BSc in Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology

Leiden University

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

Why study Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology?

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.

Why in Leiden?

Choose our international bachelor's programme in Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology at Leiden and you will:

Explore the impact of diversity, digitalisation, and sustainability on people's daily lives;
Learn how to conduct fieldwork and live with the people you’re studying;
Be part of a diverse and international cohort!

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.

After graduation

The choices you make during your bachelor's programme are crucial for your future career. Our Anthropology graduates work in fields varying from the development sector to policy work and heritage institutions.

What skills will you have?

After finishing your bachelor's programme in Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology, you have a strong understanding of cultural and social differences, experience with different research methods, and knowledge of how to apply these methods to fieldwork. In addition, you will have gained a solid foundation in analytical writing, invaluable for both academic and professional career paths.

Eyes on the job market

Jobs held by alumni of our programme vary from diversity officer at a municipality to television producer, environmental consultant, fundraiser, coordinator of a refugee programme and privacy expert in a digital heritage project. What all these positions have in common is that they require candidates with a fascination for people, including how they live their daily lives and develop their cultural identities.

Continuing your studies

Continue your study by finishing a master's programme to receive a full training as an anthropologist.

This bachelor’s degree will admit you to Leiden’s own master’s programme in Anthropology, which has specialisations in Visual Ethnography, Policy in Practice, and Global Ethnography. It will also admit you to several Humanities and Social Sciences master’s programmes in Leiden, The Hague, or elsewhere, depending on how you tailored your third year.