Social & Cultural Anthropology, Master of Arts (MA) University of Bayreuth

All required and foundational courses are taught in English. Students may select elective courses in German as well as in other available languages. Students write the Master's thesis in English, or, if required for subject-specific reasons, in German or French.

The MA in Social and Cultural Anthropology is a research-focused Master’s programme that offers students an advanced orientation in socio-cultural 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.

EU applicants:
1 March to 15 October for the following winter semester

Non-EU applicants: 
1 March to 15 July for the following winter semester

The core of the Social & Cultural Anthropology Master's programme at the University of Bayreuth is the independent ethnographic research project. Students are guided through the design and execution of an independent research project that has the potential to contribute to key debates in the discipline.

In the first term, all students participate in foundational courses (module A) that serve as an advanced introduction to anthropology. These include courses on Social and Cultural Theory and World Anthropologies as well as a masterclass on ethnographic methods, Doing Ethnography. In Contemporary Themes in Anthropology (module B), students engage with central concepts in contemporary anthropology that are relevant to their research projects. 

Module C consists of a series of scaffolded courses which include preparation, fieldwork and analysis, altogether forming the independent research project. Fieldwork takes place in the third term 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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When conducting ethnographic fieldwork, students may choose to participate in a study abroad programme.

When conducting ethnographic fieldwork, students may choose to participate in an internship programme.

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.

Application

All applicants must submit a cover letter comprising a maximum of two pages which they explain why they consider themselves well-suited for the MA programme in Social and Cultural Anthropology.

Qualification

A Bachelor's degree with at least a grade of "good" (2.5 or higher, or equivalent) in any of the following disciplines: "Social & Cultural Anthropology", "Culture and Society (subject Social and Cultural Anthropology)", "Culture and Society in Africa (subject Social and Cultural Anthropology)" or "Interdisciplinary African Studies", or an equivalent degree.

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.

Conditional admission is possible; special conditions may comprise up to 30 credit points.

Students must demonstrate a CEFR B2 level of English competency when applying and a CEFR A1 level of German competency by the end of the second semester of the programme.

EU applicants:
1 March to 15 October for the following winter semester

Non-EU applicants: 
1 March to 15 July for the following winter semester

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/