Master of Arts in Social and Cultural Anthropology University of Cologne

Our Master’s programme in Social and Cultural Anthropology builds on foundational anthropological knowledge and provides specialised, research-oriented training in six key areas:

• Environmental Anthropology
• Media and Museum Anthropology
• Urban Anthropology
• Anthropology of Globalisation and Alternative Economies
• Political Anthropology
• Anthropology of Religion

The programme is dedicated to advanced, comparative cultural research aligned with the ongoing projects of our academic staff. Many of these projects focus on themes of significant practical and political relevance. In addition, students are trained in cultural theory and research methodologies at an advanced level.

To address any gaps in foundational anthropological knowledge, students may take advantage of e-learning courses offered in English. These include History of Anthropological Thought, Anthropology of Social Anthropology, and Economic Anthropology, all of which are creditable within the supplementary modules.

We offer regional specialisations in the following areas:

• Africa (particularly East, West, and Southern Africa)
• Asia (with a focus on East and Southeast Asia)
• Mediterranean (with a focus on Southern Europe, North Africa and the Middle East)
• The Far North

Students receive comprehensive training in ethnographic field methods and anthropological writing, equipping them with the tools and skills necessary to conduct independent field research.

Upon completion of the programme, graduates will possess a range of key qualifications, including:

• Excellent intercultural competence
• In-depth understanding of socio-political public debates
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills
• A reflexive approach to cultural and social theories, ethnographic methods, and materials

Students are required to complete three Advanced Modules (AM) and two Specialisation Modules (SM), in addition to at least two Supplementary Modules (EM). One of the Supplementary Modules from EM1 to EM3 is mandatory. Furthermore, students must earn a total of 12 credit points (CP) from the remaining Supplementary Modules, EM4 to EM8.

The Department of Social and Cultural Anthropology typically offers supervised fieldwork practice abroad every two years, with the location aligned to the regional research expertise of the department's faculty. Field research may also be conducted in conjunction with a spring, summer, or winter school. Past field research trainings have taken place in Vietnam, South Africa, Cameroon, Namibia, Uganda, Cook Islands, Morocco and Thailand. Participants in the fieldwork abroad programme are typically eligible for financial support.

Furthermore, it is also possible to carry out field research affiliated with one of our ongoing research projects under the supervision of the project leader.

Field research can also be conducted independently, though affiliation with a partner university or an institution related to the professional field of anthropology is recommended. Additionally, fieldwork may take the form of a professional internship, which can be credited towards Supplementary Module 3 (EM3 Vocational Practice).

Admission to the Master's degree programme in Social and Cultural Anthropology is open to graduates with a Bachelor's degree (or an equivalent qualification) in Social Anthropology and/or Cultural Anthropology. Graduates with a Bachelor's degree in related fields may also be considered for admission after a case-by-case review, provided they have earned at least 40 CP in relevant subject areas. Examples of related fields include European ethnology or cultural studies with roots in folkloristics and/or literary studies; social science disciplines such as (developmental) sociology; and regional or area studies programmes like Asian, African, or Islamic studies. Relevant subject knowledge includes a solid foundation in modern social science theories and methods, as well as factual and regional knowledge of contemporary anthropology.

Applicants should note the following requirements:

• A minimum grade of 2.5 in the Bachelor's degree is required.
• English language proficiency (details below)

Students are required to pay fees each semester, which are periodically adjusted to account for factors such as local public transport costs. For example, the semester contribution for enrolment or re-registration for the 2026 summer semester was 335.65 EUR, which includes public transport in Germany.

For more information on semester fees, please visit: https://uni.koeln/NNPYV.

An overview of the estimated cost of living during your degree can be found on the University of Cologne’s International Office website, where you will also find helpful tips for financing your studies: https://uni.koeln/UZA52.

The International Affairs Division of the University of Cologne offers workshops on applying for part-time employment as a student. Additionally, they have compiled valuable information on how to find student jobs: https://uni.koeln/FVR4G.

The Career Service International of the University of Cologne supports career development in Germany during studies and beyond, through guidance, skills training, and opportunities to build professional networks: https://uni.koeln/FVR4G.

The International Affairs Division provides comprehensive guidance on finding accommodation in Cologne. For more information, please see the link: https://uni.koeln/X6RHX.

The Department of Social and Cultural Anthropology (DoSCA) at the University of Cologne comprises six professorships, making it the largest department of its kind in Germany. It offers a broad and diverse range of courses and maintains strong local partnerships, including collaborations with the Global South Studies Center (GSSC) and the Rautenstrauch-Joest-Museum (RJM). The department is also integrated into a wide international research network and maintains close academic ties with universities in Africa, Asia, and North America.

Cologne offers an exciting and dynamic environment for the study of anthropology.

As the major cultural hub of the Rhineland, Cologne boasts a vibrant arts scene, with over 30 museums and hundreds of galleries. Exhibitions range from ancient Roman archaeological finds to contemporary art, including graphics and sculpture. The Rautenstrauch-Joest Museum (RJM), a key cooperation partner of our department, is particularly noteworthy and well worth a visit.

The city is also renowned for its rich cultural life, including the famous Cologne Carnival, the annual Reggae Summer Jam, and Cologne Pride.

Cologne is widely recognised as a major media centre in Germany, hosting the headquarters of several radio and television broadcasters. It is also home to the Cologne Comedy Festival, the largest event of its kind in mainland Europe.

For more information on leisure and cultural opportunities in Cologne, please visit the website of the International Affairs Division: https://uni.koeln/WUB6V.