Bachelor in Kulturanthropologie und Entwicklungssoziologie

Do you want to understand the complexities of today’s gender issues, social media use, food habits, social justice movements, labour relations or religious expressions? Join our international bachelor's programme in Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology and get insight into people's social and cultural differences!

What will you learn

Our international bachelor's programme in Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology challenges you to explore cultural diversity by seeing the world through other people’s eyes. You will be challenged to dive deep into topics that move you, from climate change to racism, homelessness, or child labour, to name but a few.

At Leiden, there’s also more to being an anthropologist than just reading about people or talking to political elites. We offer a unique mix of theory and practice, with students conducting fieldwork, doing internships, and producing films in the Netherlands and abroad.

"I’ve always thought of people as a never-ending collection of stories. Ever since I have approached them with this mindset, I have been marveled by the complexities of human relationships. This is what made me study Cultural Anthropology, and this is what brought me here to Leiden. Now that I am in my second year, I have developed a more nuanced understanding of the human experience by connecting it to broader social realities. I hope to continue doing so during the remainder of the programme. In an increasingly interconnected and diverse world, grasping these complexities proves to be more important than ever."

This programme is definitely for you if:

• You often wonder why people differ from each other;
• You want to learn why people behave the way they do;
• You empathise with and want to help individuals, groups, and communities affected by pressing issues;
• You are interested in photography and film as research methods;
• You relish the challenge of developing an independent mindset.

Why Leiden University?

Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology at Leiden is known for its student-centred teaching and world-leading faculty.

Five reasons to study Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology at Leiden

• Gain knowledge of contemporary issues concerning  diversity, social sustainability, and digitising societies;

• Spend a month living with the people you’ll be studying and  learn how to conduct fieldwork  on diverse topics from how nuns experience femininity to the challenges faced by fishermen;

• Combine theory with practice, acquiring unique  audiovisual production skills in order to present your research findings to a wide audience;

• Take part in a  highly international classroom ,where all lectures and readings are in English while tutorials, workshops, fieldwork training, exams, and written assessments are in Dutch or English;

• Benefit from  small-scale tutorials  with staff members always accessible.

Academic fields

Leiden has faculties in the fields of:

• Archaeology
• Governance and Global Affairs
• Humanities
• Medicine
• Law
• Science
• Social and Behavioural Sciences

Student support

International student advisers

The international student advisers are a good place to go when you need assistance during your stay in the Netherlands. Students in both locations of Leiden University have access to these specialised advisers. In many cases they will be able to provide the information you need, or will refer you to the relevant services. You can consult the advisers on a variety of matters, ranging from financial concerns, settling down issues, academic issues and health insurance to dealing with external housing agents or finding a family doctor.

Student counsellors

We have a number of specialised student counsellors available. They can help in legal and financial matters, but can also assist you in developing study-related skills. The skills package that is offered involves individual counselling and workshops designed to support you in your academic performance. Topics covered include thesis writing, time management, stress management and planning. Additionally, our counsellors are available to help resolve study and personal problems, should this be needed.

Departmental study advisers and coordinators

Each department has its own study advisers/coordinators who can answer questions about matters that are related to the study programme of your choice. You can consult the study adviser/coordinator on issues such as timetables, exam grades, choice of subjects and application for graduation.