Anthropology is the study of human beings in their full diversity. Its goal is to understand social action in different societies, and explain it in terms of its natural, social, political, economic and cultural contexts. In pursuit of this goal, anthropologists deal with both rural and urban spaces. They examine everyday practice, social and religious movements, the functioning of legal systems, conflicts, or the activities of state and international organizations, and explore how local cultures are embedded in regional, national, and global spaces.

Focal areas of teaching and research

The regional focus of Anthropology at the University of Basel is on Africa, Eastern Europe, Oceania and the Afro-Atlantic. 

Our research and teaching focus thematically on general anthropology; the global economy; migration, mobility and belonging; gender, sexuality and kinship; medicine, health and the body; and the politics of knowledge production.

From a methodological perspective the Institute of Social Anthropology represents primarily qualitative and interpretive approaches. In particular, it nurtures the development of methods that can detect current changes under globalization.

At Bachelor level, students learn to reimagine and understand society and culture. They are taught the history, theoretical and methodological approaches of Anthropology and gain insights into specific fields of research and topics.

Program structure

A bachelor’s is the first degree a person can earn. It requires a total of 180 credit points (CP). The Bachelor's Degree Program in Anthropology is one of two subjects studied, each worth 75 CP. Free electives (30 CP) are also included. One ECTS credit point equates to approximately 30 hours of work.

Bachelor of Arts (180 CP)
Anthropology
75 CP		Degree subject of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
or extra-faculty
75 CP		Free electives
30 CP
Two degree subjects

Combination of subjects

Students can choose a subject offered by the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences or a subject from another faculty as their second bachelor’s degree subject. Combinations with disciplines that deal with societies and their cultures or aspects thereof (such as art or language), their norms (law), history or natural environment are especially recommended.

Students are free to choose any free elective. These courses allow students to deepen their knowledge of their degree subjects, gain an insight into other degree subjects offered by the University of Basel, or acquire language skills.

Bachelor’s admission requirements

The Student Administration Office at the University of Basel is responsible for admitting students to bachelor’s programs in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. This is based on the admission regulations of the President’s Office:

  • with Swiss educational qualifications, 
  • foreign educational qualifications, or
  • as a visiting student (not working toward a degree at the University of Basel)

Holders of a Swiss federal Maturität certificate will be admitted to all bachelor’s degree programs.

If you have any further questions, please consult the information provided here.

Registration dates

Students must register for their bachelor’s or master’s degree program within a specified timeframe – even in cases of delayed registration.

Information events

The University of Basel organizes regular information events for bachelor’s and master’s programs. Details can be found on the <link de fakultaet aktuelles external-link-new-window internen link im aktuellen>events page of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. 
Some subject areas also offer their own separate information or welcome events. Please consult the page for the relevant subject area for event dates and locations.

Bachelor’s examination & degree

Deadlines and dates Bachelor studies (see information sheets under documents and information sheets)

Students can register for the Bachelor's examination if they have achieved 60 CP in the subject to be examined or 120 CP in the degree program and have completed the seminar papers that count towards the degree in the subject to be examined or in the degree program. Proof is provided by presenting the module assignment.

It is now also possible to examine only one subject per session. This means that the two Bachelor's examinations can be divided into two sessions (note: only for subjects - it is not possible to separate the two examinations for degree programs).

BA exams: Due to the free availability of AI text generators (such as ChatGPT), the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences has decided to adapt the way in which the BA examination is conducted. This adjustment is intended to ensure that students can make their own contributions. From SS23, the BA examinations will once again be written in the university rooms under supervision. These will be digital “bring-your-own-device” examinations. The examination dates remain unchanged. Please note the updated information sheet on the procedure for BA examinations and the new registration form (degree subject / program). If you have any questions, please contact the Student Administration Office.

 FS 2024SS 2025FS 2025SS 2026FS 2026
Registration forms (degree subject / program) available fromexpired20.01.2501.09.2526.01.2631.08.26
Registration periodexpired03.03. - 21.03.2529.09. - 17.10.2509.03. - 27.03.2628.09. - 16.10.26
Examination06.12. - 13.12.2409.05. - 16.05.2505.12. - 12.12.2511.05. - 18.05.2604.12. - 11.12.26
Notification of grades17.01.2501.07.2523.01.2601.07.2615.01.27
Degree application forms available no later than03.01.2502.06.2505.01.2601.06.2604.01.27
Examination inspection and application for graduation20.01. - 07.02.2504.08. - 22.08.2526.01. - 13.02.2603.08. - 21.08.2618.01. - 05.02.27
Graduation ceremony26.04.2518.10.2518.04.2617.10.2617.04.27

Subject to subsequent changes.

Continuing on to a master’s degree

  • <link en studium studienangebote master anthropology-master external-link-new-window internen link im aktuellen>Master of Arts in Anthropology

Academic advice

Teaching committee