Social Anthropology

This Programme offers an intensive introduction to contemporary sociocultural anthropology. The Master's of Social Anthropology Programme is designed to study social and cultural variations as well as similarities of societies and social groups all over the world. Such topics as transnational mobility, debated cultural practices of inclusion and exclusion as well as the transformation of the state are especially articulated in the Programme. It also provides the students with a thorough theoretical and methodological grounding, essential for attaining non-judgmental understanding and appreciation of the diversity of cultures, significance of cross-cultural perspectives and intercultural understanding. The students are taught to conduct independent scientific research and ethnographic fieldwork as well as apply other methods of inquiry.The Programme is taught in English and provides an opportunity for the international and local students to study together; it also combines classroom and experiential field-based learning activities that are adopted to each student’s career plan.

Due to international cooperation between Vytautas Magnus University and Southern Illinois University (USA) Social Anthropology students have the opportunity to receive Southern Illinois University’s Certificate in Intercultural Understanding. For that the successful completion of 18 ECTS three courses held by visiting anthropology professors from Southern Illinois University and other universities is required.

Student Testimonials

I have always wanted to understand the processes taking place in society, the relationships between causes and effects, to get to know the thought patterns and reasons for action of specific groups in society. The study of social anthropology has become an opportunity to learn, understand and analyze such processes. These studies were a magnificent experience due to the chance to do some breathtaking fieldwork research for me, the collaboration of colleagues, and the very high level of support from the teachers.
Juozapa Živilė Mieliauskaitė. Lithuania. Graduate.

Master program of Social anthropology at VMU is a life-changing and eyes-opening experience. It gives you tools to observe and make sense of the surrounding environment with its peoples, cultures, and complex social systems. It definitely contributes to your professional development which can be applied in various fields, but also, what is more important, it adds to your personal growth and teaches how to be more open and aware.
Agnieška Avin. Lithuania. Graduate

Professors

Visiting professors from leading universities of Western Europe and the United States such as University of Oxford, University of Fribourg, the Southern Illinois University.

Competencies acquired

MA in Social Anthropology provides students with these skills:

cultural understanding and tolerance.
creative and analytical thinking which leads to design a research project, write a grant proposal, conduct an independent field research.
be able to analyze and interpret fieldwork data in order to solve problems which emerge out of global contemporary socio-cultural processes.
to act as mediator for socio-culturally different and / or conflicting interest groups in order to enhance the solving of existing cultural conflicts.

Career opportunities

This Program is primarily geared towards the student who seeks career advancement in either private or public sectors in human resource development, international business, cultural resource management or work within various organizations as well as international, state and local governmental agencies, etc. The alumni of the Program are employed at the human rights organizations, civil society organizations, private companies, educational institutions, initiate and carry applied research projects.

Career opportunities include but are not limited to:

Project planner and manager.
Public policy researcher.
Cultural resource manager.
Cultural sustainability analyst.
Anthropological consultant to cross-cultural agencies.
Migration, refugee and ethnic minority problems’ analyst.
International (cultural, educational and human rights) organizations and nongovernmental agencies consultant.