Master of Arts in Social and Cultural Anthropology University of Cologne

Courses at the Master's level are taught in English. In the supplementary section, some advanced Bachelor's level courses are included and offered in German. However, a sufficient number of courses in the supplementary modules are available in English, allowing students to complete the entire Master's programme in English (100%).

Students have the option to write their Master's theses in either English or German.

Our Master’s programme in Social and Cultural Anthropology builds on foundational anthropological knowledge and provides specialised, research-oriented training in six key areas:

• Environmental Anthropology

• Media and Museum Anthropology

• Urban Anthropology

• Anthropology of Globalisation and Alternative Economies

• Political Anthropology

• Anthropology of Religion

The programme is dedicated to advanced, comparative cultural research aligned with the ongoing projects of our academic staff. Many of these projects focus on themes of significant practical and political relevance. In addition, students are trained in cultural theory and research methodologies at an advanced level.

To address any gaps in foundational anthropological knowledge, students may take advantage of e-learning courses offered in English. These include History of Anthropological Thought, Anthropology of Social Anthropology, and Economic Anthropology, all of which are creditable within the supplementary modules.

We offer regional specialisations in the following areas:

• Africa (particularly East, West, and Southern Africa)

• Asia (with a focus on East and Southeast Asia)

• The Mediterranean

• Ethnography at Home

Students receive comprehensive training in ethnographic field methods and anthropological writing, equipping them with the tools and skills necessary to conduct independent field research.

Upon completion of the programme, graduates will possess a range of key qualifications, including:

• Excellent intercultural competence

• In-depth understanding of socio-political public debates

• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills

• A reflexive approach to cultural and social theories, ethnographic methods, and materials

For the winter semester: 15 July
For the summer semester: 15 January

We strongly advise submitting your application as early as possible to prevent delays in visa processing and other issues that may impede the timely commencement of your studies.

Students are required to complete three Advanced Modules (AM) and two Specialisation Modules (SM), in addition to at least two Supplementary Modules (EM). One of the Supplementary Modules from EM1 to EM3 is mandatory. Furthermore, students must earn a total of 12 credit points (CP) from the remaining Supplementary Modules, EM4 to EM8.

The active participation of the department in international and national research networks, along with numerous ongoing externally funded programmes, provides Master's students with opportunities to engage in current research projects.

Through partnerships with universities both in Germany and abroad, students regularly have the chance to participate in field research internships. These internships, which may include guided fieldwork or summer school-based fieldwork, offer practical experience in advanced methodologies and help develop a broad range of essential qualifications.

Studying abroad at one of the University of Cologne's partner universities is part of Supplementary Module 2 (EM2 Study Abroad). However, given the research-oriented nature of the Master's in Social and Cultural Anthropology, we recommend opting for field research opportunities abroad rather than Supplementary Module 1 (EM1 Field Research Practice).

The Department of Social and Cultural Anthropology typically offers a supervised field research internship abroad every two years, with the location aligned to the regional research expertise of the department's faculty. Field research may also be conducted in conjunction with a spring, summer, or winter school. Past field research trainings have taken place in Vietnam, South Africa, Cameroon, Namibia, Uganda, Cook Islands, and Morocco. Participants in the fieldwork abroad programme are typically eligible for financial support through the excursion funds provided by the department.

Furthermore, it is also possible to carry out field research affiliated with one of our ongoing research projects under the supervision of the project leader.

Field research can also be conducted independently, though affiliation with a partner university or an institution related to the professional field of anthropology is recommended. Additionally, fieldwork may take the form of a professional internship, which can be credited towards Supplementary Module 3 (EM3 Vocational Practice).

No tuition fees

Students are required to pay fees each semester, which are periodically adjusted to account for factors such as local public transport costs. For example, the semester fees for enrolment or re-registration for the 2025 summer semester were 304.75 EUR, which includes public transport in Germany.

For more information on semester fees, please visit: https://uni.koeln/X2E5W.

An overview of the estimated cost of living during your degree can be found on the University of Cologne’s International Office website, where you will also find helpful tips for financing your studies: https://uni.koeln/UZA52.

Admission to the Master's degree programme in Social and Cultural Anthropology is open to graduates with a Bachelor's degree (or an equivalent qualification) in Social Anthropology and/or Cultural Anthropology. Graduates with a Bachelor's degree in related fields may also be considered for admission after a case-by-case review, provided they have earned at least 40 CP in relevant subject areas. Examples of related fields include European ethnology or cultural studies with roots in folkloristics and/or literary studies; social science disciplines such as (developmental) sociology; and regional or area studies programmes like Asian, African, or Islamic studies. Relevant subject knowledge includes a solid foundation in modern social science theories and methods, as well as factual and regional knowledge of contemporary anthropology.

Applicants should note the following requirements:

• A minimum grade of 2.5 in the Bachelor's degree is required.

• English language proficiency (details below)

English language proficiency at a B2 level according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is required.

If not already possessed at the start of the programme, students must acquire proficiency in another modern foreign language during their studies. For European languages, an A2 level of proficiency (CEFR) is required. The same requirement applies to non-European languages. Proof of language proficiency must be provided no later than at the time of registration for the Master's thesis.

Proof of German language proficiency (DSH-2 level) is not required.

For the winter semester: 15 July
For the summer semester: 15 January

We strongly advise submitting your application as early as possible to prevent delays in visa processing and other issues that may impede the timely commencement of your studies.

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The International Office of the University of Cologne offers workshops on applying for part-time employment as a student. Additionally, they have compiled valuable information on how to find student jobs: https://uni.koeln/international-jobs.

The International Office of the University of Cologne provides assistance with all aspects related to application, enrolment, and life on campus. For more information, please visit the prospective students website: https://uni.koeln/prospective-students.

The Department of Social and Cultural Anthropology (DoSCA) at the University of Cologne comprises six professorships, making it the largest department of its kind in Germany. It offers a broad and diverse range of courses and maintains strong local partnerships, including collaborations with the Global South Studies Center (GSSC) and the Rautenstrauch-Joest-Museum (RJM). The department is also integrated into a wide international research network and maintains close academic ties with universities in Africa, Asia, and North America.

Cologne offers an exciting and dynamic environment for the study of anthropology.

As the major cultural hub of the Rhineland, Cologne boasts a vibrant arts scene, with over 30 museums and hundreds of galleries. Exhibitions range from ancient Roman archaeological finds to contemporary art, including graphics and sculpture. The Rautenstrauch-Joest Museum (RJM), a key cooperation partner of our department, is particularly noteworthy and well worth a visit.

The city is also renowned for its rich cultural life, including the famous Cologne Carnival, the annual Reggae Summer Jam, and Cologne Pride.

Cologne is widely recognised as a major media centre in Germany, hosting the headquarters of several radio and television broadcasters. It is also home to the Cologne Comedy Festival, the largest event of its kind in mainland Europe.

For more information on leisure and cultural opportunities in Cologne, please visit the website of our International Office.