Program Overview

Master's in Anthropology of Transnationalism and the State

The Master program in Anthropology of Transnationalism and the State (ATS) addresses topics that have become increasingly important in view of the ongoing process of globalization and increasing international interdependencies and interconnections. ATS focuses on a group of related issues that are brought together to create a complex field of study: The state, migration, law and politics.

Program Description

Transnationalism and the nature of the state are the focal points of the Master program, as the state is now being fundamentally affected by transnational circulation processes, such as migration, international laws and agreements, and economic interconnections. At the same time, these circulation processes are structured on the basis of actions taken by states. Because state power also manifests itself in laws or the refusal to conform to the latter, the program also pays particular attention to legal-anthropological issues such as the regulation of borders, resource utilization, transnational production and consumption chains, and human rights. Migration is also addressed, as labour migration and transnational families have created global links of support and care.

Admission and Enrollment

• The Master program does not have a specific regional focus, but ATS studies generally involve regions that are of special interest at the Institute of Social Anthropology - i.e., Europe, southern Africa, and southeast and southwest Asia.
• Basic information:
  • Degree: Master of Arts in Social Anthropology, Universität Bern
  • Number of credits: 120 ECTS credits
  • Degree programs: Major 90 ECTS credits, Minor 30 ECTS credits
  • Combination possibilities: Several
  • Duration: 4 semesters
  • Language: German and English
  • Beginning studies: Fall or spring semester

Legal Basis

• Studienplan für die Studienprogramme am Institut für Sozialanthropologie vom 07.12.2015 mit Änderungen (Stand am 01.08.2021)
• Institute of Social Anthropology study plan
• Institute of Social Anthropology study plan annexes
• Reglement über das Studium und die Leistungskontrollen an der Philosophisch-historischen Fakultät (RSL Phil.-hist. 21) vom 15.03.2021
• Regulations on Studies and Performance Assessments at the Faculty of Humanities (RSL Phil.-hist. 21) as of 15 March 2021

Details of Program

Major ATS (90 credits)

Students will be provided with in-depth knowledge of the anthropology of transnationalism and the state. This involves the origin, effects, and typology of the state and politics on the one hand, and law, forms of law, and the execution of law on the other hand, with a special focus here on legal pluralism.

Minor (30 credits)

Students in the ATS Master program (minor) attain knowledge about the anthropology of transnationalism and the state (ATS), particularly with regard to the origin, effects, and typology of the state; law, forms of law, and the execution of law, and politics in general.

Scheme of Program

The Master major program consists of the following components:

• Component 1: General knowledge and methodology
• Component 2: Training in empirical research

Combination Possibilities

The Master program in Anthropology of Transnationalism and the State consists of a major with 90 ECTS credits and a minor with 30 ECTS credits. The major can be combined with any minor subject taught in a sufficient scope at the University of Bern, with the exception of Social Anthropology and Anthropology of Transnationalism and the State.

Requirements

The following academic qualifications are required for admission to the master's degree program in Anthropology of Transnationalism and the State (major):

• Bachelor's degree from a Swiss university, or an equivalent degree, with a major in the branch of studies Social and Cultural Anthropology
• Bachelor's degree from a Swiss university, or an equivalent degree, with a major in one of the following branches of studies: Sociology, History, Political Science, Law, Geography, or in another subject that requires proficiency in empirical social research.

Application and Admission

• General admission requirements
• Application and admission with a Swiss degree
• Application and admission with an international degree

After Completion of the Master's Degree

Possible career paths after graduation include:

• Migration and human rights
• NGOs
• Development work
• Politics
• Foundation work
• Media and publishing
• Museum work
• Cultural and event management
• Adult education
• Academia (university)
• Tourism