Master
English
Social Sciences
Ethnology
Master of Arts (M.A.)
About the Program
The two-year Master's program offers research-oriented training in Ethnology, which is understood as a general and comparative social and cultural science that deals with the diversity of human ways of life and examines and analyzes their commonalities and differences. The Ethnology program has an international orientation and prepares students for academic and scientific-related professional fields as well as generally for higher qualified professional activities. The heart of the program in Mainz is the project study, in which students prepare, carry out, and follow up on a research project in the form of a teaching research under the supervision of teachers at the Mainz Institute. The training takes place in close connection with the research focuses of the Mainz Institute. The program combines a broad, theoretically reflected engagement with subject areas, theories, and methods of ethnology at an advanced level with a research project in which students engage with a topic and a region, plan and carry out a research stay, and process, analyze, interpret, and present the data obtained. The research focuses at the Mainz Institute are regionally in Africa (sub-Saharan) and encompass a wide thematic range from political, religious, and economic ethnology to ethnology and development, ethnicity and colonialism, to media ethnology, migration and diaspora research, and African literature, music, and popular culture. Start of studies in the winter semester is recommended.
▶ Show the original English text
The two-year Master's program offers research-oriented training in Ethnology, which is understood as a general and comparative social and cultural science that deals with the diversity of human ways of life and examines and analyzes their commonalities and differences. The Ethnology program has an international orientation and prepares students for academic and scientific-related professional fields as well as generally for higher qualified professional activities. The heart of the program in Mainz is the project study, in which students prepare, carry out, and follow up on a research project in the form of a teaching research under the supervision of teachers at the Mainz Institute. The training takes place in close connection with the research focuses of the Mainz Institute. The program combines a broad, theoretically reflected engagement with subject areas, theories, and methods of ethnology at an advanced level with a research project in which students engage with a topic and a region, plan and carry out a research stay, and process, analyze, interpret, and present the data obtained. The research focuses at the Mainz Institute are regionally in Africa (sub-Saharan) and encompass a wide thematic range from political, religious, and economic ethnology to ethnology and development, ethnicity and colonialism, to media ethnology, migration and diaspora research, and African literature, music, and popular culture. Start of studies in the winter semester is recommended.
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How do I apply to Ethnology at Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz?
Most international applicants apply via uni-assist (document verification + APS for some countries). Prepare your secondary/Bachelor diploma, transcripts, language certificate (DSH/TestDaF or IELTS/TOEFL), motivation letter and CV. Non-EU students also need a Sperrkonto (~11,904 EUR/year) for the visa.
- Check requirements — Verify your degree is recognised + meet language/grade thresholds.
- Get language certificate — TestDaF / DSH for German programmes, IELTS / TOEFL for English.
- Submit via uni-assist (non-EU) — Document review + APS if your country requires it (China, India, Pakistan, Vietnam, etc.).
- Apply directly or via uni portal — Some universities accept direct applications — check the official programme page.
- Open Sperrkonto + apply for visa — After admission, deposit 11,904 EUR, get health insurance, book embassy appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers about Ethnology at Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz
Is Ethnology at Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz taught in German or English? ▼
This Master programme is taught in English. Make sure to check the language requirements (e.g. TestDaF, DSH, IELTS or TOEFL) before applying.
How much does the Ethnology 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 Ethnology at Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz? ▼
Typical requirements include: a recognised secondary/undergraduate degree, proof of language proficiency (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 Ethnology? ▼
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 Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz — 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.