Whether they study the traditions of an indigenous group in Brazil or the social organisation of an international fashion company, anthropologists are concerned with identifying the cultural norms, beliefs, and power structures that make up communities. The MSc in Anthropology at Aarhus University equips students to delve into and analyse the everyday life of human societies – whether across the globe or just around the corner – and the routines, rhythms, and rituals that keep them going.

The programme offers first-rank training in theory, data collection, and analysis, combined with a strong emphasis on learning through fieldwork practice and other engagements with the outside world. It provides students with a thorough foundation in anthropological theory and social analysis, as well as a strong focus on qualitative research methods and robust project design. Designed to allow students to approach any social context in a world of constant change, the programme revolves around the students’ own ideas and projects, developed in a continuous dialogue with senior researchers and supervisors.

VISUAL ANTHROPOLOGY

We offer a specialised English-language track in Visual Anthropology as part of the larger MSc programme in Anthropology. The track builds on a classical anthropological approach, studying human life in all its social and cultural forms, while also teaching students to work anthropologically with audio-visual media and methods in a world mediated increasingly through sound, pictures, and digital media.

Students do practical and theoretical work with experimental fieldwork methods using a camera. Hands-on workshops involve working with (for instance) the production of ethnographic films, the design of audio-visual projects and exhibitions, and exploring the use of the camera as an analytical tool.

In the first and second semester, you will take theoretical, thematic, and methodological courses, some of which will be shared with students on our general Anthropology track (these shared courses are taught in English). During your second and third semester, you gain practical experience by preparing and conducting an extended anthropological fieldwork, or alternatively by completing an internship at a Danish or international company or organisation. When it comes to choosing the topic for their final thesis, most students draw on material they have collected during their fieldwork semesters. In the third semester, you will begin to analyse your field data and focus on future employment possibilities. In the fourth semester, you will prepare your Master’s thesis, with the possibility of creating an audio-visual product – such as a film or an exhibition element – as part of your thesis.

CAMPUS MOESGAARD

Campus Moesgaard is a unique place. It includes the university departments, Moesgaard Library, a joint library for anthropology and archaeology, as well as the Moesgaard Museum. In the library you will find study space, including space reserved for students writing their thesis. You can sign out electronic equipment such as video cameras and digital voice recorders to complete research, and then book time in the newly installed editing suite to shape your resultant films. The MoCa Canteen is run by a local Aarhus sustainable food collective and is also an important social hub, while the adjoining flexible space provides a venue for receptions as well as the regular Friday evening bar. You will also have the opportunity to see the many changing exhibits at the Moesgaard Museum during your time here. As a student at Moesgaard, you can access the museum for free by showing your valid student card.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

In general, admission to a master’s degree programme requires successful completion of a relevant and recognised university degree equivalent to a Danish bachelor’s degree in level and length (180 ECTS). In addition, you must meet the specific requirements for the individual programme, including language requirements. If you wish to study a master’s degree at Aarhus University, please check out our page ‘Am I qualified for admission’: https://masters.au.dk/am-i-qualified-for-admission

If you are curious about how to submit a master’s degree application to Aarhus University, then make sure to check out our ‘Apply Now’ page. Here you can find information about relevant fees, guides, and video tutorials on how to use the application portal: https://masters.au.dk/apply-now

There are the same English language requirements for all international students with a few exceptions. The general English language requirements for master’s degrees can be found here: https://masters.au.dk/am-i-qualified-for-admission/english-language-requirements

Aarhus University offers a limited number of Danish state scholarships for highly qualified non-EU students applying for master’s degrees. You can read more about scholarships here: https://masters.au.dk/scholarships-and-grants

Students from outside the EU are generally required to pay tuition and application fee. You can consult our page Tuition fees for master’s degree programmes: https://masters.au.dk/tuitionfees

Would you like to chat with a fellow student from your country, or with someone who studies the programme you are interested in? You can get help with your questions from Aarhus University’s Student Ambassadors: https://international.au.dk/education/meetau/chat-with-our-students/