Social Anthropology Degree: Master

Building on the fundamentals of social anthropology acquired in the bachelor's program, students in the master's program are guided in expanding their theoretical knowledge, delving deeper into a specific subfield, and acquiring specific knowledge about a research area. Students learn about ethnographic methods and acquire the ability to design and carry out an individual research project, evaluate the findings, interpret them in relation to the theoretical framework, and present them in an academic text.

While the regional focus of Social Anthropology at the University of Basel is on Africa and Eastern Europe, our researchers also conduct research and teach on Oceania, Asia, Latin America, and the Afro-Atlantic region, among other areas.

Our research and teaching focus thematically on general anthropology; the global economy; migration, mobility and belonging; gender, sexuality and kinship; medicine, health and the body; and the politics of knowledge production.

From a methodological perspective the program of Social Anthropology represents primarily qualitative and interpretive approaches. In particular, it nurtures the development of methods that can detect current changes under globalization.

Courses are taught in English. A few courses might be taught in German. Although no English certificate is required, advanced English skills (level B2 or higher) are needed for a successful completion of the degree subject.

A master’s is a second degree that a person can earn after completing a bachelor’s. The master’s program requires a total of 120 credit points (CP). The Master's Degree Program in Social Anthropology is combined with a second degree subject, each worth 35 CP. The subject in which students write their master’s thesis (30 CP) is considered to be their major; the other subject is their minor. Free electives (20 CP) are also included. One ECTS credit point equates to approximately 30 hours of work.

The competences acquired throughout the study of social anthropology can be applied in the broad spectrum from academic-theoretical science to practiced anthropology. Future social anthropologists often take an active role in shaping their own professional environment, which can be both an opportunity and a challenge.

Thanks to the broad knowledge acquired during the study of social anthropology, such as the collection and processing of complex information, writing, reading and presentation skills, as well as reflecting on and questioning societal values and norms, global interconnections, power structures and inequalities, our graduates find jobs in various career fields; including NGOs; intercultural communication, dialogue or international cooperation; migration, refugee services and social work; media, public relations and journalism; education and outreach; museums, archives and independent curating; research institutions; tourism, public health sector and sustainability; international enterprises; diplomacy and politics.

Academic advice

Academic advice provided by faculty members can help with questions regarding the course content and structure of the specific subject/course (e.g. study and examination regulations, timetables, course structure, combination of subjects, working techniques, exam preparation).

website: academic advice

Student Advice Center

The Student Advice Center provides support with general questions about studying, choosing a course of study and career planning, as well as orientation and decision-making conflicts or questions about combining and changing courses.

website: Student Advice Center