The language of instruction is English.
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. The final project consists of a written thesis, which may be shortened if it is combined with a film or media production.
The in-person teaching is organised into seven blocks (modules 1-7), each lasting five to ten days. This allows students to study flexibly and, if desired, work alongside their studies.
Module 1: Introduction to Audio-Visual & Media Anthropology
Students are introduced to audio-visual and media anthropology, gaining a basic understanding of visual anthropology theory alongside initial practical film production techniques.
Module 2: Representation and Narrative Strategies
This module focuses on narrative strategies, aesthetics, image semiotics, composition, as well as installation and exhibition concepts.
Module 3: Anthropological Short Film Production
A practical workshop where students individually or in small teams produce short films or non-linear web documentaries, focusing on storytelling and representation. Writing proposals and treatments is also practised.
Module 4: Media Ethnography, Digital Anthropology & Media Practices
Through case studies, students examine the social and political role of media. This includes indigenous media, cultural contexts, and social media across societies.
Module 5: Mediation of Human Experience & Applied Audio-Visual Anthropology
Students explore experimental and sensory ethnography through theoretical and practical “lab” work, developing collaborative and participatory media approaches.
Module 6: Professional Project Development & Funding Strategies
Students create audio-visual assignments to explore their creative identity and learn to develop professional project proposals for funding.
Module 7: Project Supervision & Research Colloquium
Students design their final MA project and media production, discussed in relation to selected theories and case studies.
Module 8: Practical Work & Experience
This is a compulsory practical phase, which can be completed part-time or full-time during the studies.
Module 9: Fieldwork, Media Project, Final Thesis & Final Presentation
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 & Module 2
Second semester: Module 3 & Module 4
Third semester: Module 5 & Module 6
Fourth semester: Module 7
Fifth semester: Module 8
Sixth semester: Module 9
PDF DownloadA 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.
We do not charge tuition fees. However, students must pay a semester contribution fee of approx. 355 EUR per semester. This includes various services for students as well as a "semester ticket" covering public transportation in Münster and all of Germany.
You can find more information here.
We recommend that students budget at least 1,000 EUR per month to meet personal expenses (accommodation, living, health insurance).
You can find more information here:
https://www.uni-muenster.de/international/en/studierende/general-information/cost-and-funding.html.
Applicants for the Visual Anthropology, Media and Documentary Practices Master's programme must:
As in all popular university cities in Germany, accommodation is in high demand and not easy to find in Münster – but it's not impossible either! Like most German universities, we do not have our own student halls of residence. However, the "Studierendenwerk", a governmental organisation, offers student halls in Münster. You can find additional information on housing options here and here (only in German).
When contacting about private offers, be careful! Please make sure that you never transfer money before you sign the rental contract. Ideally, you should be able to talk personally to the potential landlord, even if you are still abroad (via phone, video call, etc.) If you are not sure whether an offer is real or possibly a fraud, please feel free to contact the team of our International Office and send us the offer.
The University of Münster: Combining tradition & innovation
With some 41,000 students and 5,100 academics, the University of Münster is one of the biggest and oldest universities in Germany and one of the foremost centres of German intellectual life. Fifteen faculties with more than 120 subjects, over 280 degree programmes and some 30 research centres comprise the institutional backbone of the university. Officially founded in 1780, our roots go back to a convent for the education of women founded in 1040, and the establishment of a Jesuit college in 1588.
Today, besides a broad range of academic opportunities – from Bachelor's programmes to in-service continuing education courses, the University of Münster offers a huge and varied number of extracurricular activities and support for its students: Learn a new language at our Language Centre, take part in one of over 150 different sports at our University Sports, sing in a choir or join an orchestra, take part in a university group, act in a play – or sit back and enjoy the performances of other students: with our wide variety of cultural, international, political and religious student societies, initiatives, and sports groups, the University of Münster offers you countless opportunities to spend your free time and make new friends.
We value a close relationship between research and teaching as well as extensive advice and counselling services.
About the city
In Germany, Münster is known as one of THE student cities. Since its official founding in 1780, the University of Münster has grown continuously. Our departments, central institutions and libraries are spread all over the city - well, the city of Münster somehow is our campus! Münster is a beautiful, green, safe and lively city of about 320,000 inhabitants in the north-western part of Germany, and the northern part of its federal state, North-Rhine Westphalia. Münster has a vibrant cultural and nightlife scene - partly due to its over 60,000 students at one of the eight institutions of higher education. Many cafés, bars and cultural institutions in the city offer a wide range of discounts for students. Münster also hosts one of the most important art exhibitions worldwide the sculpture project – every 10 years. What else? Well, Münster has won numerous awards for its high quality of life – and a bicycle is the best way to zoom around!
International Campus
For international and German students, the University of Münster has various offerings for networking, intercultural understanding and encounters, a buddy programme matching international and German students, cultural events, support, and much more.
The International Office is your first point of contact. The team at the International Office advises international incoming students as well as local students, academics and staff who are planning a visit abroad. We answer questions from international prospective students and applicants relating to preparatory programmes, choosing a major, admission requirements, application procedures, visa and residence issues, financial matters and life in Germany / Münster.
If you are an international student, our Language Centre offers study preparatory German language courses. For enrolled students, our Language Centre also offers study-accompanying German language courses as well as courses for almost 20 other languages free of charge.
Münster lies in the heart of the Münsterland region in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, and close to the border with the Netherlands. The city of Münster with its 320,000 inhabitants (of which around 62,000 are students) is a vibrant hub with a central location and excellent connectivity. Due to its position, Münster is an ideal starting point for excursions to other major cities such as Cologne, Düsseldorf, Hamburg, or Amsterdam in the Netherlands. The city is well connected by train, bus, and via Münster/Osnabrück Airport (FMO). Within Münster itself, the bicycle is the primary mode of transport: Münster is known as Germany's bicycle capital and boasts an extensive network of well-developed cycle paths.
The Münsterland is lined with numerous historical castles, offering glimpses into past times and inviting visitors to exciting excursions. A particular highlight is the Teutoburger Wald, which lies not far from Münster. This forested ridge offers beautiful hiking trails, ideal conditions for walking, and even opportunities for climbing.
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