Header

Master Global Futures

Research and Master's Thesis

The master’s program is based on the following framework that covers the necessary steps involved in the research process, which should culminate in the master’s thesis.

  1. First, you must complete the module “Global Futures: Key Debates” from the module group Concepts and Debates. This module deals with current theories and theoretical discussions in social and cultural anthropology. It is advisable to attend this seminar in your first semester to prepare for your research. This course is offered every fall semester and counts for 6 ECTS credits.
  2.  In your first semester, you will attend “Research Module 1: Developing a Research Project” from the module group Research Methods and Practice. Here you will start looking for a research topic. You can discuss ideas and outline possible topics to gain clarity about what research you would like to conduct. This is also where you will begin reviewing the literature on your chosen topic. You will also have the opportunity to find a supervisor who will accompany you through your master’s thesis. They will help you determine the final topic, discuss the steps involved in your research, and evaluate your work. If possible, you should find a supervisor during the first semester. This course is offered every semester and is worth 3 ECTS credits. It is graded pass or fail. (Side note: “Research Module 1” and “Research Module 4” are taught in one course.)
  3. Following “Research Module 1” and before conducting fieldwork, students should attend “Research Module 2: Research Methods and Design” from the module group Research Methods and Practice, which is offered every spring semester. You will now deepen the methodological knowledge you have acquired so far, think through your research in methodological terms, and work out your research plan by examining the specialist literature. When drafting your research plan, you will remain in contact with your supervisor beyond the discussion context of the module. The module serves as a basis for the research conducted in “Research Module 3: Fieldwork.” The module is graded and is worth 6 ECTS credits.
  4. Following “Research Module 2,” you may book “Research Module 3: Fieldwork” from the same module group in which you want to carry out your research. The requirement for this is the completion of the preceding research modules and your supervisor’s approval of your research plan. As part of this module, you can then conduct field research after the spring semester. As a rule, a field research stay lasts approximately 3 months to allow you to collect sufficient relevant and viable data for a master’s thesis. You complete the module with a research report, which you submit to your supervisor and which is graded pass or fail. These activities together are worth 6 ECTS credits.
  5. While you are compiling the results of your empirical research, you will attend “Research Module 4: Analysis and Writing Up.” As part of the module, you will complete a number of assignments to help you handle your data and write your master’s thesis. The module is designed as a workshop in which you will discuss methodological, theoretical, and ethical approaches with other students, reflect on research experiences, and present research findings. Here, too, you will remain in contact with your supervisor beyond the discussion context of the module. The module is graded pass or fail and is worth 3 ECTS credits. (Side note: “Research Module 1” and “Research Module 4” are held in one course and take place every semester.)
  6. The work you have completed in the aforementioned modules culminates in the master’s thesis, in which you present your research findings and reflect on them methodologically and theoretically. You can register for the master’s thesis in consultation with your supervisor. On our website, you can find information on the exact modalities (see link below). However, you should bear in mind that you should only register for the master’s thesis if the preliminary work makes it foreseeable that you will be able to complete the master’s thesis within the time frame provided. The master’s thesis is graded and worth 30 ECTS credits.