University of Tromsø

What you'll study

This two-year Master’s programme combines advanced anthropological theory with practical training in visual and multimodal methods. You will study the history and ethics of visual anthropology, techniques for ethnographic film and photography, sound and audio-visual editing, multimodal analysis, and methods for presenting research to diverse publics.

• Core topics: visual theory and history, sensory and multimodal anthropology, ethics of representation, fieldwork methods, and reflexivity in ethnographic practice.
• Practical modules: courses in camera work, lighting, sound recording, post-production (video and audio editing), photographic practice, and digital storytelling for anthropological research.
• Analytical modules: multimodal discourse analysis, visual semiotics, narrative and documentary methods, and critical approaches to archives and heritage media.
• Fieldwork and project work: extended ethnographic fieldwork leading to a practice-based Master’s thesis that typically combines written analysis with a substantial visual or multimodal output (short documentary, web project, photo-essay, soundscape project, or exhibition).
• Electives and interdisciplinary options: opportunities to take courses in related areas such as digital humanities, media studies, museum studies, Indigenous studies, and Arctic studies to situate visual practice within broader social and cultural contexts.

The programme emphasises hands-on workshops, peer critique sessions, collaborative projects and supervision to develop both scholarly and technical competencies. Students learn to plan and execute ethically informed audiovisual research, to edit and present multimodal materials, and to write critical ethnographic analyses that integrate media outputs.

Entry requirements

• A relevant Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification, typically in anthropology, social sciences, media studies, visual arts, or other closely related fields.
• Evidence of academic ability at undergraduate level; transcripts and degree certificates are required.
• Portfolio or examples of visual/media work if applying from a non-anthropology background or if the application emphasises practical competence. This can include short films, photo essays, audio pieces, or digital projects.
• Proof of English language proficiency according to the university’s general requirements for international students, unless exempt.
• Supplementary documents: curriculum vitae, a personal statement outlining research interests and motivation for the programme, and at least one academic reference. Applicants may be invited for an interview or asked to submit a research proposal.
• Prior fieldwork experience is an advantage but not always mandatory; motivation and willingness to engage in field-based, often collaborative work are important.

Career prospects

Graduates combine anthropological knowledge with practical audiovisual and multimodal skills that are valued across academic, cultural and public sectors. Common career paths include:

• Visual anthropologist or ethnographic filmmaker producing research-based films and media for academic and public audiences.
• Museum and heritage professional developing exhibitions, interpretation strategies and digital storytelling for cultural institutions and archives.
• Documentary producer, editor or multimedia journalist working with NGOs, broadcasters or independent production companies.
• Researcher or PhD candidate in anthropology, media studies or related interdisciplinary fields.
• Communications and public engagement roles in cultural organisations, community projects, policy institutes and non-governmental organisations where skills in representing communities ethically are required.
• Digital content creator and consultant specialising in ethnographic methods, participatory media or community-based heritage projects.

Why study at University of Tromsø

The University of Tromsø (UiT The Arctic University of Norway) offers a distinctive setting for visual and multimodal anthropology, with strong departmental expertise in Arctic, Indigenous and northern communities. The programme benefits from UiT’s interdisciplinary environment, where anthropology intersects with Arctic studies, Indigenous studies and media research.

Students have access to specialised facilities and technical support for multimedia production, as well as opportunities for fieldwork in the unique Arctic context. The department supports collaborative projects with local communities, cultural institutions and research centres, enabling practice-based work that is regionally and globally relevant. Small seminar groups and close supervision ensure tailored feedback on both theoretical work and creative outputs, preparing graduates for research, public engagement and professional practice.