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Master
Vergelijk
Applied Anthropology (Cultural and Social Anthropology)

Study programme

The Master's track Applied Anthropology is a one-year programme that allows you to shape your research topic in collaboration with a partner organisation. The programme consists of three phases: in the first phase you deepen your knowledge of anthropological theory while you design your research project, you then conduct your research project, and finally you write your thesis based on your research material. In all three phases 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.

    The course Key Debates in Anthropology (8 ECTS) offers an overview of recent debates in the discipline and helps to anchor your research project in a contemporary and theoretically engaged field of knowledge and understanding. In one of the elective (4 ECTS) you become acquainted with the theoretical and methodological development in a thematic field. Designing Applied Fieldwork (12 ECTS) prepares you for your individual fieldwork and introduces you to the theories and methodologies of applied research. In the course you systematically look at all elements of research design including research question, theoretical framework, methodology, ethics and positionality, and practical and safety issues. In this period you are also matched you’re your individual supervisor.

    In January you startFieldwork Applied Anthropology (15 ECTS). Fieldwork is a main component within the Master’s programme. Long-term immersion in a ‘field’ allows you to collect relevant materials and gain insights that allow you to answer your research questions. You work as an independent researcher, but your questions are based on the concerns of a partner organisation. A number of organisations work together with the University of Amsterdam, but you are also able to work with another organisation of your choosing. You continue to receive support from your supervisor.

  • Second semester

    The second semester you devote all your time and energy to your research project. Fieldwork continues in February and March. Upon returning from ‘the field’, you start analysing the materials you have collected in a more systematic manner. The main challenge is to both keep the nuance and depth of anthropological research and translate these findings to the demands of the partner organization. Your thesis consists of both an academic thesis as well as a report written specifically for the partner organisation. 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
Before starting my studies, I was already working at a construction site. The idea of bringing these worlds together was important to me, so finding the Applied Anthropology track was exciting. Lianne Quax, alumna
  • 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.