Programme structure

The two-years master's programme runs over four semesters (120 ECTS).  
 

The programme consists of:

• An advanced introduction to contemporary anthropological theory, methods, and writing (40 ECTS)
• Specialisation (20 ECTS)
  • Global Political Economy, or
  • Contemporary Ethnography
• Fieldwork (30 ECTS)
• Master's thesis (30 ECTS)

All about the master's thesis project in Social Anthropology
 

Global Political Economy

Contemporary Ethnography

Elective courses

Students specialising in Contemporary Ethnography have the option to select elective courses. This can be;

• a language course;
• a regional or thematic course; or
• internships in line with their own project plans.

Elective courses can be selected from the Department's master’s level courses. Alternatively, students may apply to select courses from other faculties or externally.

Applications have to be approved by the supervisor and the Department of Social Anthropology. Find more information about the options and criteria for elective courses from UiO and externally.

After completing the mandatory coursework in the first semester, you undertake independent fieldwork or data production of up to six months from January/February to June. In collaboration with your supervisor, you can decide on a slightly shorter fieldwork period (for example 4 months), or end the fieldwork slightly later (for example in July). During the fieldwork you gather the data that will form the basis for the writing of your thesis.

An anthropological master’s thesis can be based on different types of research strategies and different types of material. It can be based on more or less classic ethnographic fieldwork, but also (partly or completely) on forms of archival work, digital sources, reading of others’ publications, etcetera. The master thesis must fall thematically within your chosen specialisation.

Programme structure for students who started their studies autumn 2019-2024 

Honours certificate

Are you academically ambitious? It is possible to supplement your master`s degree with an honours certificate worth 20 credits. You take the certificate concurrently with the master`s programme. 

Diploma and degree

The diploma is issued when you have completed the courses that meet the requirements for a degree. Read more about diplomas.

Quality assurance

Programme and course evaluations for Social Anthropology