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Universität Hamburg
Master German + English Social Sciences

Ethnologie [Social and Cultural Anthropology]Social and Cultural Anthropology

Master of Arts (M.A.)

About the Program

The international MA in Social and Cultural Anthropology (Ethnologie) takes an analytical approach to anthropology that aims to explain fundamental social questions via ethnographic field research and intercultural comparison. Students engage in contemporary issues such as migration, urban and rural transformation, consumption, governance, family transformation, natural resource management, and climate change and investigate these issues in a variety of regional contexts across the world. The concept of "learning through research" forms the basis of the program and ties together the development of theoretical issues, individual research design, the acquisition and application of advanced ethnographic methods, and comparative analysis of existing sources. The Institute of Social and Cultural Anthropology maintains an extensive network of international partners in both teaching and research. The focus on project work in particular enables students to prepare for a career in a whole range of exciting fields. The program is one of the largest master's degree programs in social and cultural anthropology on offer in Germany. Students benefit from very good supervision and a broad range of course options.
Show the original English text
The international MA in Social and Cultural Anthropology (Ethnologie) takes an analytical approach to anthropology that aims to explain fundamental social questions via ethnographic field research and intercultural comparison. Students engage in contemporary issues such as migration, urban and rural transformation, consumption, governance, family transformation, natural resource management, and climate change and investigate these issues in a variety of regional contexts across the world. The concept of "learning through research" forms the basis of the program and ties together the development of theoretical issues, individual research design, the acquisition and application of advanced ethnographic methods, and comparative analysis of existing sources. The Institute of Social and Cultural Anthropology maintains an extensive network of international partners in both teaching and research. The focus on project work in particular enables students to prepare for a career in a whole range of exciting fields. The program is one of the largest master's degree programs in social and cultural anthropology on offer in Germany. Students benefit from very good supervision and a broad range of course options.

General Requirements

Specific requirements for this program are not in our database yet. The following are typical for this degree and language in Germany — always verify the exact requirements on the program's official page.

Academic qualification

A recognised Bachelor's degree in a related field; some programs require a minimum grade or specific prerequisites.

Language

Depending on your chosen track: German at C1 (DSH-2/TestDaF) or English (IELTS ~6.5 / TOEFL iBT ~90).

Typical documents

  • Recognised diploma and transcript (certified translations)
  • Language certificate
  • Passport and passport photo
  • Tabular CV (Lebenslauf)
  • Letter of motivation (for many programs)
  • Application via uni-assist / VPD (for most international applicants)

Which Professions Does This Program Open Up?

Related profession searches from Bundesagentur für Arbeit (BERUFENET) data:

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Subjects / Topic Areas

Social and Cultural Anthropology

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Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers about Ethnologie [Social and Cultural Anthropology] at Universität Hamburg

Is Ethnologie [Social and Cultural Anthropology] at Universität Hamburg taught in German or English?

This Master programme is taught in German + English. Make sure to check the language requirements (e.g. TestDaF, DSH, IELTS or TOEFL) before applying.

How much does the Ethnologie [Social and Cultural Anthropology] programme cost?

No tuition fee (only semester contribution). International students should also budget around 800–1000 EUR/month for living costs in Germany.

What are the admission requirements for Ethnologie [Social and Cultural Anthropology] at Universität Hamburg?

Typical requirements include: a recognised secondary/undergraduate degree, proof of language proficiency (German + English), and (for non-EU applicants) a uni-assist application plus financial proof (Sperrkonto ~11.904 EUR/year).

When is the application deadline?

Application deadlines vary: winter semester usually closes on 15 July, summer semester on 15 January. Always confirm the exact deadline on the official university website.

Can I work in Germany while studying Ethnologie [Social and Cultural Anthropology]?

Yes. International students may work up to 140 full days / 280 half days per year without additional permission. After graduation you can apply for an 18-month job-seeker permit.

How do I apply to Universität Hamburg — directly or via uni-assist?

Most German universities accept international applications through uni-assist for document verification. Some unis accept direct applications — check the programme page on the official site.

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