This two-year, research-focused MA is designed for students who already hold a Bachelor's degree in anthropology or a closely related field and want to deepen their theoretical knowledge and research abilities. In the first year you take advanced theory and methods courses, sharpen academic skills—such as writing research proposals and composing article-style essays—and build regional expertise. Elective choices are interdisciplinary and can be taken across the social sciences and humanities, for example in African Studies or Global Studies.
In the third semester you carry out the empirical or library research that will form the basis of your Master's thesis, or you may opt for a research internship to gain practical experience. The final semester is dedicated to writing the MA thesis, which is approximately 30,000 words. All core courses are delivered in English, while electives may be offered in either English or German—so pay close attention to the programme’s language requirements before you apply.
Overall, the programme places strong emphasis on research training and advanced academic practice, making it suitable for students aiming to pursue doctoral study or research-oriented careers. Its interdisciplinary elective options and the possibility of a research internship provide both theoretical depth and practical exposure.
Admissions & programme facts (quick bullets)
Curriculum overview
The program begins with a strong theoretical foundation: in the first semester you take "Current Debates" and "Technology and Culture," both of which focus on contemporary anthropological theory while you also deepen a chosen regional specialisation. The second semester shifts to research skills and planning: you complete "Advanced Method in Anthropology," prepare a project proposal for your MA research, and study "Anthropology and Communication," which addresses how to present anthropological insights to public audiences. Advanced work in your regional specialisation continues alongside these modules.
Hands-on research and professional practice
The third semester is devoted to applied research: students carry out fieldwork for their MA project or may alternatively complete an internship to gain practical experience. The final (fourth) semester is reserved for writing and submitting the MA thesis. Through this sequence you develop core competencies in theoretical analysis, rigorous methodological design, project planning, public communication of research, immersive field methods or professional placement experience, and independent thesis writing.
Why this matters for international students
International students will benefit from structured methodological training that prepares them for cross-cultural fieldwork and from training in how to communicate research beyond academia—skills valuable for careers in research, NGOs, policy, and cultural institutions. The regional specialisation component offers sustained area-specific expertise, which can include language, local contexts, and region-focused methodologies (depending on your chosen track).
Program requirements (concise)
To be considered for this MA program you must hold a completed bachelor's degree in anthropology or a closely related discipline. The admissions committee will check whether your prior studies provide the academic background needed for graduate work in anthropology; if your degree was earned outside the country where the program is offered, make sure it is comparable to the required qualification and be prepared to supply official transcripts and any documentation requested during application.
All applicants are required to pass an entrance examination known as the "Eignungsfeststellungsprüfung." Applications must be submitted through the program’s central online admissions system, where you will register, upload supporting documents and, where applicable, arrange participation in the admission test. Check the program’s admissions page for specific deadlines, test formats and any additional submission instructions.
Requirements (concise)
Note: If your degree was awarded outside the program’s country, verify recognition/equivalence and have certified transcripts ready for the online application.
Winter Semester (International)
31 May 2026
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
31 May 2026
Graduates are prepared for research and academic paths (e.g. PhD programmes) as well as roles in cultural institutions, NGOs, international organisations, policy and development agencies, and media or communications, where skills in ethnographic research, critical analysis and public dissemination are valued. The combination of methodological training, regional specialisation and experience with public communication also suits positions in consultancy, cultural heritage, and applied social research.
The programme’s emphasis on independent fieldwork and a substantial MA thesis gives graduates practical experience in project design, data collection and academic writing—skills that are transferable to both academic and non-academic career trajectories.