Specialisations

Global Ethnography (MSc)
Sociology of Policy in Practice (MSc)
Visual Ethnography (MSc)

The one-year master's programme at Leiden University focuses on ethnographic research, offering you the chance to conduct independent studies on your chosen topic. Collaborate with ongoing projects or societal partners and acquire skills that are essential both in academia and beyond.

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Choose your path: Global Ethnography, Sociology of Policy in Practice, and Visual Ethnography

The master’s programme in Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology offers three specialisations. Each providing a distinct approach to applying anthropological knowledge in professional settings.

With Global Ethnography you undertake an immersive three-month ethnographic field research, tailoring it to your specific interests. This research will serve as the foundation for an academic thesis.
By choosing Sociology of Policy in Practice you conduct ethnographic research during an internship wherein you actively engage with a societal partner, addressing their concerns and contributing valuable insights.
If you prefer research based on audiovisual data, with the Visual Ethnography specialisation you will translate your research findings into captivating mediums such as a documentary, art installations, graphic novels, or any other multi-model presentation formats.

All specialisations are part of one MSc in Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology and grant the same degree. It is therefore possible to follow, and graduate in, only one specialisation.

Prospective students have to indicate which Master specialisation they would like to enroll for. Changing between the master specialisations Global Ethnography and Sociology of Policy in Practice will still be possible until (shortly) after the commencement of the programme. Please note that the VE specialisation is only accessible for students who meet the additional requirements.

Methodology in Practice & theorizing ethnographic research

All students begin with the course Research Design, a comprehensive course on research and methodological training. As part of this course students will follow a one-week hands-on course: Methodology in Practice (MiP) week. Coupled with the course Contemporary Anthropological and Social Theory you’ll develop the empirical reasoning and ethnographic skills needed to tackle complex cultural and developmental issues.

Shape your future

Graduates can pursue careers in policy-making, research and development, media, communication, and development work. Our programme equips you with the skills to make meaningful contributions in various professional environments.

Tailor your research: from LGBTQIA+ refugees to global sustainable tourism

Each specialisation allows you to develop a research project on a topic of personal interest. Whether it's water management in Africa, the fate of LGBTQIA+ refugees or the digitisation of cultural heritage in Holland, you'll have the freedom to explore what you're passionate about.

Research guidance

Our programme provides practical exercises and courses to help you gain the knowledge and confidence to tackle challenges in your research. Our staff brings extensive experience in both conducting research and guiding students through their academic journeys.

Impressions of the field

Learn how to address challenges faced by (local) NGO's, government bodies, and commercial companies
Learn how to use audio-visual methods for producing contemporary anthropological research
Design your own Global Ethnography project anywhere in the world

Information activities

Do you want to know more about the master's programme in Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology and what it's like to study at Leiden University? Get to know us through our online and in-person events for prospective students!

Master's Open Days

During the Master's Open Days you’ll have the opportunity to learn all about Leiden University’s master's programmes. Attend presentations about your chosen programme(s) or practical matters such as admissions and housing. Get real insight into the content of your preferred master's, along with the career opportunities it will bring.

When is the next Master's Open Day?

14 February 2025: Master's Open Day (on campus)

Master Talks: Programme videos

On the Master Talks: programme videos platform you can find videos for each master’s programme. This includes a video which gives a short introduction to the programme and the recording of the in-depth presentation during the Master's Online Open Days.

Pre-master's programme

The pre-master's programme has been designed to help the individual student achieve the requirements for admission in the MSc in Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology of Leiden University.

Pre-master programme

Admission to the pre-master’s programme is selective. Application for our pre-master programme is done by an official application for our master programme. You will be required to complete a pre-master's programme if our Admissions Board decides that you lack appropriate knowledge to get direct admission to our master programme. This decision is made after careful evaluation of your diplomas and academic portfolio and proof of proficiency in English. A pre-master's programme is tailor-made by our Admissions Board, for each applicant individually.

General information

Please note that you cannot apply for the pre-master’s programme independently. Students first need to apply in Studielink for one of our specialisations in the master programme. If a pre-master decision is given you will need to submit a new application in Studielink for the Bachelor Programme.

Please make sure to apply in time since the pre-master may contain courses from both semesters.
The number of credits to be obtained and the titles of courses to be followed is decided upon by the Admissions Board and is not subject to further negotiation.
A pre-master's programme is tailor-made and has a limited validity of two years after the decision by the Admissions Board.
All courses of the pre-master's programme need to be successfully passed before admission to the master specialisation is granted.
Courses for the pre-master programme cannot be followed during one of our master's specialisations.
Upon successful completion of the pre-master’s programme, you will get admission to the specialisation you applied for.

If you are admitted to our pre-master's programme, and you accept the offer, you need to follow the instructions given by the Student and Education Affairs Officer to register in Studielink as a bachelor student. The registration in Studielink needs to be completed before August 31st (in order to have admission to courses of the Fall semester) or before January 31st (in order to have admission to the Spring semester).

The amount of tuition fee you have to pay depends on a number of factors.

More information can be found on the Tuition Fee website.

Visual Ethnography specific information

If you do not have the required training in visual ethnographic methodological and theoretical approaches, courses on how (audio) visual media are used in the anthropological research process will be part of your premaster programme.

Questions?

If you have any questions regarding our pre-master's programme, please contact stucoanthropology@fsw.leidenuniv.nl

Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology (MSc)