Master of Arts in Social Anthropology
Explore human culture, society, and global dynamics through interdisciplinary fieldwork and ethnographic research.
Best for:Best for students with a Bachelor’s in anthropology or related disciplines, seeking to specialise in ethnographic research, decolonial theory, and applied anthropology with a focus on global perspectives.
Overview
This Master of Arts programme in Social Anthropology at the University of Münster offers a rigorous, interdisciplinary exploration of human social and cultural practices. Students engage with theoretical frameworks, regional specialisations (including Sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia, and European societies), and applied anthropology. The curriculum emphasises fieldwork, audiovisual projects, or archival research, supported by faculty mentorship. Graduates develop critical analytical skills, ethical reflexivity, and expertise in intercultural collaboration, preparing them for careers in academia, NGOs, policy, or applied fields like migration counselling and media production.
What you'll do
- Conduct ethnographic fieldwork, audiovisual projects, or archival research for the Master’s thesis under faculty supervision.
- Engage in seminars and tutorials on cultural foundations, research methods, and specialised topics like political anthropology, media anthropology, and migration studies.
- Develop and execute a research project with a regional focus (e.g., Sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia, or European societies).
- Participate in collaborative research projects and interdisciplinary discussions with national and international scholars.
- Complete a written Master’s thesis and defend it in an oral examination (viva).
- Optionally undertake an internship or practical training related to your research focus.
Requirements
Degree required: Bachelor’s degree in Social/Cultural Anthropology, Ethnology, or a related discipline with a minimum of 15 ECTS in social anthropology.
Degree offered: Master of Arts (MA)
Language: English proficiency at C1 level (e.g., IELTS Academic 7.0 or equivalent). No minimum German language requirement.
Instruction: English (with optional German-language courses for non-obligatory classes).
- Proven academic background in anthropology or a closely related field.
- Strong written and oral communication skills in English.
- Ability to conduct independent research and critical analysis.
- Experience with ethnographic methods or fieldwork (preferred but not mandatory).
- Familiarity with theoretical frameworks in anthropology, particularly decolonial and global South perspectives.
- Bachelor’s degree with a final overall grade of at least 2.3 (German grading system).
- No nationality or residency restrictions; open to all applicants.
- No age limit or prior experience caps.
Funding & terms
Programme and admissions
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How to apply
Deadline: 2027-07-15
Applicants must submit their application via email to stephanie.osterheider@uni-muenster.de. Include all required documents, such as academic transcripts, proof of English proficiency, and a statement of purpose. Detailed application guidelines are available on the department’s website.
- CV
- Bachelor’s degree certificate and transcripts
- Proof of English proficiency (e.g., IELTS Academic score of 7.0 or equivalent)
- Statement of purpose or research proposal
- Letter of motivation
- Two letters of recommendation
Contact
Stephanie Osterheider· Application Contact
stephanie.osterheider@uni-muenster.de
https://www.uni-muenster.de/Ethnologie/studieren/mastersocialanthropology/index.shtml
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