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Culture and Environment in Africa

Master of Arts (M.A.)

Studiengangsbild
Standard period of study 4 semesters
Start of study Winter semester
Restricted admission Ja
Teaching language English
Credit points

Subject: 90 CP + Master’s Thesis: 30 CP = 120 CP

Course description

The Master of Arts in Culture and Environment in Africa (CEA) is a two-year English-medium, interdisciplinary degree programme, focusing on the archaeological, historical and contemporary political ecology of the African continent. Particular attention is given to skills, methods and knowledge of human-environment studies in Africa. The degree will provide students from diverse disciplinary backgrounds with a comprehensive understanding of the complex interrelationships between human agency, socio-cultural dynamics and geobiophysical processes.

CEA combines natural science, archaeological, historical, anthropological and linguistic research approaches, offering graduates enhanced career prospects not only in academia, but also in national and international organizations operating in the field.

The programme provides a thorough knowledge of, and insights into:

  • key issues of human-environment research in Africa
  • core concepts, theories and applications of human-environment research
  • interdisciplinary methodologies (e.g. qualitative and quantitative approaches in social anthropology, geoarchaeology and linguistic fieldwork)
  • political and administrative implications of interdisciplinary research
Requirements

This programme is right for you if you have successfully completed a bachelor's degree or equivalent in one of the subjects listed in the Master's admission regulations and would like to deepen your specialist knowledge and/or specialize in a specific subject area. Binding information on the admission requirements can be found in the admission regulations for the Master's programme, which you will find above under "Important documents at a glance".

Dokumente/Downloads

Language proficiency and other requirements

It may be necessary to provide proof of language skills upon admission to the master's program. You can find more information in the admission regulations.

Structure
  • In Core Module 1 students obtain a common understanding of the field of human-environment relations.
  • Core Module 2 provides a sound training in interdisciplinary methodology and research approaches.
  • Specialisation Modules 1, 2 and 3 introduce students to the core themes of contemporary human-environment research.
  • In Specialisation Module 4 students prepare and conduct research and present the results.
  • For the Supplementary Module students can choose to study additional courses on specific topics of human-environment relations or do a study-related internship.

 

 

Modules - Culture and Environment in Africa

 
Core Module 1 & 2
BM1: Theories and Concepts in Human-Environment ResearchBM2: Methods and Skills
Specialisation Module 1 & 2
SM1: The Conservation of Natural and Cultural HeritageSM2: Mobility, Migration and Urban Studies
Specialisation Module 3 & 4
SM3: Languages, Cognition and SocietiesSM4: Research Colloquium
Complemantary Module 1 or 2
EM1: Complementary StudiesEM2: Internship
MASTER'S THESIS
Career perspectives

A successful master's degree is a prerequisite for a scientific career in teaching and research and is usually essential for doctoral studies. Outside of university, a master's degree also opens up further career opportunities, more responsible positions and the possibility of taking on leadership roles.

A Master’s of Culture and Environment in Africa (CEA) degree opens a world of opportunities for graduates. Whether pursuing a PhD or embarking on professional endeavours, the CEA programme prepares students for careers in:

  • research and academic teaching
  • international organizations
  • government administrations
  • museums
  • assessment and management of cultural and natural heritage sites
  • tourism planning

 

Course advice

The Departmental Advisors are available to answer subject-specific questions.
You can contact the Interdisciplinary Student Advisory Service if you would like to receive interdisciplinary advice, have specific questions, e.g. about subject combinations, recognition, change of location/transverse entry or graduation - or if you do not know who to contact with your questions.

Application for the first semester

Detailed information on the application process for the Master's programs at the Faculty of Arts and Humantities can be found here.

Only for NC subjects: It is possible to submit a special application under certain circumstances, e.g. if you are an elite athlete or in cases of hardship. You can find information on special applications here.