Social and Cultural Anthropology University of Bayreuth

Courses are held in English.

Description

The MA in Social and Cultural Anthropology is a research-focused Master’s programme that offers students an advanced orientation in sociocultural anthropology and guides them through an ethnographic research project. 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 programme is informed by its emphasis on the multiplicity of human experience and on its global entanglements. Students benefit from a close working relationship with academic staff and may take advantage of the University of Bayreuth’s distinction as a centre of African Studies. Because of its specific research-oriented design and great networking opportunities, the programme attracts many international students, leading to discussions that are shaped by their different perspectives on anthropology itself.

Profile

The MA in Social and Cultural Anthropology is an internationally oriented degree that builds on BA-level training in anthropology or related disciplines. At the heart of the programme 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.

Application for EU citizens
1 March to mid-October

Application for non-EU citizens
1 March to 15 July

Structure and content

In the first semesters, 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 programme 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 semester and can be combined with a study abroad programme. 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 programme according to their own interests. This includes the opportunity to study a foreign language (other than English or German).

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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.

• Cover letter: All applicants must submit a cover letter comprising a maximum of two pages in which they explain why they consider themselves well-suited for the MA programme in Social and Cultural Anthropology. Applicants could additionally describe their main focus areas during their previous studies, internships, experiences abroad, etc. If the candidates have first ideas of a research project they want to realise within the Master's programme, they are encouraged to add a short draft of their plan into the cover letter as well.
• Qualification: A Bachelor's degree with at least an examination grade "good" in the Bachelor's degree programmes "Social & Cultural Anthropology", "Culture and Society (subject Social and Cultural Anthropology)" or "Culture and Society in Africa (focus Social and Cultural Anthropology)"
• Equivalency: Equivalency of the completed 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.
• Applying without a degree certificate: Applications may already be submitted before completion 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.

Language proficiency: ENGLISH: level B2, GERMAN: level A1

A language proficiency of ENGLISH at level B2 and GERMAN at level A1 is required. Applicants who are unable to provide the German language proficiency may be enrolled under the condition that they submit proof of the required language skill by the end of the second semester.

Application for EU citizens
1 March to mid-October

Application for non-EU citizens
1 March to 15 July

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/