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Master
Compare programme
Cultural and Social Anthropology: Applied Anthropology (track)

Study programme

The Master's programme consists of three stages: In the first phase you deepen your knowledge of anthropological theory while you design your research project. In the following phase you conduct your research project. In the final phase you write your thesis based on your research material. In all three stages you will be supervised by a member of the academic teaching staff.
  • First semester

    In the first semester you focus on anthropological theory, find your partner organization and prepare the applied research that you will conduct.

    Therefore you start with the courses Key Debates in Anthropology (8 ECTS) and Designing Applied Fieldwork (12 ECTS). Meanwhile you prepare for your applied fieldwork in a small group with students that will research a similar topic in your Tutorial group (4ECTS). In January, at the end of the first semester, you make a start with your research project: Fieldwork Applied Anthropology (15 ECTS).

  • Second semester

    In the second semester you complete your Fieldwork Applied Anthropology (15 ECTS).

  • Thesis

    Upon returning from ‘the field’, you start writing your thesis. Your thesis consists of both an academic thesis as well as a report written specifically for the partner organisation. One of the challenges is how to maintain the mind-shifting qualities of anthropology while making your knowledge more applicable.  You will be supported in planning and writing your thesis during the course Thesis seminar Writing Applied Anthropology (6 ECTS) while receiving individual guidance from your supervisor.

COURSES SEM 1 SEM 2 SEMESTER 1 SEMESTER 2 EC
  • Key Debates in Anthropology
    8

    This anthropology course, "Key Debates in Anthropology," delves into ongoing theoretical discussions in social science, emphasising the role of ethnography. Students engage with diverse themes such as "Writing Culture" and "Multimodality" to anchor their research projects in contemporary anthropological discourse, fostering a theoretical understanding of the field.

  • Restricted-choice electives
    4
  • Designing Applied Fieldwork
    12

    This course builds on theoretical foundations from previous anthropology courses, guiding students in crafting a robust research proposal for their Master's research project in Applied Anthropology. The course focuses on honing ethnographic research skills and covers essential aspects such as formulating research questions, constructing theoretical frameworks, and addressing research ethics and positionality within partner organizations.

  • Fieldwork Applied Anthropology
    15

    Fieldwork is a vital component of the Master's programme, tailored to individual interests. Students collaborate with requesting organizations to define goals and research questions, employing various methods for data collection. Challenges, both practical and theoretical, are addressed during fieldwork, prompting reflections on evolving answers to questions about connections, research relevance, and chosen methods.

  • Thesis seminar Writing Applied Anthropology
    6

    The course aims to enhance students' skills in organising and structuring research material for both an MA thesis and a report, providing practical advice on scientific and applied writing. Emphasizing the connection among students during the writing process, the course covers analysis, interpretation of research data, methods, and the translation of anthropological research into applied forms.

  • Master Thesis Applied Anthropology
    15

    The objectives of the Master's thesis include presenting a written and oral account of an individual research study, demonstrating familiarity with methodological and ethical aspects, extrapolating theoretical insights, and translating academic findings into practical applications. The thesis structure involves an introduction, three to four chapters presenting research findings, and a conclusion. Additionally, the applied theses require a final product for the organisation, and the Master's thesis must meet specific requirements.

Compulsory course
Elective
Find more information in the online course catalogue
  • Workload

    The Master's Cultural and Social Anthropology is a full-time programme. A large part of the programme focuses on self-study, preparing and conducting your fieldwork project and writing your thesis.