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Master
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Medical Anthropology and Sociology

Study programme

Our intensive, one-year programme combines coursework and a thesis project based on your own individual fieldwork. You can choose to do research in the Netherlands or anywhere else in Europe; go to Asia, Africa or the Americas. You will design and organise your own research project, on a medical anthropological or sociological theme of your interest, with the guidance of our international academic staff.
  • First semester

    The programme consists of four core courses and one elective course in the first semester. The core courses focus on

    • contemporary topics in medical anthropology and sociology, 
    • social science theory as applied to health issues, 
    • how to translate MAS related insights into all sorts of practices, health and development, and research design. 
  • Second semester

    The programme is completed with a fieldwork of 8-10 weeks and a thesis in the second semester.

  • Electives

    Students also take one elective course in a domain of health that relates to their research interests. These Winter Programmes take place in January and are also open to other students. Students can choose between Global Mental Health by Prof. Dr. Mark Jordans, Sex, Reproduction and Development by Dr. Bregje de Kok, Materialities in Practice by Prof. Dr. Jeannette Pols or Visual Anthropology of Health by Dr. Lianne Cremers.

COURSES SEM 1 SEM 2 SEMESTER 1 SEMESTER 2 EC
  • Contemporary Topics in Medical Anthropology and Sociology
    9

    Explore how health issues are examined through social and biological lenses. Guest lectures from the Health Care and Body research group provide insights into current research and theoretical approaches.

  • Theorising Practice, Practising Theory
    9

    Explore key theoretical perspectives in medical anthropology and sociology through close readings of texts. This course covers how health and illness are socially constructed and legitimised. It also examines risk and uncertainty in modern societies and the dynamics between medical and patient knowledge, including how these influence access to resources and entitlements.

  • Research Design MAS
    9

    This course focuses on developing skills for conceptualising qualitative studies and writing persuasive research proposals. Through interactive seminars, lectures, and discussions on research design, literature reviews, and methodology, you will prepare to create a 4000-word research proposal.

  • Fieldwork MAS
    12

    Conduct 8 weeks of field research to provide data for your final thesis. You will gain practical experience by adapting your research to local contexts, applying various methods to collect and analyse data, and reflecting on theories and practices in medical anthropology, sociology, and STS.

  • Writing in Action
    3

    This seminar helps you prepare and write your final thesis by offering tools for time management, planning, and academic writing. You will exchange tips with peers and lecturers, engage in peer reviews, and practice oral and written communication of your research.

  • Restricted-choice electives: Winter School
    3

    The Medical Anthropology and Sociology winter school courses takes place annually in January. The courses are also open to health and health-related professionals, PhD students in social science and Master’s students in social science.

  • Thesis Project MAS
    15

    The thesis is the final part of the Master's programme. The thesis reports on the individual research (Fieldwork MAS) carried out by the student under supervision of a staff member.

Compulsory course
Elective
Find more information in the online course catalogue
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