural Anthropology
3. History
4. Religion and Islamic Studies

Four Core Seminars in One Discipline (C/D/E/F: Total 20 ECTS)

Students then select one focal discipline, in which another four core courses are taken. Here you receive in-depth instruction that also includes methods training within your chosen core subject, which can then be applied to your study project and the Master's thesis.

Three General Electives (G: 15 ECTS)

MA students are also given an elective module, in which additional courses can be selected from the wide range of Africa-related courses available across the university (within or beyond the MA participating disciplines). An overview of Africa-related study programmes at the University of Bayreuth is available here.

Two Language Courses (L: 8 ECTS)

(African) Language courses can also be integrated into the study programme. The university offers classes in several African languages including Kiswahili, Bambara and Hausa as well as a host of other languages relevant to the study of the continent (e.g. Arabic, Chinese, French, Portuguese, etc.) You can find more information at the University of Bayreuth’s Language Centre.

Study Project and Master's Thesis

At the heart of the MA in African Studies programme are:

1. the study project carried out with a supervisor in the chosen focal area and (20 ECTS)
2. the Master's thesis and colloquium (27 ECTS).

The study project focuses on developing and implementing an empirical research project. In many cases, this will involve fieldwork, but it may also include archival research, interviews, document analysis and other forms and methods of primary data collection. These projects are an opportunity for students to put into practice the skills they have gained through their coursework, with guidance from senior teaching staff.

The final Master's thesis includes a colloquium.

No tuition fees

In Bayreuth, students do not have to pay any tuition fees.

They pay a semester contribution. It covers your contributions to student services and the student government. Attending the University of Bayreuth (which combines the campus in Bayreuth and our Faculty VII located in Kulmbach) includes a "semester ticket" that allows you to use public transportation in the region. The semester contribution is 163.04 EUR per semester.

The costs of living in Germany, e.g. living, food, clothing, and activities, are about average compared to other European countries. The city of Bayreuth, compared to other large German cities (Munich, Berlin, Hamburg), offers a uniquely attractive combination: low cost of living, affordable housing, and a high quality of life. This makes Bayreuth especially appealing to students, young professionals and families. Whether it's outdoor sports in the nearby Fichtelgebirge, cultural highlights like the world-famous Festival, or the rich culinary scene – the city offers a rich variety of experiences right at your doorstep. 

Bayreuth combines affordability with vibrancy – making it easy to study, live and enjoy life to the fullest.

Here is an example: https://www.gamechanger-campus.de/en/cost-of-living.

Requirements for the admission to the study programme include both of the following:  

• A Bachelor’s degree in a social sciences-, humanities-, or history-oriented degree programme with a final grade of "2.5" or better
• language certificates (details below)

• A language certificate English level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)
• a language certificate German level A1 of the CEFR (can be obtained during the first year of the programme)

Application deadline for each winter semester: 15 July (for non-EU applications), end of September (for EU applications)

Scholarships for international students: International students and doctoral researchers have the opportunity to apply for a study grant at the International Office. Limited funding from the State of Bavaria and the DAAD is available for this purpose. The application deadline for the winter semester is 31 August and for the summer semester 28 February. All grants can be awarded for up to two semesters.

Unfortunately, first-semester students cannot be funded, i.e. applications cannot be submitted until the second semester of study for funding starting in the third semester of study. Above all, academic achievements from the previous semester are decisive for the evaluation of the application.

There are many ways for international students to earn money while they study, but there are some restrictions. For more detailed information, please visit the DAAD website.

The University of Bayreuth’s Career Services team provides a central interface between student and professional life. The team offers guidance and support to students of all subjects with regard to starting their careers.

Accommodation for students
Bayreuth and Kulmbach have a number of student dormitories (both private dormitories and dormitories offered by the Association for Student Affairs) and a vast array of private rooms available. Under no circumstances should you assume that you will be assigned a room in the student dormitories! You will need to actively search for a room on your own – either in a private dormitory or on the private market.

More information regarding accommodation for students is available here: https://www.gamechanger-campus.de/en/accommodation. Please also read the DAAD’s information.

Accommodation for international guests
All other international guests are requested to register via the Welcome Services Database (WelSe).

Accommodation for short visits
For short visits, we recommend searching for accommodation on Airbnb. In addition, a limited number of apartments are available in the Alexander von Humboldt Guest House.

For in between: youth hostels

If you can not find a long-term accommodation from the start, you could look for a living space at the youth hostels directly next to our campus.

https://www.jugendherberge.de/en/youth-hostels/bayreuth/

Welcome Services for International Students, Doctoral Candidates and Researchers

Welcome Services at the University of Bayreuth provide guidance and support for all international students, scholars, and their families before, during, and after their stay at the University of Bayreuth. The aim is to ensure a quick, trouble-free, and thus successful start as well as an unforgettable stay on our friendly campus.

Whether you are on an exchange programme, pursuing a degree, or carrying out doctoral research, we can help to put you in contact with other students and staff members at the university once you arrive. For example, every semester, in addition to our advisory and support services, we offer an extensive intercultural programme.

International, innovative, and interdisciplinary in research and teaching

Top-notch research, state-of-the-art teaching methods, international influences, diversity, and a springboard to a successful career – these are all things the University of Bayreuth stands for.

The University of Bayreuth is a dynamic campus university with currently about 12,000 students (19% internationals). Beyond the interdisciplinary research focus and excellence in teaching, the university has a clear vision of social responsibility and entrepreneurship. In the middle of Kulmbach, our new satellite campus unites the perspectives of natural science, economics, law, social sciences, and behavioural science in one place in a way that has not yet been seen in Germany.

We have a close network of strategically selected, international research partners, and we have strategic partnerships with universities around the globe. A wide range of innovative BA, MA and PhD programmes as well as our international summer schools, are conducted in English. There are presently around 2,500 international students from more than 100 countries on the Bayreuth and Kulmbach campuses. Focus areas in research include Nonlinear Dynamics, Polymer and Colloid Science, Molecular Biosciences, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, New Materials, African Studies, High Pressure and High Temperature Research, Cultural Encounters and Transcultural Processes, Innovation and Consumer Protection, Food and Health Sciences, Energy Research and Energy Technology, Governance and Responsibility.

Our university has an outstanding staff-to-student ratio. Our high performance levels, multidisciplinary collaborations and scientific excellence result in high-ranking positions. In the 2025 THE ranking, the University of Bayreuth achieved the top position 31 among the 1,000 best universities in Germany. We have proven expertise in campus and curriculum internationalisation, which is confirmed by the results of the extended internationalisation audit conducted by the German Rectors’ Conference, a close and successful project cooperation with the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and a number of Alexander von Humboldt Awards for our international management and service.

Welcome to our one-of-a-kind campus in Bavaria!
It is both the heart of our university and a source of inspiration. It is where friendships are made, collaboration is initiated, and ideas are conceived, ensuring that our university remains a beacon of innovation. Scientific exchange profits tremendously from the wide variety of disciplines our communicative campus brings together.

For a closer look at our university, have a look here: https://www.gamechanger-campus.de/en.

Welcome to Bavaria!
75,000 people from 145 nations chose the city of Bayreuth as their new home, and those numbers are steadily rising. Because of its 12,000 students, Bayreuth is the third-youngest city in Germany. Living here means not getting stuck in traffic jams every morning. The short distances in Bayreuth allow you to leave your car at home and to walk or ride your bike to work and to campus.

Career & Networking
The Welcome Service at the University of Bayreuth is here to assist you with any questions regarding living and working in the region of Bayreuth. The team of our International Office provides guidance and support for all international students, scholars, and their families before, during and after their stay at the University of Bayreuth. The aim is to ensure a quick, trouble-free and thus successful start as well as an unforgettable stay on our friendly campus in Bayreuth and Kulmbach.

A good climate for your entrepreneurial spirit
The University of Bayreuth takes its role as a regional motor of innovation very seriously. The Office of Entrepreneurship & Innovation was set up to help students gain the necessary qualifications in the area of entrepreneurial and innovative thinking and acting. In doing so, we nurture our students’ willingness and ability to start their own companies. Our Adviser for Start-Ups provides start-ups and prospective start-ups with confidential guidance and support. Strong innovation and research institutions combined with high-performance medium-sized companies make for a steady rise in workforce and a guarantee for job security.

Your new home away from home
Bayreuth and Kulmbach offer a wide variety of childcare services as well as affordable living space. Step outside your front door and enjoy the recreational activities. Scenic northern Bavaria is great for sports activities: cycling, hiking, mountain-climbing, canoeing, rafting, and skiing are all excellent ways to enrich your leisure time. However, if you do happen to crave the feel of a bigger city now and then, Nuremberg is only a one-hour train ride away and Munich is only two and a half hours away. You can reach Berlin in four hours by car or bus and Leipzig in half that time.

Why you should study in Bayreuth: https://www.gamechanger-campus.de/en/study-in-bayreuth

Have a great start. We look forward to meeting you!