Social and Cultural Anthropology

The Bachelor's degree program in Social and Cultural Anthropology at the University of Vienna offers students a comprehensive introduction to the diverse ways in which human societies organize their social lives, cultures, and belief systems across the globe. This program provides an in-depth understanding of the fundamental principles of ethnology, ethnography, and the methodological approaches used in contemporary anthropological research. Students will explore various topics such as kinship systems, religious practices, political organization, economic behaviors, migration, identity, and globalization, gaining insights into both traditional and modern societies. The curriculum emphasizes developing critical thinking skills, cultural sensitivity, and analytical competence through coursework, practical research projects, and immersive fieldwork opportunities.

Throughout the program, students are encouraged to examine the complex interactions between cultural practices and social structures, fostering a deeper awareness of diversity and commonality in human experiences. The program also highlights the importance of ethical considerations in anthropological research, preparing graduates for careers in academia, cultural management, international development, NGOs, government agencies, or further specialization through master's and doctoral studies. With a combination of theoretical foundations and hands-on research skills, graduates will be well equipped to analyze social phenomena and contribute to a better understanding of the cultural fabric of our world. The University of Vienna’s Department of Social and Cultural Anthropology provides an academic environment characterized by a rich tradition of research and teaching, with distinguished faculty members and global perspectives that enrich the learning experience. Students benefit from the university’s extensive resources, international networks, and opportunities for cross-cultural engagement, positioning them for successful careers in an increasingly interconnected world.

The workload for the SCA MA programme amounts to 120 ECTS credits, which corresponds to a programme duration of four semesters. 

The SCA MA programme is structured as follows:

• P1 Methods (15 ECTS)
• P2 Theory (15 ECTS)
• P3 Regional research fields (15 ECTS)
• P4 Thematic research fields (15 ECTS)
• APA/APB Alternative mandatory module A or B (15 ECTS)
• P5 Research design and practical abilities (15 ECTS)
• P6 Anthropological laboratory (5 ECTS)
• Master's thesis (20 ECTS)
• Master's examination (5 ECTS)
   

Requirements

The admission is only possible if you have completed a programme in the same field or a closely related scientific discipline. You can only apply with a fully completed degree. 

Our MA Programme is taught mainly in German.

Proffeciency in German 

In order to be admitted to a degree programme at the University of Vienna, you have to prove sufficient knowledge of German.

The following proofs of German knowledge are accepted:

• School-leaving certificate from a German-speaking country or an Austrian or German foreign school
• School-leaving certificate from an EU/EEA country with subject German
• Graduation of upper school ("Oberstufe") at a school where the teaching language is German
• Graduation of cumpolsory school (until 6th grade) at a school where the teaching language is German
• Graduation of a study programme of at least 3 years at a university or school where the teaching language is German
• Graduation in the subject German at an accredited foreign university

Additionally and solely the following certificates are accepted :

• Österreichisches Sprachdiplom – B2 Mittelstufe Deutsch (MD)
• Goethe Institut – Goethe Zertifikat B2
• Sprachenzentrum der Universität Wien – B2/2
• Language center of another Austrian university - B2
• Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang ausländischer StudienwerberInnen (DSH)
• Deutsches Sprachdiplom der Kulturministerkonferenz Stufe II (DSD II)
• Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache (TestDaF), level 4 minimum in all parts of the test
• telc Deutsch B2
• Österreichischer Integrationsfonds (ÖIF) - B2-ÖIF-Test

In case of partial tests only the level B2/2 is accepted, B2/1 is not. The certificates may not be older than three years.

Scholarships and grants related to the programme (provided by organizations other than the university):

ERASMUS

Students may be awarded an Erasmus+ EU grant to help cover the travel and subsistence costs incurred in connection with their study period abroad.

Erasmus+ students - whether or not they receive an Erasmus+ EU grant - are exempted from paying fees for tuition, registration, examinations and access to laboratory and library facilities at the host institution.

Scholarship of the Scholarship Foundation of the Republic of Austria 

Eligible for application are: descendents of forced labourers (regardless of their country of origin) or people coming from countries that have suffered exceptionally from the Nazi regime, especially from the recruitment of forced labourers.

Students meeting the above mentioned criteria can apply to pursue research on their bachelor thesis, on their diploma or master thesis or their dissertation.

Federal Aid for Students - Study Grant 

The federal aid measures of Austrian study financing can be divided into two sections: transfer payments, which students receive directly in cash (direct study financing), and expenses which students benefit from either by transfer payments to the students’ parents or non-cash benefits (indirect study financing).

Direct Federal Aid for Students

As a rule, direct federal aid to students is only granted on the basis of differentiated social criteria and only in cases of concurrent academic advancement. There are only a few cases of direct federal aid awarded to students purely on the basis of performance criteria. 

If you are a non-Austrian citizen, you must fulfil some special conditions to be granted equal status with Austrian citizens regarding all kinds of direct federal aid for students. Due to the complexity of the legal parameters it is mandatory that non-Austrian citizens contact the responsible study grant department for further information! 

• Study grants
• Grant near completion of studies
• Study allowance for tuition fees
• Student financial aid
• Transport cost allowance
• Child care subsidy
• Insurance cost subsidy
• Performance-related grants
• Mobility grant
• Incentive grants
• Grants for study abroad (Travel cost allowance, Subsidies for language courses)
• Orphan’s pension for students
• Subsidized loans 

Indirect Federal Aid for Students 

Indirect federal aid for students, which represents an important component of social support during the course of studies, consists mainly of financial resources made available to students’ parents (and/or students via their parents). The legally determined obligation of the parents to care for their children until they developed a capacity for self-preservation constitutes the foundation of entitlement to this type of financial aid. Federal aid for students should provide support to parents in this effort. There are subsidies designed to be made available to students by subsidies for or reductions of certain expenses. The supportive character of these measures is indicated by the fact that indirect federal aid for children usually terminates at the end of a child’s 18th year of age. In case of students this period may be extended to the age limit of 24 or 25 years. 

Non-EU Student Exchange Program - Incoming Students

Students from non-European partner universities are entitled to study at the University of Vienna for one or two semesters under the Non-EU Student Exchange Program, provided the University of Vienna has concluded an exchange agreement with the student's home university and that the student has been nominated by the partner university.

Please note that you will need to be able to understand, speak and write German at an adequate level if you want to study at the University of Vienna.
Most of the courses are held in German. The following departments usually also offer some courses in English: Business, Law, English and American Studies, History, Political Science, Anthropology, Philosophy etc. 

ERASMUS - Incoming

Students from ERASMUS partner universities may spend one or two semesters at the University of Vienna within the ERASMUS programme. 
Participation in the programme is based on a bilateral agreement in the relevant field of study with the partner university, and on the student's nomination for an ERASMUS stay by the partner university.

Students should contact their home university to be nominated as an ERASMUS student at the University of Vienna (ERASMUS Code: A WIEN01). The nomination has to be done via our online nomination system.

ERASMUS students who wish to study at the University of Vienna do not need to have an official language certificate. However, during the online nomination procedure your home university must confirm sufficiant language skills when taking up your studies at the University of Vienna.