The language of instruction is English.
The Master's programme "Visual Anthropology, Media and Documentary Practices" consists of six semesters. The first module of the Master's programme usually starts in the month of November. Tutorials accompanying the modules are offered via video conference and Learnweb.
31 March
The fee for the entire three-year programme is 12,950 EUR. The fee usually has to be paid in three instalments.
Media representations shape social and political spheres; a critical understanding of media and (audio-) visual culture is crucial. The Master's programme educates students in theory and practice in the areas of visual anthropology, the documentary arts (film/photography/installation), media culture and media anthropology. Conceptual and practical knowledge within these areas can be applied in academia, the arts and culture and media industries. Students study the theoretical and practical foundations of visual anthropology and acquire skills for producing their own research projects and media output.
Module 1: Introduction to Audio-Visual & Media Anthropology
Students will receive a broad introduction to audio-visual and media anthropology. They will acquire a basic understanding of the theoretical foundations of visual anthropology and will be introduced to the first practical steps and techniques involved in film production.
Module 2: Representation and Narrative Strategies
This module centres on narrative strategies and aesthetics. The basics of imagery, image semiotics, and image composition are considered, as are concepts relating to installation and exhibition.
Module 3: Anthropological Short Film Production
This is a practical workshop. Students produce (individually or in small teams) short films or non-linear web documentaries. The focus is on storytelling and representation. Writing a film proposal and treatment is also practised.
Module 4: Media Ethnography, Digital Anthropology & Media Practices
Considering case studies of film and other media productions, the social and political construction and significance of media is debated. The analysis encompasses not only subject-generated media like indigenous media productions and other cultural media contexts but also includes the examination of social media in diverse societies.
Module 5: Mediation of Human Experience & Applied Audio-Visual Anthropology
This module explores the theories, methods and practices of experimental and sensory audio-visual ethnography, which are then tested by students in laboratories. Collaborative, participatory and applied film and media project approaches are elaborated upon.
Module 6: Professional Project Development & Funding Strategies
This module is a workshop. Students produce audio-visual assignments to experiment with their creative identities and receive training to develop a proper film/media project proposal for funding.
Module 7: Project Supervision & Research Colloquium
Students design a final MA project and its related media production. The proposals will be debated in the context of selected and related teachings and case studies.
Module 8: Practical Work & Experience
Students must complete a practical phase that can be undertaken part time or full time during the course of studies.
Module 9: Fieldwork, Media Project, Final Thesis & Final Presentation
Each student writes a Master's thesis and creates a media project in the form of a documentary film, photography exhibition or installation. Following this, students are invited to exhibit their work in a public exhibition.
The programme consists of six semesters (three years), including the Master's thesis and final media project. Students have the possibility to complete the programme after five semesters (two and a half years). Overall, the programme is comprised of 50 days of required attendance in Münster, Germany. The in-house classes will be offered as block courses. (The duration of the in-house classes varies between five and 10 days. Class hours are from 9 AM to 6 PM.)
Additionally, five accompanying classes (tutorials) will be taught via video conference between the modules. Each tutorial consists of seven sessions / 14 teaching hours.
Further education Master's programmes are an option for people who want to study while continuing their employment or other commitments. Students have the choice to stay in Münster, Germany, for the duration of the Master's programme or to travel to Germany just for the in-house classes and spend the rest of the year in their home country in order to work and attend to other commitments.
Whether or not they stay in Münster, all students will have to prepare assignments, follow up on the assignments and submit examinations between the in-house classes. The five accompanying tutorials are compulsory classes and will be conducted via video conference.
Students who successfully complete the programme are awarded a Master of Arts degree from the University of Münster. The Master's programme comprises 120 ECTS credit points.
The Master's programme is structured as follows:
First semester
Module 1: Audio-Visual and Media Anthropology
Module 2: Representation and Narrative Strategies
Second semester
Module 3: Anthropological Short Film Production
Module 4: Media Ethnography, Digital Anthropology and Media Practices
Third semester
Module 5: Mediation of Human Experience and Applied Audio-Visual Anthropology
Module 6: Professional Project Development & Funding Strategies
Fourth semester
Module 7: Project Supervision and Research Colloquium
Fifth semester
Module 8: Practical Work and Experience
Sixth semester
Module 9: Fieldwork, Media Project, Final Thesis & Final Presentation
A practical phase of ten weeks is carried out in either a professional area of the cultural media industries or in an area specifically related to a student's final project. Students working full-time can decide whether they wish to do the practical phase at this stage or conduct a supervised project within their current organisations.
The fee for the entire three-year programme is 12,950 EUR. The fee usually has to be paid in three instalments.
Students must pay a semester contribution fee of 316.98 EUR per semester. This includes a "semester ticket" covering public transportation in the greater Münster area as well as the German federal state of North Rhine-Westphalia.
You can find more information here:
https://www.uni-muenster.de/studieninteressierte/en/einschreibung/semesterbeitrag.shtml
We recommend that students budget at least 900 EUR per month to cover personal expenses (accommodation, living expenses, health insurance).
Applicants for the Visual Anthropology, Media and Documentary Practices Master's programme must:
English level B2 pursuant to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)
31 March
Please send all documents via e-mail to Dr Pablo Holwitt (visual.anthropology@uni-muenster.de).
As in all popular university cities in Germany, accommodation is in high demand and is not easy to find in Münster – but it’s not impossible either!
Please contact the International Office (Bachelor's and Master's students) or the WWU Graduate Centre (doctoral candidates) for advice. Please also note that the University of Münster (like most German public universities) does not have its own student halls of residence.
With about 45,000 students and 5,500 academics, the University of Münster is one of the largest universities in Germany. It enjoys an outstanding reputation in the region and far beyond for its excellent research opportunities, high-quality teaching and promotion of junior researchers. Fifteen faculties with 120 degree programmes and some 30 research centres comprise the institutional backbone of the university. Besides its academic opportunities, the University of Münster offers a wide and varied range of extracurricular activities. Pursue your interests by participating in student societies, university theatre, choirs, orchestras, bands, and sports courses. Additionally, make sure to visit the university's museums and gardens to further enrich your experience.
Münster is located in north-west Germany, close to the border with the Netherlands. The city is a lively student town, famous for its bicycle-friendly atmosphere and student pubs. Of Münster's total population of approx. 316,400 inhabitants, over 61,800 are students at the different universities. Münster is a thriving centre of science and academia. It is a great place to live, learn and teach.
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