Anthropology — Visual Anthropology

Whether they study the traditions of an indigenous group in Brazil or the social organisation of an international fashion company, anthropologists are concerned with identifying the cultural norms, beliefs and power structures that make up particular communities. The MSc in Anthropology at Aarhus University equips students to delve into and analyse the everyday life of human societies – whether across the globe or just around the corner – and the routines, rhythms, and rituals that keep them going.

The programme offers front-rank training, in theory, data collection, and analysis, combined with a strong emphasis on learning through fieldwork practice and other engagements with the outside world. It provides students with a thorough foundation in anthropological theory and social analysis as well as a strong focus on qualitative research methods and robust project design. Designed to allow students to approach any social context in a world of constant change, the programme revolves around the students’ own ideas and projects, developed in a continuous dialogue with senior researchers and supervisors.

VISUAL ANTHROPOLOGY

We offer a specialised English-language track in Visual Anthropology as part of the larger MSc programme in Anthropology. The track builds on a classical anthropological approach, studying human life in all its social and cultural forms, while also teaching students to work anthropologically with audiovisual media and methods in a world mediated increasingly through sound, pictures, and digital media

Students do practical and theoretical work with experimental fieldwork methods using a camera. Hands-on workshops involve working with (for instance) the production of ethnographic films, the design of audiovisual projects and exhibitions, and exploring the use of the camera as an analytical tool.

In the first and second semester, you will take theoretical, thematic, and methodological courses, some of which will be shared with students on our general Anthropology track (these shared courses are taught in English). During your second and third semester, you gain practical experience by first preparing, then conducting extended anthropological fieldwork, or alternatively by completing an internship

at a Danish or international company or organisation. When it comes to choosing the topic for their final thesis, most students draw on the material they have collected during their fieldwork semesters. In the third semester, you will begin to analyse your field data and also focus on future employment possibilities. In the fourth semester you will prepare your Master’s thesis, with the possibility of creating an audiovisual product – such as a film or an exhibition element – as part of your thesis.

For more information please visit: masters.au.dk/anthropology

The entry requirements differ for each programme. Please, check programme specific information for more details. 

Aarhus University offers a limited number of scholarships to very talented students outside of Europe. To learn more about the options, please visit: kandidat.au.dk/en/admission/scholarships-and-grants/