Next start of studies: 01 October 2025
Visual Anthropology, Media and Documentary Practices (M.A.)
Learn how media representations shape our world and apply this knowledge to your own research projects and media outputs
Free places
22
Digital Info Session
A digital information session about the master's programme will be held on Wednesday, 29 January 2025, at 4:00 pm CEST via Zoom. Register here
Application deadline
31 March 2025
Study fee
€ 13,500
Nowrin Munir, Graduate
The Visual Anthropology program at the Universität Münster combines theory and practice through a synergy of intensive modules and long-duration project work. The faculty is developing new modes and methods of engaging with anthropology while emphasizing filmmaking and other art practices.
Fayza Harby-Bemmann, Graduate
The Visual Anthropology program at the Universität Münster combines theory and practice through a synergy of intensive modules and long-duration project work. The faculty is developing new modes and methods of engaging with anthropology while emphasizing filmmaking and other art practices.
Savyasachi Anju Prabir, Graduate
The Visual Anthropology program at the Universität Münster combines theory and practice through a synergy of intensive modules and long-duration project work. The faculty is developing new modes and methods of engaging with anthropology while emphasizing filmmaking and other art practices.
Arjunraj Natarajan, Graduate
The Visual Anthropology program at the Universität Münster combines theory and practice through a synergy of intensive modules and long-duration project work. The faculty is developing new modes and methods of engaging with anthropology while emphasizing filmmaking and other art practices.
Mariana Paquin, Graduated 2019
I am passionate about applying film and art as pedagogical tools to facilitate peace building processes, to challenge discrimination and to question the oppression of human rights. My participation in the Visual Anthropology program at the University of Münster has equipped me with the knowledge and the skills to pursue these interests.
Savyasachi Anju Prabir, Graduated 2021
The Visual Anthropology program at the Universität Münster combines theory and practice through a synergy of intensive modules and long-duration project work. The faculty is developing new modes and methods of engaging with anthropology while emphasizing filmmaking and other art practices.
What you will learn
The three-year master program trains students in (1) theory and practice of visual anthropology, (2) the documentary arts (film/photography/installation), as well as (3) media culture and media anthropology. Conceptual and practical knowledge within these areas can be applied in academia, the arts, culture and media industries, as well as to social, applied, or educational media projects. Students study the theoretical and practical foundations of visual anthropology, they gain experience in film production, project development, and (audio-) visual installation.
Presence phases and modules
You complete the master program “Visual Anthropology, Media and Documentary Practices” on an extra-occupational and practice-oriented basis. Upon completion, you may use the title “Master of Arts”. The standard period of study is six semesters, i.e. 3 years. The master program comprises a total of 120 credit points and 50 days that require on-site attendance. The individual modules take place in blocks of 5-10 days.
The extra-occupational master program comprises 9 modules. Modules 1 to 7 are face-to-face courses in small groups, usually with a maximum of 25 participants. In modules 8 and 9, participants complete an internship and write their master’s thesis that is usually accompanied by a practical media project.
In between the seven modules, students participate in five mandatory courses (tutorials) to follow up on the contents taught in the modules. Each tutorial consists of seven sessions á 2 hours. This ensures that students experience continuity and a sustainable study environment between modules.
Lecturers and scientific leaders
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Find out what qualifications are required
Data and facts
Graduation
Master of Arts (M.A.)
Credit points
120 ECTS
Faculty
Faculty of History and Philosophy
Duration of study
36 months
Next entrance date
01 October 2025
Next application deadline
31 March 2025
Teaching language
English
Teaching location
University of Münster Professional School, Königsstraße 47, 48143 Münster
Study fee
13.500 € in up to 3 installments
- as individual payment plan by arrangement
- exempt from VAT pursuant to § 4 No.21 a (bb) UStG
Target group
Filmmakers, multimedia experts, students with a background in the social sciences and humanities and professionals with an interest in the complex connections between media, culture and society
Access requirement
- a relevant undergraduate or first degree (at least 180 ECTS credit points, e.g., Bachelor and Master)
- at least one year of work experience in media production and/or the social sciences or cultural studies subsequent to your first university degree
- English level B2 pursuant to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)
The proof of English is not required for applicants whose native language is English or who can prove an English-language university degree. Alternatively, the University of Münster Professional School offers an English test (20-minute interview). The fee for this test is €50.
Free places
22
Buddy Program
We offer a buddy program for new and prospective students. The idea behind it is to provide newcomers with first-hand experience of the study program from a student’s perspective. Especially for prospective students from abroad, the buddy program is intended to provide information about life in Germany, guidance about the challenges of moving to another country and ways to overcome them. For this purpose, we connect new students with students who are already enrolled in the program. We hope that this shared perspective will help to answer initial questions and reduce some of the uncertainty that newcomers may feel.
If you would like to participate in the buddy program, either as a buddy or as a newcomer, please contact Pablo Holwitt.
More topics
Frequently asked questions
Important questions and answers concerning your studies at the Universität Münster Professional School
Digital info session
A digital information session about the master's program will be held on Wednesday, 29 January 2025, at 4:00 pm CEST. This will be your chance to learn more about the contents of the program, meet the co-director of the program, Thomas John, and get a chance to ask us questions directly. The session will take place as an online video call via the service Zoom.
The Professional School
The Professional School of the University of Münster focuses on part-time studies (Master's/MBA) and further education and qualification for working people. We stand for the connection between science and practice and focus on the needs of working professionals.
We are happy to help with any questions
Dr. Pablo Holwitt
Student advice and support
Mo–Fr: 09.00 am - 4.00 pm
