Bachelor of Arts in Cultural and Social Anthropology

The Bachelor of Arts in Cultural and Social Anthropology at the University of Lucerne offers students a comprehensive introduction to the diverse and complex ways in which human societies organize themselves, develop cultures, and interact within and across social boundaries. This interdisciplinary programme emphasizes understanding the variegated aspects of human life through ethnographic research, theoretical analysis, and comparative studies. Students explore topics such as kinship, religion, politics, economy, identity, migration, and globalization, gaining insights into how cultural practices shape and are shaped by social structures. The curriculum combines rigorous academic coursework with practical fieldwork, encouraging students to apply anthropological methods in real-world settings. Throughout the programme, students develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and a nuanced understanding of cultural diversity, preparing them for careers in research, international organizations, NGOs, or further academic study. The programme is designed to foster intercultural competence and ethical awareness, ensuring graduates are equipped to navigate and contribute positively to globalized societies. Courses are taught by experienced faculty members with diverse research backgrounds, providing students with an engaging and supportive learning environment. The programme’s flexible structure allows students to tailor their studies according to their interests while gaining a solid foundation in anthropological theories and methodologies. By the end of their studies, students will have completed a significant research project, demonstrating their ability to conduct independent ethnographic research. Overall, the Bachelor of Arts in Cultural and Social Anthropology offers an in-depth understanding of human cultural diversity and social transformations, empowering graduates to analyze contemporary issues from an anthropological perspective and to engage thoughtfully with the world around them.

Umfang und Dauer

Das Masterstudium umfasst 120 Credit Points gemäss ECTS. Ein Credit Point entspricht einer durchschnittlichen Arbeitsleistung von 25-30 Stunden. Die Regelstudienzeit beträgt 4 Semester (2 Jahre). Ein Studium in Teilzeit ist möglich.

Aufbau/Studienstruktur

Das Fach Ethnologie kann im Rahmen eines Fächerstudiums als Major oder Minor belegt werden. Die Studieninhalte und anforderungen sind in der Studien- und Prüfungsordnung und deren Wegleitungen detailliert beschrieben.

Nebenfächer

Im Rahmen eines Fächerstudiengangs kann als Minor jedes angebotene Fach der Kultur- und Sozialwissenschaftlichen Fakultät gewählt werden, sofern es nicht bereits als Major belegt ist.
Von der Theologischen Fakultät und der Rechtswissenschaftlichen Fakultät der Universität Luzern werden für Majorstudierende der Kultur- und Sozialwissenschaftlichen Fakultät eigens ange­passte Nebenfachstudienprogramme angeboten

Nebenfächer können auch ausserhalb der Kultur- und Sozialwissenschaftlichen Fakultät gewählt und im Rahmen der Mobilitätskonventionen sowie der Studienkonvention mit der Philosophischen Fakultät der Universität Zürich vom 31. Juli 2001 auch an anderen eidgenössischen Uni­ver­sitäten belegt werden.

Besonderheiten / weitere Informationen
Zwar richtet sich auch das Masterstudium nicht auf ein klar gegebenes Berufsbild aus, dennoch kann eine gezielte Kombination von Major und Minor, die Wahl der Studieninhalte sowie eine konzentrierte Auseinandersetzung mit einer problemorientierten Fragestellung in der Masterarbeit zu einer Spezialisierung führen, die für Tätigkeiten in jenem breiten Berufsspektrum qualifiziert, in dem Absolventinnen des Faches traditionell zu finden sind, z.B. in internationale Organisationen, in der öffentliche Verwaltung, in der Sozialarbeit, in Verbänden, in den Medien, in Verlagen, im Ausstellungsbereich, in der Unternehmensberatung oder im Kulturmanagement.

The Bachelor of Arts in Cultural and Social Anthropology at the University of Lucerne requires students to complete a comprehensive curriculum designed to foster a deep understanding of human societies, cultural practices, and social structures. The program typically encompasses a combination of core courses, elective modules, and practical components. Students begin with foundational courses that introduce them to key anthropological theories, methodologies, and ethical considerations. These foundational modules cover topics such as the history of anthropology, ethnographic research methods, and cultural theory, ensuring students acquire essential theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

As they progress, students engage in specialized courses that explore diverse cultural groups, social issues, and contemporary global challenges. Courses may include topics like migration, identity, gender studies, development, and political anthropology. To support experiential learning, the program emphasizes fieldwork training, encouraging students to conduct ethnographic research either locally or internationally, which enhances their analytical and observational skills.

In addition to coursework, students are often required to participate in seminars and workshops that promote critical thinking and academic debate. They are also expected to complete a bachelor's thesis, involving independent research under faculty supervision, which demonstrates their ability to formulate research questions, gather data, analyze findings, and present conclusions in a scholarly manner.

The program aims to prepare graduates for diverse career paths, including international development, cultural management, research, or further academic studies. Language proficiency, intercultural communication, and ethical awareness are integrated throughout the curriculum to ensure students are well-equipped to engage with complex social phenomena globally. The program's structure allows for some flexibility, enabling students to tailor their studies according to specific interests within the broad field of cultural and social anthropology. Overall, the program balances theoretical foundations with practical applications, fostering critical, reflective, and ethical anthropologists ready to contribute to understanding and addressing social and cultural issues worldwide.

The University of Lucerne offers various financing options for students pursuing a degree in Cultural and Social Anthropology. Tuition fees at the University of Lucerne are generally moderate compared to other Swiss universities, making higher education accessible to a diverse student body. The standard tuition fee for full-time students is approximately CHF 700 to CHF 1,000 per semester, depending on the program and student status. Additional costs may include student identification cards, registration fees, and materials required for coursework, which should be budgeted accordingly.

Students are encouraged to explore external funding sources such as Swiss government grants, scholarships, and financial aid programs tailored for both domestic and international students. The Swiss government and private foundations offer numerous scholarships based on academic performance, financial need, or specific criteria related to the student's background and academic interests. The University of Lucerne also provides information on external funding opportunities, and students are advised to consult the university’s official website or the student services office for detailed guidance.

Part-time employment is another common method students use to finance their studies. Lucerne offers a range of part-time job opportunities within the city and nearby areas, including positions in the university's administrative offices, research projects, or local businesses. Swiss labor laws permit students to work part-time during the academic year, typically up to 15 hours per week, which helps students manage their finances while gaining valuable work experience.

Living expenses should also be considered. Students should budget for accommodation, which varies depending on the type of housing selected. University-managed housing and private accommodations in Lucerne range from CHF 400 to CHF 800 per month. Other expenses include health insurance, transportation, food, books, and personal expenses. The university recommends planning a yearly budget of approximately CHF 15,000 to CHF 20,000 to cover all these costs comfortably.

International students may also qualify for specific scholarships or fee waivers, and it is recommended that they contact the International Office at the University of Lucerne for personalized assistance. Additionally, some students benefit from exchange programs or joint degrees, which might offer different financial arrangements. Overall, financing a degree in Cultural and Social Anthropology at the University of Lucerne can be managed through a combination of low tuition fees, external scholarships, part-time employment, and careful personal budgeting, making it a feasible option for motivated students from various financial backgrounds.

The Bachelor’s degree program in Cultural and Social Anthropology at the University of Lucerne offers students an in-depth understanding of human societies, cultures, and social processes. This multidisciplinary program explores the diversity of human lifestyles, beliefs, and social structures through both theoretical and practical approaches. Students engage with various anthropological theories and methodologies, learning to analyze social phenomena and cultural expressions across different contexts worldwide. The curriculum emphasizes ethnographic fieldwork, qualitative research methods, and critical thinking skills, preparing graduates for careers in international organizations, NGOs, research institutions, and cultural consultancy services. The program encourages an interdisciplinary perspective, integrating insights from history, sociology, and political science to examine contemporary social issues, globalisation effects, ethnicity, identity, and power dynamics. Students have opportunities to participate in fieldwork projects, internships, and exchange programs, fostering hands-on experience and cross-cultural competence. The program promotes a reflective approach to understanding cultural diversity and social change, aiming to equip students with the analytical tools necessary to address complex social challenges in an interconnected world. Graduates emerge with strong intercultural communication skills, research expertise, and an awareness of ethical considerations relevant to anthropological practice. The program’s structure supports individual academic interests, allowing specialization in subfields such as economic anthropology, medical anthropology, or political anthropology, tailored to students' career goals. Overall, the program prepares students not only for advanced academic research but also for careers that require cultural sensitivity, analytical acumen, and an understanding of social dynamics in various settings.