Master of Arts in Social and Cultural Anthropology
A research-focused Master’s programme exploring human cultures, societies, and their diverse dimensions through empirical and comparative analysis.
Best for:Best for students with a strong interest in human cultures, societies, and ethnographic research who seek a research-intensive Master’s programme with opportunities for fieldwork and theoretical exploration.
Overview
This Master’s programme at Universität Zürich focuses on social and cultural anthropology, examining the ecological, economic, political, legal, social, and cultural dimensions of human societies. Students engage in research-based study, conducting fieldwork either in Switzerland or internationally, including ethnographic research, museum-based analysis, or literature-based investigations. The curriculum emphasizes scientific methodology, theoretical frameworks, and regional ethnography, preparing graduates to analyze complex social contexts and contribute to interdisciplinary research. The programme is designed for those seeking to deepen their understanding of human diversity and cultural dynamics through rigorous academic inquiry.
What you'll do
- Conduct independent research projects in social and cultural anthropology, including ethnographic fieldwork or museum-based analysis.
- Develop and apply theoretical frameworks to analyze human cultures and societies.
- Engage in comparative studies of social phenomena across diverse regions and contexts.
- Deepen scientific research skills, including data collection, analysis, and interpretation.
- Familiarize yourself with regional ethnographies and adapt analytical approaches to new cultural contexts.
- Contribute to interdisciplinary research by integrating anthropological perspectives with other social sciences.
Requirements
Degree required: Bachelor’s degree in Social and Cultural Anthropology, Sociology, or a related humanities or social sciences field.
Degree offered: Master of Arts (MA) in Social and Cultural Anthropology
Language: German and English; English proficiency at a level suitable for academic research (equivalent to IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 90).
Instruction: German and English
- Fluency in academic research methods, including ethnographic techniques.
- Ability to conduct comparative and theoretical analysis of cultural phenomena.
- Strong writing and communication skills for academic and research-oriented work.
- Experience with fieldwork or ethnographic research (preferred but not always required).
- No specific nationality restrictions; open to international applicants.
- No age restrictions.
- No prior experience caps beyond the completion of a Bachelor’s degree.
Funding & terms
Programme and admissions
Admissions not verified
A catalogue listing does not mean applications are open or funding is guaranteed. Check the source for your intake.
- Intake
- Not confirmed by the source
- Duration
- Not confirmed by the source
- Teaching language
- Not confirmed by the source
- Taught / research mode
- Not confirmed by the source
- Study mode
- Not confirmed by the source
- Campus
- Not confirmed by the source
- Prerequisites
- Not confirmed by the source
- Application instructions
- Not confirmed by the source
- Tuition
- Not confirmed by the source
- Funding
- Not confirmed by the source
How to apply
Applicants must submit their application through the official Universität Zürich portal. Required documents typically include a CV, academic transcripts, a statement of purpose, and letters of recommendation. Detailed instructions and deadlines are available on the programme’s application page.
- CV
- Academic transcripts (Bachelor’s degree)
- Statement of purpose or research proposal
- Letters of recommendation (usually 2-3)
- Proof of English proficiency (if applicable)
Contact
Create a free profile to unlock your personal match score, the full requirements, funding details and how to apply — in English or Persian.