Studier > Kandidatuddannelser > Afrikastudier
Master in African studies
Human Rights, conflicts and conflict resolutions, the social context of HIV/AIDS, poverty alleviation, economic development and much more...
As a student of African Studies you:
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acquire an interdisciplinary and international education
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gain insight into social conditions, culture and religion in sub-Saharan Africa
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are taught by the best teachers within the field
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acquire the skills needed to work in the field of developmental work in a national or international context
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Admission Requirements
Enrollment in the MA programme in African Studies requires a relevant Bachelor's degree in either social science, the humanities, theology or in certain disciplines in the life sciences, health sciences (e.g. public health) and natural sciences (e.g. human geography)
Other relevant Danish or international qualifications at the same level may also fulfill general entry requirements. In their BA the students must have acquired knowledge and academic experience that relates to the disciplines and make up the MA programme in African Studies and which can be expanded during the course of studies. Applicants holding a professional BA (such as treachers, journalists, nursus etc.) may be admitted if the Study Board for African Studies deems that they have the appropriate educational background.
Academic profile
The African Studies programme is offered as a two-year postgraduate programme (120 ECTS) leading to a MA in African Studies. The MA is offered as an all English language programme.
The Masters programme is based on the academic disciplines of the Arts and Social Sciences and aims at providing the students with a thorough understanding of the social, developmental, cultural and religious conditions of Africa as well as an opportunity to acquire skills in an African language (Swahili)
Career Prospects
The programme aims to give students job related competences which, combined with a Bachelor's degree, can lead to employment within the broad area that comprises Denmark's relations with Africa and developing countries, regardless of whether the work is carried out in Denmark or in the field. Such positions could be within Danish aid and development activities in developing countries, either as part of public programmes, through the business community or consultancy industry or through non-governmental organisations (NGO). The competences acquired can also lead to employment in international governmental and non-governmental organisations, e.g. within the UN system. In connection with fact finding and reports, Danish institutions can also benefit frem the analytical capacity which the study programme provides. Moreover, the programme aims at various parts of the educational sector as well as at communication and information work in general.
Graduates of the MA programme bear the title Cand.mag (in English MA) in African Studies.
Graduates are qualified to seek employment within the broad field which emcompasses Danish relations to Africa and other developing countries, whether this takes place in Denmark or as delegates.
Structure and content
The study programme consists of the following components:
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Compulsory courses: "African Economics", "Nature, People and Society in Africa", "Politics, Development and Change in Africa" and "Religion, Culture and Society in Africa"
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Optional couses centered on themes like human rights, conflict management & resolution, genocide, religion and politics, society and environment, youth and children, HIV/AIDS, foreign Aid etc. The topics vary from term to term
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Language course in Swahili
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Fieldwork, internship or studies abroad
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Thesis
The first two semesters gives the student a thorough insight into the interdisciplinary field of study through the compulsory courses which each focuses on different important economical, political, cultural and religious perspectives in relation to development. This enables the student to choose subjects of personal interest in the third and fourth semester where the optional courses give specific insight into a single theme. In the third semester it is possible to gain practical experience by doing fieldwork or take up a position as an intern and in the fourth semester the student should write the MA-thesis and it is compulsory to participate in a thesis seminar.
The teaching takes place in classes with a high degree of student participation, and the programme requires the independent work of the students.
Contact
Student counsellor
studievejledningcas@teol.ku.dk
Tel: 00 45 35 32 45 98
Centre of African Studies
Købmagergade 46, 4. floor
1150 Copenhagen K
Website: www.teol.ku.dk/cas
Provided Skills
The MA programme is an interdisciplinary programme which further develops the academic expertise acquired by the student during the Bachelor's programme that gave access to the MA programme. It is therefore a key goal that the student, during the course of study, develops his or her interdisciplinary working skills in order to participate in collaborations involving different academic competences.
It is also a goal to develop the students´ interdisciplinary skills with a view to promoting business related competences in relation to Africa oriented positions. This is achieved, in part by placing special emphasis on the compulsory courses and through the thematic seminars on offer. This can provide special competences that may lead to specific job opportunities. In addition, the programme offers the opportunity to take part in a traineeship or fieldwork programme, thus providing the student with knowledge and experience from specific work contexts in Africa.
Finally, African Studies places emphasis on the ability to communicate in connection with teaching situation as well as with communication and information work.
When and how to apply
Danish citizens: 1 April (admission September)
EU/EEA-citizens, including Scandinavians: 1 April (admission September)
Non EU/EEA-citizens: 15 January (admission September)
You find an application form on www.teol.ku.dk/cas
Please send your application to:
Centre of African Studies
University of Copenhagen
Koebmagergade 46, 4. floor
DK-1150 Copenhagen K
Denmark
About the applications procedure
Upon recieving your application, we check if it is complete and subsequently process it. each application will be evaluated individually, based on the admission requirements. Within two weeks after the deadline, you will recieve a reply to your application.
