English 
Deutsch Who is the Master’s Degree in Visual and Media Anthropology Suitable For?
The English-language Master’s programme Visual and Media Anthropology is aimed at graduates with an interest in visual cultural analysis, digital media production, and ethnographic research. It is particularly intended for professionals from the fields of film, photography, journalism, communication studies, online marketing, digital or social media, as well as related areas, who wish to expand their knowledge with anthropological questions and media representation methods. The programme is especially suitable for individuals who want to use audiovisual or immersive technologies in international, intercultural, or scientific contexts – for example in media companies, NGOs, research institutions, cultural organisations, or in the field of virtual reality.
What Formal Admission Requirements Apply to the Programme?
To be admitted to the Master’s in Visual and Media Anthropology, you need a first professionally qualifying university degree (Bachelor’s, Diploma or Magister) in a relevant subject area such as media studies, anthropology, journalism, communication studies, art, design, sociology, ethnology, or a related field. Proof of qualification must be provided by degree certificates. Since the programme is conducted entirely in English, good English skills (at least B2 level according to the European Framework of Reference, often demonstrated by TOEFL, IELTS or equivalent language certificates) are required.
Applicants should bring openness to different cultures and media expressions. Prior experience in camera work, photography or digital media production is helpful but not mandatory. Important personal prerequisites are initiative, the ability to work independently in an academic context, collaborative skills for international project teams, as well as an interest in social, cultural and technological developments. Since students conceive and implement their own projects in the programme, creativity, reliability and strong communication skills are essential. A high motivation for methodological-ethnographic work – also in virtual spaces or global teams – is also advantageous.
Study Contents in Detail
In the Master's programme Visual and Media Anthropology, you acquire in-depth knowledge in visual anthropology, media anthropology as well as documentary and experimental film production. The focus is on ethnographic film, documentary film, and the development of immersive 360° applications. You learn how social and cultural aspects can be researched and represented using filmic, photographic, and virtual methods.
- Classical and experimental film and photography production in research contexts with a focus on transnational cultures, especially indigenous communities worldwide
- Production and application of 360° videos as well as VR applications (including Meta Quest 2)
- Digital anthropology, social media activism, and AI technologies in media research
- Creation of virtual environments for applications in virtual reality
- Environmental anthropology and engagement with sustainability, marginalisation and diversity (including women, people of colour, LGBT+ and least developed countries)
- Applied qualitative methods of social research and field-based ethnographic studies
- Insights into the development of new social media applications, mixed-reality environments as well as analysis of big data in a cultural scientific context
Additionally, you have the opportunity in the elective area to create your own virtual environments or to produce classical documentary films in collaboration with research partners.
Course Structure
The Master's programme Visual and Media Anthropology is an online-based, English-language distance learning course that extends over four semesters. It combines digital learning formats with practical workshops at the university in Berlin.
- 1st semester: Basic modules on Visual and Media Anthropology
- 2nd semester: Profile modules, including Ethnographic Film Production, Communication/Mediascapes, Applied Visual and Media Anthropology
- 3rd semester: Internship and independent film or media project
- 4th semester: Final and examination modules
The organisation is carried out through a mixed format of synchronous webinars, asynchronous self-study courses (via LMS Canvas) and practice-oriented, optional online courses with avatars on a virtual campus.
Additionally, two mandatory on-campus workshops in Berlin take place, each lasting 4–5 days and focusing on practical media production, in particular camera technology and immersive 360° filmmaking. Travel and accommodation costs for these attendance phases are borne by you.
Within the framework of your project phase, you complete an internship for which contacts to renowned institutions from film, art and media are available. The programme gives you the opportunity to conduct your own ethnographic research projects and to independently develop media formats.
Career Prospects & Employment Opportunities
With a Master of Arts in Visual and Media Anthropology, versatile career paths in the fields of film, media, culture and science open up for you. You are qualified to work as an expert in ethnographic film, visual anthropology or virtual realities.
- Editing, directing and conception at TV stations, film productions or documentary film festivals
- Media production, photo and video material creation for companies in the cultural and environmental sector or social media
- Curating, education or scientific work in museums, art markets, galleries and online platforms
- Creation and analysis of new social media formats, development of VR-/mixed-reality applications
- Collaboration in areas of data analysis, immersive media or digital platform development in educational and scientific environments
- Press and public relations work, social media marketing, development cooperation (focus on media/media education/media use in emerging and developing countries)
- Commitment to the representation of marginalised groups as well as in international NGOs and governmental organisations
- Academic career: The Master’s degree enables you to subsequently pursue a doctorate
Practice partners where students have already completed internships include, for example, the Berlinale, Stiftung Deutsche Kinemathek, film festivals, museums, media companies and international artist groups.
Place of Study
The course is conducted as a distance study programme with English as the language of instruction. You can participate from anywhere, as the online courses are organised exclusively digitally. Two in-person workshops take place at the Berlin campus of the Media University of Applied Sciences. The university operates locations in Berlin, Cologne and Frankfurt am Main, with the Master’s programme primarily focused on the Berlin location.
Costs and Financing
The tuition fees amount to €4,170 per semester, i.e. a total of €16,680 for the entire four-semester course. The fees cover all courses, tutorial support and the use of all digital learning resources. Additional costs for travel and accommodation for the two compulsory workshops in Berlin are your own responsibility.
- The distance learning course can be paid per semester
- Installment payment plans available on request
- Funding through scholarships (for example via PROMOS or Erasmus+ for stays abroad)
- Possible support through education funds or tax deductibility depending on individual circumstances
As a private, state-recognised university, the Media University is FIBAA-accredited; the degree programme is also officially approved and eligible for applying for funding programmes.
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