M.A. Visual and Media Anthropology

The MA program provides knowledge about the ethical production of classic scientific and experimental audio-visual documentaries (film, photography and immersive productions) for the representation of transnational culture with a focus on Asia, Africa, Europe, North America, Latin America and especially „indigenous” communities.

The program includes courses in documentary film and photography, digital anthropology, camera, sound and editing, social media activism, immersive storytelling using 360-degree videos, AI technology and culture, anthropology of the metaverse, introduction and advanced use of Meta Quest 2, virtual environments, creating objects and scenery in VR, and environmental anthropology. Part of the master’s program is an individual ethnographic field research project, which is supervised in colloquia.

On the basis of their own qualitative research, they are able to present cultures worldwide in film or photography and, in collaboration with research partners, produce their own classic documentaries or (in the elective area) create virtual environments needed in AI and VR applications. The program also offers several modules on qualitative methods of social research. In addition to the cinematic focus, a module on documentary photography is also offered.

The consideration of marginalized groups (women, people of color, LGBT+, as well as least developed countries) in digital media and within new AI applications is another focus of the program.

The program includes two 4–5 day on-campus workshops in Berlin on camera technology and immersive 360-degree filmmaking.

The continuing education program in Visual and Media Anthropology (M.A.) is taught in English and consists of e-learning courses. We currently offer three types of online courses:

Synchronous real-time webinars (courses and lectures) in Zoom via webcam and voice chat. Participants can log in from anywhere in the world using a desktop computer, laptop or mobile phone.

A-synchronous self-learning courses via the LMS Canvas with content, video courses, films, readings and assignments that allow students greater flexibility.

Online courses with avatars on the virtual campus of the Media University in Open Sim
More information about distance learning can be found here. In addition, an optional on-campus workshop is offered.

Students must cover additional costs (travel and accommodation costs) incurred by the practical (non-mandatory) on-campus workshops. The master’s program was one of the winners of the Best Practice in Online Teaching by CEDIS Center for Digital Systems Freie Universität Berlin. Master’s programs are 100% equivalent to undergraduate master’s programs and in principle always enable students to pursue doctoral studies afterwards.

Applicants: graduates of an undergraduate degree program (Bachelor’s, Diplom, Magister)

Further information on admission can be found here.

1. Semester: Grundlagenmodule/Basic Modules: Visuelle Anthropologie, Medienanthropologie
2. Semester: Profilmodule/Profile Modules: Grundlagen und Varianten der ethnografischen Filmproduktion, Kommunikation/Medienszenen, Angewandte visuelle und Medienanthropologie
3. Semester: Projektmodule/Project Modules: Praktikum, Film- oder Medienprojekt
4. Semester: Prüfungsmodule/Supervision Courses

Selected target occupations: The Master’s program in Visual and Media Anthropology (M.A.) is designed to prepare students for later work as experts in visual anthropology (ethnographic film, ethnographic photography) and VR in the following areas, among others:

• Editor, author, director at cultural studies-oriented TV stations and film production companies
• Creation of photography and video material for companies in the cultural and environmental sector (websites and for social media and networks)
• New media industry
• Museums & international art market, scientific institutions, galleries and online platforms as well as streaming services
• Social-anthropological analysis and development of new social media applications and mixed-reality environments
• Big data analysis
• Immersive or virtual reality industries
• Scientific digital development of platforms for education and teaching
• Press and media, public relations, social media marketing
• Film archives and documentary film festivals
• Representation of indigenous groups and organizations
• Universities and non-university research institutions
• Jobs in governmental and non-governmental organizations in the sustainable development sector in developing or emerging countries with a focus on media use and media education (AI and VR)

Our students have completed internships at the following institutions:

• Berlinale Talentcampus, Berlin
• Stiftung der deutschen Kinemathek, Filmmuseum, Berlin
• Ben & Julia Studio
• Gegenlichtfilm+TV Produktion, Berlin
• Humboldt Forum, Berlin
• Harrison Atelier One, Oakleyville Fire Island Pines, NY
• credo:film Filmproduktion, Berlin
• CCtv China Central Television, Berlin Bureau
• Mus’Art Museum, Kumbo, Cameroon
• AK KRAAK, film archive and „Tiefsehmagazin”
• The arts therapy group for youth in Evangelisches Johannestift, Berlin
• INTER ARTE, German artists network, Berlin
• Ensemble for city dwellers
• Gotanda Film film production, Berlin
• Michael Gautsch film production, Berlin
• Biografilm Festival, Bologna, Italy

Our students worked with the following artists and filmmakers during their internships:

• Mikesch, DOP and film maker, Berlin
• Björn Melhus, video artist and film maker, Berlin
• Johan Grimonpres, „Zap-o-matic”
• Sarah Pucill’s Studio Artist, Filmmaker, Photographer
• Azubuike Erinugha, film maker, Nigeria

The Master’s program in Visual and Media Anthropology (M.A.) at the Media University is state-approved by the Berlin Senate Administration and accredited by the German Accreditation Council.

It thus meets the highest international academic quality standards.

You can find more details here in the FAQ specifically for this program.