Master's Programme in Visual Anthropology, Media and Documentary Practices

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 comp