BSc Cultural Anthropology & Development SociologyAdd to shortlist

Programme profile

This programme challenges you to explore different cultural practices by entering the mindsets of different people. You will be stimulated to delve deeper into areas that fascinate you, varying from climate change to racism and from homelessness to child labour.

At Leiden, there’s more to being an anthropologist than just reading about people or talking to the political elite. You will receive a unique mix of theory and practice, including acquiring video production skills, conducting fieldwork and doing internships in the Netherlands and abroad.

In this programme, you will explore the impact of diversity, digitalisation, and sustainability on people's daily lives and live with the people you’ll be studying and learn how to conduct fieldwork.

Note: if you need accommodation through the university's Housing Office, you must apply by 01 April

Programme content

Year 1:
During the first semester, you will learn anthropological theories and terms so you can study people in their daily lives and write about them. These courses pay attention to people’s resilience, creativity and the various ways they express themselves. In the second semester you will be taught hands-on skills in the use of interviews, surveys, and observation as research techniques.

Year 2:
The second year comprises two components. The first of these covers three key courses that will broaden your knowledge of digitalisation, sustainability and diversity by showing how they are connected to politics, economy, the environment, and digital media. It also explores how practical research and having a cultural perspective enable anthropologists to make crucial and original contributions to debates on key issues. The second component is centred around a month-long fieldwork project in or near the Netherlands. You will learn to analyse your own research data from different perspectives, link it to a societal debate, and present it at a conference in Leiden to which you can invite your research participants;

Year 3:
In year three will give you the freedom to tailor your programme. Next to writing a thesis on a topic of your personal preference, you will follow an elective and a course that will help you choose between continuing your academic studies or entering the professional environment. You could follow a minor in Leiden/The Hague, study for a semester abroad, or do an internship in the Netherlands, Asia or Africa

Entry Requirements