Master of Arts in Social Anthropology

Background of the Program

Ethiopia is home of multi-nations and nationalities with diverse cultures and socio-economic developments. It is a country with more than 80 different ethnic groups each with its own language, culture, custom and tradition. MA program in social anthropology will provide an understanding of the diverse cultures of Ethiopia through research and academic debates and seminars. Furthermore; anthropological concepts and approaches will be inputs for the national cultural policies and will contribute in development endeavors of the country

Bahir Dar University is one of the oldest universities in Ethiopia. Bahir Dar University was established in 2000 by merging two former higher education institutions; namely the Bahir Dar Polytechnic and Bahir Dar Teachers’ College.  Bahir Dar University is now among the largest universities in the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, with more than 35,000 students in its 57 undergraduate and 39 graduate programs. Bahir Dar University has four colleges, three institutes, three faculties and one school. The academic units of the University include College of Science, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, College of Medical and Health Sciences, College of Business and Economics, Institute of Technology, Institute of Textile, Garment and Fashion Design, Institute of Land Administration, Blue Nile Water Institute, Faculty of Humanities, Faculty of Social Sciences, Faculty of Education and Behavioral Sciences and the School of Law.

BDU was a pioneer in the country in introducing modular approach concept and now broadly implemented in all programs of the University. The department of social anthropology which is one of programs of social science faculty established at undergraduate level in 2008.  Since then, the department has trained students with theoretical and practical skills of social anthropology. The department graduated four batches who are working in GOs, NGOs and the private sectors.

Anthropology prepares students for excellent jobs and opens doors to a variety of career paths: the program provide practical information and thinking skills, research, teaching, advocacy, and public service. The job market today is increasingly international and increasingly diverse, and so the kinds of skills developed in Anthropology courses are becoming increasingly valuable. Anthropology is the contemporary discipline that approaches human questions from historical, biological, linguistic, and cultural perspectives, Anthropology graduates are valued for their flexibility and holistic skill-sets.

Rational of the program

Opening a postgraduate program is essential due to growing needs for higher level academicians and researchers in social anthropology. The need assessment was conducted in 2013 from various organizations and institutions indicated that there is a high level of demand for graduate level training in social anthropology. This program will be the first in Amhara region and 3rd at national level following Addis Ababa and Hawasa Universities. The program is a necessity since the country increasingly needs anthropologists.  Curriculum Review workshop was conducted and essential comments from reviewers were incorporated in the curriculum.

The program can contribute its part in the social, political and economic development of the country. In Amhara region and its environs there are various ethnic groups who have diverse socio-cultural and political attributes which need the attentions of anthropologists. Based on the need assessment, the opening of the program will address issues such as   migration, conflict tourism   and cultural heritages. The training will prepare students for better opportunities of employment; and equip students to create their own jobs in their field of specialization.

Admission Requirements

Students who have completed their degree in social sciences, Humanities, law, agriculture, and medicine (Social Anthropology, Sociology, Social work, Gender, History, Geography, folklore, Linguistic, foreign language, Civic and Ethical Studies, Good governance, law, Disaster risk Management, Health officers, Nursing, Population studies, Hotel and tourism, theatrical arts, rural development, and pass the department entrance examination will be admitted to the program. This is also applicable for all summer, evening and extension programs.

Graduation requirement                 

The program demands two years (four semesters) time duration in order to offer Masters of Arts degree in Social Anthropology.  In addition, at the completion of   every module (every one year or semester), the students are expected to acquire specific knowledge that have been stated in the module. To be graduated, a candidate has minimum score of 3.00 (three points) in average and must fulfill the minimal requirement of thesis result which is go hand in hand with   the standard of the university.

Structure of the program

The courses of the program are structured in to four modules to be completed in two years and four semesters.

Medium of instruction

English is the medium of instruction for the normal teaching and learning process.

Nomenclature

In English: Masters of Arts Degree in Social Anthropology

In Amharic:  “የማስተርስአርትዲግሪበሶሻልአንትሮፖሎጂ ‘’

List and Distribution of Courses