MA in Cultural Anthropology

The general goal of the program is to give relevant knowledge to students about the common universal human characteristics and values in their diverse and complex manifestations from the perspective of cultural anthropology.

Cultural anthropology is based on critical and interpretative thinking and uses the approaches and methodology of social sciences. Cultural anthropology has an applied perspective; methodologies include interpretation and field research. Critical anthropological thinking and fieldwork experiences help the students understand the differences and difficulties of social interactions, cultural and intercultural communication and their significances in a sensitive and interpretative way.

Strength of program

One of the main strengths of the program is the great variety of courses, covering several areas of cultural anthropology. Our graduates will have a broad knowledge of many areas of cultural anthropology. Besides offering an introduction and basic foundation in many areas, some of the subjects lead to up-to-date research results.

Most of the teachers of the program have international teaching experience and they regularly give classes also at foreign universities. Young anthropologists, bringing in freshness and new momentum, are also involved in the program. Our instructors all have scientific degrees and a good research record. Examples show that graduating from our program is a very good starting point for doctoral or (at a later stage) postdoctoral studies.

The program has a special friendly atmosphere. The students and professors have free and fraternal professional relationships. The cooperation between students and professors is very strong.

Structure

Compulsory Courses

• Introduction to Cultural Anthropology 1-2
• History of Cultural Anthropology – An Introduction
• Anthropological Theories and Methods 1-5

Fields of Anthropology

• Anthropology of Religion
• Anthropology of Economics
• Social Anthropology
• Political Anthropology
• Anthropology of Aesthetics

Anthropology of the Cultures of the World

• Anthropology of Africa
• Anthropology of America
• Anthropology of Australia and Oceania
• Anthropology of Asia
• Anthropology of Europe

Practice of Anthropology

• Research Related Ethical Issues in Cultural Anthropology
• Analyzing Research Strategies
• Techniques of Anthropological Fieldwork
• Fieldwork-preparation
• Academic Thesis Seminar

Fieldwork

• Fieldwork 1-8

Elective Courses

Thesis

Using professional competencies acquired in the program, as fieldwork experience, practising anthropological skills, interpretive thinking, inter-cultural mediation, the students will be able to apply their knowledge and skills in decisions of the social and economic life, international relations and communication, as well as in their professional career.

Career opportunities for our students embrace scientific-academic, applied and practising anthropological perspectives.

Cultural anthropologists are applied in non-governmental organizations. Some of them have also found job possibilities in market research and multinational companies. Others work as social workers, social politicians or members of social developments.

International companies look for anthropologist employees who have skills of working in a multicultural environment and cooperation with colleagues from different cultural background. Several former students of ours work recently in communication fields, they can be found in communication companies, communication departments, and media.

More students have become journalists, reporters, and editors in different media.

In summary, career opportunities for anthropologists have been increasing in the last few years, because more and more social institutions, multinational companies and organizations have realized the importance of intercultural sensitivity and knowledge. The acquired knowledge, experience, and skills for the students of the program will guarantee their success in the above-mentioned carrier fields besides the academic carrier possibilities.

Job examples

• Academic researcher

• Market researcher

• International aid/development worker

• Social researcher

Also work in the public and not-for-profit sectors, all branches of the Civil Service, local government, charities, central government bodies, universities, international organizations, museums, and voluntary organizations.