Social Anthropology

The Bachelor of Social Anthropology at the University of Bern offers students a comprehensive introduction to the diverse and interconnected aspects of human societies and cultures around the world. This undergraduate program aims to provide students with a profound understanding of social structures, cultural practices, belief systems, and the dynamics of social change through an interdisciplinary approach rooted in ethnographic research. Over the course of the program, students explore topics such as kinship and family, religion, politics, economics, migration, and identity, gaining valuable insights into the ways in which societies organize themselves and interact with their environments. The curriculum combines theoretical foundations with practical methods, emphasizing qualitative research techniques, fieldwork, and critical analysis to prepare students for careers in academia, policy advising, international development, non-governmental organizations, and other fields requiring cultural competence and social understanding. The program is designed to foster critical thinking, cultural sensitivity, and communicative skills, enabling graduates to analyze complex social phenomena and contribute thoughtfully to discussions on global issues. With access to a vibrant academic community and a range of interdisciplinary courses, students are encouraged to develop their personal interests and consider various anthropological perspectives. The University of Bern’s Social Anthropology program also emphasizes the importance of fieldwork experience, often providing opportunities for students to engage directly with communities, both locally and internationally. Graduates of this program will be equipped with the analytical tools, methodological skills, and theoretical knowledge to pursue advanced studies or enter the workforce in diverse sectors related to social sciences, humanities, and international relations. The program’s commitment to fostering a deep understanding of human diversity and social complexity prepares students to become thoughtful, informed citizens and professionals capable of addressing contemporary social challenges with sensitivity and expertise.

• ATS (BA, MA): Liberty, Equality, Solidarity II: Equality
• BA (MA) Sachbereichs-Regionalübung: At the heart of the state? Anthropological approaches to detention, containment and imprisonment
• BA (MA) Sachbereichs-Regionalübung: Greece and the European »Debt Crisis»: Explorations of Power and Nationhood in a Critical Conjuncture
• BA (MA) Sachbereichs-Regionalübung: The Eternal City? Anthropology and the Cityscape
• BA (MA) Theorie-Wahlpflichtübung: Time and the Anthropologist: Exploring ethnographic engagements with temporality and history
• BA/MA: Just India: the state, law and aspirations to justice
• Course: Introduction to Social Anthropology - Group Reade
• Filmmaking for Fieldwork
• MA: Ethnography - intensive methods course

The following academic qualifications are required for admission to the master’s degree program in Social Anthropology (major):

• Curriculum vitae in table form with uninterrupted chronology of your education and academic studies up to the present incl. up-to-date passport photo (45 mm high by 35 mm wide)
• Motivation letter (incl. family name, given name, full address, e-mail address, date and signature and – if you have one – mobile phone number)
• If you are holding a bachelor degree's: Originally certified photocopies of your degree (e.g. diploma and diploma supplement). The correspondence of the photocopy to the original must be officially certified.
• Originals (stamped and signed) or originally certified photocopies of all official proofs of your achievements (transcripts) with grades/scores
• Grading system of the degree issuing university, if the grading system is different from ours. Our scale goes from 1 to 6, with 6 being excellent and grades below 4 being unsatisfactory.
• Brief description of the content/learning objectives of the different courses/lectures (annotated course catalog or module handbook)
• Originally certified translations of the original documents (e.g. diploma, diploma supplement, bachelor's or master's degree, transcripts of diploma records), if these are not written in German, English, French or Italian. These translations have to be inseparably connected with the originally certified photocopies of the original documents.
• GRE General Test score (only the results of the test part “Quantitative Reasoning” are relevant for admission)
• Photocopy of your valid passport or identity card
• Application fee: CHF 105

Financing for the Bachelor's and Master's programmes in Social Anthropology at the University of Bern can be obtained through a variety of sources. The university offers several options for students to fund their studies, including the Swiss government scholarships, cantonal grants, and external funding opportunities. Swiss students have access to federal student loans and grants, which are designed to support their educational expenses. Additionally, the university itself provides scholarship opportunities based on academic merit, financial need, or specific criteria such as nationality or field of study. Students from foreign countries are encouraged to explore scholarship programs offered by their home countries, as well as international organizations that support academic exchange and study abroad initiatives.

The University of Bern also participates in European Union programs such as Erasmus+, which provides mobility grants for students participating in exchanges or internships within partner institutions across Europe. These grants can contribute significantly to living and travel costs during study periods abroad. Moreover, students are advised to seek part-time employment opportunities either on or near campus to supplement their income. The Swiss labor market is accessible to international students on certain permits, allowing for part-time work during the semester, which can help cover personal expenses. Many students also consider private sponsorships, family support, or savings as part of their financing plan.

Financial planning should include an estimation of living costs in Bern, which involves accommodation, food, transportation, health insurance, and study materials. The university provides guidance and resources for budgeting and financial management. International students are required to demonstrate sufficient financial means for their stay, which can be documented through bank statements or scholarship award letters. Furthermore, students are encouraged to contact the university’s financial aid office or student services for personalized advice and assistance in finding funding opportunities tailored to their specific circumstances. Overall, financing a degree in Social Anthropology at the University of Bern involves a combination of scholarships, grants, work opportunities, and personal funds, with a broad support network available to help students navigate the financial requirements of their studies.

Social Anthropology at the University of Bern offers students an in-depth understanding of human societies, cultures, and social structures. The program provides a comprehensive curriculum that covers various aspects of human life, including kinship, religion, politics, economics, and cultural change. Students engage in theoretical and methodological training to analyze social phenomena and conduct ethnographic research. The program emphasizes critical thinking, cultural relativism, and interdisciplinary approaches, preparing graduates for careers in academia, research, international organizations, NGOs, cultural institutions, and public service. Coursework typically includes lectures, seminars, and practical fieldwork, encouraging students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world contexts. Throughout the program, students have opportunities to participate in field trips and internships, gaining valuable hands-on experience in social research and ethnographic methods. The faculty comprises experts in diverse areas of social anthropology, ensuring students receive high-quality instruction grounded in current research. The program also promotes international exchange, allowing students to study abroad and broaden their cultural perspectives. Upon completion, graduates will possess a solid foundation in anthropological theory and methodology, along with the intercultural competence necessary to work in a globalized world. The program is designed to be flexible, catering to both undergraduate and postgraduate students, with options to specialize in particular regions or thematic areas. Overall, the Social Anthropology program at the University of Bern aims to equip students with the analytical skills and cultural awareness necessary for understanding and engaging with the complexities of human societies worldwide.