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Universität Münster
Master English Social Sciences

Social Anthropology / Sozialanthropologie

Master

Universität Münster Münster · North Rhine-Westphalia

About the Program

Social and Cultural Anthropology is the study of social and cultural practices and the similarities and differences of human experience concerning their social, political, and ecological environments. Anthropologists reflect, observe, analyse and interpret social, cultural, and political action in which human and cultural behaviour materialise. Comparison and collaboration between different societies and communities constitute a key concern of anthropological inquiry and inform its theoretical perspectives and analytical and methodological approaches. Anthropological knowledge and competences enable you to critically and constructively analyse power relations from the micro to the macropolitical, contribute to constructive and engaged discussions relevant to scholarly and public discourses, and move respectfully in intercultural settings. Anthropologists analyse, interpret, and act in a scientifically valid, socially relevant, and ethically responsible manner. When compared to other disciplines, anthropology emphasises ethical and political reflexivity and produces powerful cultural and social analyses in collaboration and dialogue with scholars from the Global South. In addition, our consecutive MA programme imparts knowledge of the theories and current research issues of social anthropology that welcomes and cherishes theories from the so-called Global South. This allows students to write the final MA thesis based on their guided fieldwork, as an audiovisual media project, or by working on a literature-based or archival research project with the strong support of supervising professors and faculty members in any cultural context. Video about the Department of Social and Cultural Anthropology
▶ Show the original English text
Social and Cultural Anthropology is the study of social and cultural practices and the similarities and differences of human experience concerning their social, political, and ecological environments. Anthropologists reflect, observe, analyse and interpret social, cultural, and political action in which human and cultural behaviour materialise. Comparison and collaboration between different societies and communities constitute a key concern of anthropological inquiry and inform its theoretical perspectives and analytical and methodological approaches. Anthropological knowledge and competences enable you to critically and constructively analyse power relations from the micro to the macropolitical, contribute to constructive and engaged discussions relevant to scholarly and public discourses, and move respectfully in intercultural settings. Anthropologists analyse, interpret, and act in a scientifically valid, socially relevant, and ethically responsible manner. When compared to other disciplines, anthropology emphasises ethical and political reflexivity and produces powerful cultural and social analyses in collaboration and dialogue with scholars from the Global South. In addition, our consecutive MA programme imparts knowledge of the theories and current research issues of social anthropology that welcomes and cherishes theories from the so-called Global South. This allows students to write the final MA thesis based on their guided fieldwork, as an audiovisual media project, or by working on a literature-based or archival research project with the strong support of supervising professors and faculty members in any cultural context. Video about the Department of Social and Cultural Anthropology

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

English proficiency (typically IELTS ~6.5 or TOEFL iBT ~90). Basic German is helpful for daily life.

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:

See Social Sciences professions "Gender Studies"
Explore all professions →

Subjects / Topic Areas

Gender Studies

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How do I apply to Social Anthropology / Sozialanthropologie at Universität Münster?

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.

  1. Check requirements — Verify your degree is recognised + meet language/grade thresholds.
  2. Get language certificate — TestDaF / DSH for German programmes, IELTS / TOEFL for English.
  3. Submit via uni-assist (non-EU) — Document review + APS if your country requires it (China, India, Pakistan, Vietnam, etc.).
  4. Apply directly or via uni portal — Some universities accept direct applications — check the official programme page.
  5. Open Sperrkonto + apply for visa — After admission, deposit 11,904 EUR, get health insurance, book embassy appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers about Social Anthropology / Sozialanthropologie at Universität Münster

Is Social Anthropology / Sozialanthropologie at Universität Münster 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 Social Anthropology / Sozialanthropologie 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 Social Anthropology / Sozialanthropologie at Universität Münster? ▼

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 Social Anthropology / Sozialanthropologie? ▼

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 Münster — 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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