Social and Cultural Anthropology

Our research-based MA programme with a pronounced emphasis on training in research methods is one of the strongest MA programmes in social and cultural anthropology in Germany. To better accommodate MA students' interests, we are currently expanding the number of anthropology courses offered in English.
Colleagues in our department work on various regions, particularly the anthropology of the North/Arctic and post-socialist countries (J. Otto Habeck), the Middle East (Laila Prager), Southern Africa and South America (Julia Pauli and Michael Schnegg), and West Africa (Jan Budniok).
Prominent research topics are mobile pastoralism, perceptions of the environment, environmental change, concepts and uses of indigeneity, diaspora studies, migration and social mobility, movement and wayfaring, health, and religion.

Educational organisation

The programme consists of lectures, small-group discussions, tutorials and practice elements.

First semester: course in current theories in anthropology; courses on research topics and research design
Second semester: preparation of MA research projects; courses on advanced research methods; writing of ethnographic texts; participation in academic colloquia
Third semester: option (I) guided and independent research in Germany or abroad; option (II) theoretic and comparative work; data analysis; (optional) term abroad
Fourth semester: workshop in ethnographic writing; completion of the Master's thesis; participation in academic colloquia

A detailed course programme will be provided on request.

Study abroad unit(s)

Students have the opportunity to do about three months' field work for their Master's theses.

Forms of assessment

Written and oral exams in accordance with the guidelines, Master's thesis

Course objectives

Students will be well prepared for a career in social sciences, research and academia, journalism and the media, public services, international organisations, development aid, migration and integration, tourism, museums and culture, health, and education.

Language requirements

Applicants must provide proof of their German and English skills.
German: TestDaF with at least three parts TDN 4, max. one part TDN 3; or DSH 2, or equivalent
English: TOEFL 70 (Internet-based), B2 (GER)

Required DSH / TestDaF

Yes

Academic requirements

BA in social/cultural anthropology or equivalent (a BA degree that covers 45 ECTS in courses dealing with concepts, theories, and/or methods in anthropology)

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Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Enrolment fees

There is a semester fee of 310 EUR per semester. This fee includes a semester ticket covering public transport in the Hamburg metropolitan area.

Costs of living

We recommend that single students budget at least 800 EUR per month to meet personal expenses (accommodation, living, health insurance, books).

Job opportunities

Generally, students who enrol in a full-time programme will only have limited time for part-time jobs.
As a rule, students who hold an international student visa may work for up to 120 full days or 240 half days per year. Further information on work regulations for international students at Universität Hamburg can be found here: http://www.uni-hamburg.de/piasta/beratung_e.html.

Funding opportunities within the university

International full-time students may apply for merit scholarships or exam grants of Universität Hamburg. For more information, please use the provided link. We also recommend contacting our colleagues in the Department of International Affairs for further guidance.
http://www.uni-hamburg.de/internationales/studieren-an-der-uhh/finanzierung-des-studiums_e.html

Arrival support

Students and researchers can find information on how to get started in Hamburg on the website of the PIASTA programme at the Universität Hamburg Department of International Affairs (http://www.uni-hamburg.de/piasta_e.html) and on the website of the Hamburg Welcome Center (http://english.welcome.hamburg.de).
During the International Welcome Week organised by PIASTA, you will be able to get in touch with all the important institutions and contacts that are particularly useful for international students. See: http://www.uni-hamburg.de/piasta/veranstaltungen/international-welcome-week_e.html.

Services and support for international students

The Universität Hamburg CampusCenter is the first port of call for all current and prospective students and offers information, services, and counselling. The PIASTA programme at the Universität Hamburg Department of International Affairs offers support and advice for German and international students, as well as cultural events and workshops.
For more information, refer to: http://www.uni-hamburg.de/piasta and https://www.uni-hamburg.de/en/campuscenter.html.
The welcome service of the Universität Hamburg Department of International Affairs is the first contact address for international visiting researchers and others. See: http://www.uni-hamburg.de/internationales/wissenschaft/service-international_e.html.

Accommodation

Accommodation is available through the "Studierendenwerk" (students' services) or on the private market. The "Studierendenwerk" provides rooms in halls of residence, most of which are single rooms with shared kitchens and showers/WCs. We strongly advise students and researchers to arrange accommodation prior to arriving in Hamburg, as demand for affordable accommodation is sometimes larger than supply.
For more information on how to find accommodation and how to plan your first steps in Hamburg, please refer to: https://www.uni-hamburg.de/piasta/beratung/doc/willkommen.pdf.