Social & Cultural Anthropology, Master of Arts (M.A.)

The M.A. in Social and Cultural Anthropology is an internationally oriented degree where students develop an indepent research project in close conversation with both teaching staff and other students in their cohort. Building on B.A.-level training in anthropology or related disciplines, students in the programme hone ethnographic research skills, learn qualitative data analysis, and intervene in cutting-edge debates on social and cultural theory. Fieldwork usually lasts at least six weeks. Fieldwork may be conducted either as part of a group or individually and in collaboration with institutions abroad. The guided research project is co-sponsored by the University of Bayreuth.

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 program. 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 can choose from a number of elective courses (module D) to shape their program according to their own interests. This includes the opportunity to study a foreign language (other than English or German).

The social and cultural anthropology program at the University of Bayreuth is one of the largest in Germany. We offer a cutting-edge, research-oriented master's program that provides you with excellent methods-training as well as first-hand insights to contemporary themes and discussions in anthropology (including activism and engagement, belonging and citizenship, digital materialities, epistemologies of the Global South, gender and feminism, global inequalities, infrastructures and technologies, politics of kinship, race and racism). In addition, the University of Bayreuth's focus on Africa and the Africa Multiple Cluster of Excellence offers unique opportunities to engage with international scholars and students and to participate in current academic, political and artistic debates in the field of African Studies. With the University of Bayreuth Graduate School and the Bayreuth International Graduate School in African Studies (BIGSAS) you have excellent opportunities to pursue a doctoral degree (Ph.D.) after your Master's degree.

With thorough training in analytical and research skills, successful graduates are well prepared for academic positions in universities and research institutions as well as for a wide variety of non-academic careers. The M.A. program’s engagement with questions of global interconnection and diversity makes students particularly suited to positions involving international and intercultural cooperation — for instance, in the NGO sector, in public and media relations, and in international organizations. Cultural heritage institutions, museums, the tourism industry, foundations, and other private organizations also look for experienced social and cultural anthropologists. Research done during fieldwork can also be used as the basis for further Ph.D. studies.

BIGSAS (Bayreuth International Graduate School of African Studies) offers a structured programme and research with multidisciplinary mentorship.The programme enables the doctoral candidates (Junior Fellows) not only to write their thesis within the time-to-degree, but also to enhance their research skills through theoretical and methodological courses as well as in discussions with their supervisors, mentors, fellow students and guest professors. This lively exchange of thoughts and ideas is enriched by and based on the cultural diversity found at BIGSAS.  You can find more information here:

The University of Bayreuth Graduate School supervises doctoral students of all subjects who are pursuing a doctorate in a structured programme or at one of the University's seven faculties. We facilitate scientific exchange already in the earliest phase of independent research, and complement the interdisciplinary education of doctoral students with additional teaching and training opportunities. Our aim is to create the perfect research and learning conditions for them.

You can find all the information on doctoral studies in Bayreuth on the homepage of the Junior Scholar Office WiN.

Further information

• Part-time study is possible.

Preliminary Review Documentation Fee

International applicants from outside the EU who have obtained their degree abroad must undergo a fee-based special procedure and request the issuance of the document "preliminary review documentation" (Vorprüfungsdokumentation, or VPD) via uni-assist. The fee is €75 for an application to the first course of study. More information on the VPD process is available on this webpage.

Visa Application and Immigration

A first important step for many international students coming from so-called third countries is the application for a student visa at the German diplomatic mission of the home country. If and how the application for such a visa should be done is explained on this website.

We highly recommend researching the regulations and requirements as well as the appointment schedule regarding the visa as early as possible. The international Office of the University of Bayreuth is not able to schedule appointments or inquiry about the status of the visa at the diplomatic missions.

German Student Visa Interview Questions, Answers and Tips

Semester fee

The University of Bayreuth does not charge tuition fees. The only contribution that has to be made is the semester fee, which consists of a contribution towards the student services and the semester ticket in order to use public transportation within Bayreuth. This fee has to be paid by every student and prior to enrolment. Banking details are given on the admission letter. As it takes up to seven business days to process the payment, this should be done as early as possible to ensure a quick enrolment. Please note that payment cannot be effected in person at the university.

The module handbook provides an overview of the various modules that must be taken in a degree programme. It contains all the important explanations on the requirements and types of module examinations as well as on the intermediate or final examinations and serves as a kind of study guide for orientation.

Examination regulations define the content and structure of a particular degree programme in a legally binding manner. They must be approved by the Ministry of Science or accredited by an accreditation agency.