Overview

Key Features

The Social Anthropology MA program at the University of Bern is designed for graduates of a BA program in social or cultural anthropology, or ethnology. The program conveys in-depth knowledge and extensive expertise in theory and methodology, as well as in specific research fields and regions chosen by the student. The focus here is on the topics and regions addressed by the lecturers (see institute research profile). Students are taught how to conduct research work independently, how to critically and knowledgeably participate in current theoretical debates, and how to address relevant questions related to both their own societies and other societies.

Graduates of the MASA program (major and minor) are able to analyze the complexities people and societies have to deal with today, which in turn enables them to understand the circumstances in which actions are taken, as well as the possibilities associated with such actions. This involves social, political, economic, symbolic and ritual actions, as well as the way identities are constructed, inequalities are created and legitimized, and conflicts are carried out.

Accreditation

recognised by the Swiss Confederation

Programme Structure

Courses include:

General knowledge and methodology

Training in empirical research

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-09-14 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-04-30 00:00:00
Starting 2027-02-16 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-31 00:00:00 , National
- Apply before 2026-12-15 00:00:00 , International

Language

Partially taught in English, Partially taught in French, Partially taught in German

Credits

120 ECTS

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Bern, Switzerland

Disciplines

Anthropology Ethnic Studies Gender & Sexuality Studies View 7 other Masters in Anthropology in Switzerland

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

We are not aware of any English requirements for this programme.

Other requirements

General requirements

Bachelor's degree from a recognized Swiss or foreign university in the branch of studies Social and Cultural Anthropology

Bachelor's degree from a recognized university with a minor in one of the following branches of studies:

Sociology
Social and Cultural Anthropology
or in another branch of studies

provided that the master's degree can be successfully completed with an additional maximum 60 ECTS credits.

Additional attainments can either be admission requirements which must be fulfilled in order to complete the master's degree program or admission requirements which must be fulfilled before admission to the master's degree program. The ECTS credits will be listed separately in the diploma supplement as extracurricular attainments.

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Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

1900 CHF / year

≈ 1900 CHF / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

1500 CHF / year

≈ 1500 CHF / year

Additional Details

National: CHF 750 per semester

International: CHF 750 per semester + CHF 200 per semester, in addition to the regular tuition fee = 950 CHF

Living costs

Bern

Switzerland

1655 - 2130 CHF / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Social Anthropology.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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