Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology

About us

With more than 100-years of experience in research and teaching, Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology at Leiden University not only has strong disciplinary roots but also plays a pivotal role in fostering interdisciplinary and international partnerships at Leiden University and beyond.

Mixed methods

Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology at Leiden University uses a signature methodology consisting of a unique mix of qualitative, quantitative and visual methods grounded in ethnographic fieldwork.

Educational programmes

In our three-year Bachelor's programme, we train students in anthropological theory in order to critically examine global processes and how they impact diversity, sustainability, and digitalisation in particular locales.

Our one-year Master’s programme provides students in the Global Ethnography specialisation with the opportunity to conduct ethnographic research around the world. They can also choose the industry-oriented Sociology of Policy in Practice specialisation, which includes a research internship, or make an ethnographic documentary in our Visual Ethnography specialisation. All students can also take advantage of our field training opportunities in the Netherlands, the Philippines and Ghana. 

For more information on our programmes see Education.

Research profile

With our focus on ‘global vulnerabilities and social resilience’, Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology contributes to broader national and international research agendas (Horizon 2020 and the National Science Agenda NWA) regarding resilient societies, conflict and cooperation, smart liveable cities, quality of the environment, the living past and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

For more information on our research profile see Research.