Frequently asked questions
Admission
Programme
Living
Admission
Can I apply even though I do not have a BSc in anthropology?
To qualify for admission to the MSc in Anthropology and MSc in Anthropology and People-centered Business you should hold a BSc in anthropology at the time of enrollment. Furthermore, it must contain at least 90 ECTS (one and a half year) of anthropological courses within introductory theory and methodology.
For the specific admission requirements for the MSc in Anthropology look here.
For the specific admission requirements for the MSc in Anthropology and People-Centred Business look here
What documents, should I send with the application?
The application package should contain the application form, documentation of your relevant academic record, course descriptions of relevant anthropological courses, a statement of purpose, and proof of your English skills.
To guarantee the best assessment of your application, it is a good idea to with send reading plans or syllables for the anthropological courses, you have taken. An make sure that all documents are in English.
How do I prove my English skills/do I have to take an IELTS/TOEFL test?
If you are a Scandinavian, including Danish, applicant you meet the language requirements if you have what corresponds to English B level on a Danish high school diploma. Applicant from Sweden, Norway, Finland and Iceland can check if their high school English level corresponds to a Danish level B in the level guide offered by the Guidance and Admission office at the University of Copenhagen.
Applicants from outside Scandinavia who speaks or writes English as a second language, must prove their English skills through an IELTS or TOEFL IBT test. The Department of Anthropology do not make exemptions from this rule.
Can I study an MSc program part-time or online by distance education?
No. It is not possible to study the MSc in anthropology or the MSc in Anthropology and People-centered business as part-time study or online by distance education. This is due to the rule about active participation in the master courses.
Are there any scholarships available?
No. Unfortunately, the department of Anthropology does not offer any scholarships for international students.
State educational support, called SU, is available for Danish citizens and - only on very specific conditions - also for foreign citizens, e.g., if you have been married to a Dane for at least two years preceding your application, have worked in Denmark for at least two years, or are a child of an EU/EEA citizen working in Denmark. Further information is available here.
When will I receive answer about my application?
You can expect an answer from the Department of Anthropology regarding your application within six weeks. If you have not received an answer after six weeks, you are welcome to contact the Student Advisory Service.
Please be aware, that you will not receive a receipt for your application package.
I was not admitted, what can I do?
Applications for the MSc in Anthropology are always individually assessed.
If you applied for admission to the MSc in Anthropology but were not admitted, it is because the admission board do not think, you meet the requirements, for example, that you lack the amount of courses and ECTS points within introductory courses to anthropology or methodology as required or your BSc is not considered equivalent to the BSc in Anthropology.
You are always allowed to apply again. If you do not meet the requirements regarding the amount of anthropological courses you have, it might be a good idea to supplement your academic qualifications. You can do so through Open University at the Department of Anthropology or at another department which offers relevant courses. Open University is an opportunity to study single courses while paying for it yourself.
For further information regarding Open University look here.
Programme
I want to change the courses in my study program, what do I do?
If you are enrolled in the Master in Anthropology program, the following courses must be completed after each other: Field Methods, Fieldwork, Anthropological Analysis, Thesis. The optional selective courses and Contemporary Anthropological Theory can be studied during first and third semester as you wish.
You change the courses by registering for the ones, you wish to take during the course registration period prior to the semester. If you wish to change the structure of the courses, which should be completed in sequence, you have to apply for an exemption at the study board. You do so by using the application form available on the website.
If you want to change your study program, you have to apply for an exemption at the Study Board. You do so by using the application form available on the website.
Can I take courses at another department and have them transferred to the MSc in anthropology?
Yes, you can, but the courses must correspond to the courses in the MSc program, you are enrolled in at the Department of Anthropology. If you take courses at another department at the University of Copenhagen or another University, you are allowed to transfer one or two of your optional courses at anthropology.
Students enrolled in the 2008 MSc in Anthropology (students enrolled before 2012) are allowed to transfer one optional anthropological course and students enrolled in the 2012 MSc in Anthropology (students enrolled after 2012) are allowed to transfer two optional anthropological courses.
To study at another department, you need a preapproval from the Study Board at the department of Anthropology. To be preapproved it is required that the courses are relevant to your studies.
The application form for preapproval is available on the website. The preapproval should be attached your application to the department, at which you wish to study.
Can I do an internship during my MSc?
Yes, if you do it as part of your fieldwork during second semester. During the internship, you should be able to collect field data for your thesis. It is not possible to do internship and have it transferred as an optional anthropological course.
If you plan on during an internship during your fieldwork or cooperate with a third party, you should sign an agreement/contract to secure the right to your own data. Use the Department of Anthropology's ready to use contract.
Can I do an exchange program during my MSc?
Yes, you can. But you can only study a maximum of 30 ECTS points abroad and courses are only transferable, if the content of the course(s) are consistent with the corresponding course(s) in the MSc program at the Department of Anthropology.
Can I extend my study program?
Yes, you can, but you should make sure not to fall for the Faculty of Social Sciences' study activity requirements as well as the rules of progression of courses in the MSc programs.
The study activity requirements stipulate that you should pass exams worth 30 ECTS per year. If you fail to meet the requirements within a period of two years, the Faculty can withdraw your enrollment.
You extend your study program by not registering for courses during the course registration period prior to the semester.
Living
Can I get in contact with other MSc students?
The department does not give contact information about admitted students, but if you want to get in contact with other students, who have been admitted or are studying, you can contact the mentor coordinator. The welcome meeting held by the Student Advisory Service in August is another way of meeting fellow international students.
When should I arrive in Copenhagen?
That is up to you, but we recommend that you arrive at least a few days prior to commencing your studies. This will give you time to settle in and to get acquainted with the city.
The semester begins the first week of September. The Student Advisory Service holds a welcoming meeting end of August, which is a good idea to participate in, but not mandatory.
What are the living costs in Denmark?
Denmark, and Copenhagen, is known to be a rather expensive place to live. The International Office at the University of Copenhagen has an estimated budget for international students. For further information, visit their website.
How do I find housing in Copenhagen?
As a full degree international student, you are expected to find housing on your own. The International Office at the University of Copenhagen has a list of tips and important websites, which can be useful for the search.
Be aware, that you are required to have a permanent adress in Denmark and register with the local civil registration office (Folkeregistret or Borgerservice), to study a full degree programme at the University of Copenhagen. The civil registration office will provide you with a personal identity number, called a cpr-number, as well as a Health Insurance Card. The International Office can help you further.
Can I get a mentor/buddy?
Yes you can. The Department of Anthropology offers a mentor-mentee program for international full degree students. If you are interested in getting a mentor, read more here or send an email to the mentor coordinator mentor@anthro.ku.dk
What kinds of student jobs are available for international students in Copenhagen?
As a student in Denmark, you are able to work part time outside of your university studies. Many students take jobs in bars, restaurants and other service industries.
As a MSc student, you are also qualified for more study related jobs and international companies in Copenhagen search for English speaking students from time to time. Some international students find jobs within language teaching.
A good place to look for job ads is the Job Bank at Copenhagen University as well as the Job Bank specific for Social Sciences. Job ads are also available on the major Danish job sites www.stepstone.dk, www.jobindex.dk.
I want to learn Danish, what can I do?
There are several ways of learning Danish during your stay in Copenhagen. As a start, you can participate in the three-week pre-semester language course along with other international and exchange students at the University of Copenhagen. For further information, visit the International Office.
Another way to learn the language is to participate in social activities with Danish students at the Department of Anthropology or University of Copenhagen. Follow these links:
How can I take part in the social life at Campus?
The students at the Department of Anthropology have a handful of different social associations, e.g. the Friday Bar, the student run paper, café committee etc. If you want to take part in the social life, visit here and read more about the activities and their contact information.
I have lost/not received my Student ID card, where do I get help?
The IT unit at the Faculty of Social Sciences handles all matters regarding student ID cards. Information about lost ID cards, access to the Campus as well as contact information to the IT unit is available here.
Where do I find information about living, legal matters, insurance etc?
The International Office at the University of Copenhagen can help you with questions regarding living, legal matters, insurance and health issues. Take a look at their website.
I need help with personal matters, where can I go?
You are always welcome to come by the Student Advisory Service. We are trained advisors and can help you with any matters and questions, you might have, personal or academic. If we are unable to help you, we can refer you other facilities.
