Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology (BSc)

Emma van der Plas

Student Ambassador CADS

"I have a lot of different interests like photography, hiking, people, and sustainability. Hence, I had difficulties finding a combination of these interests in a bachelor. When I came across Cultural Anthropology, I immediately knew this programme would suit me. I wanted to find out more about the reasons why people are so different and how these differences influence our societies. Now that I am a third-year student, this bachelor has thought me some valuable lessons regarding our societies; things that I have never been aware of. Our world is so broad, and anthropology helps us to understand this complexity."

Andrew Littlejohn

Assistant Professor CADS

"Moving towards more low-carbon, sustainable futures requires rethinking the social, cultural, and political worldviews underpinning our economies. Anthropology can contribute here due to its profound concern with human diversity. It shows us that there are many different ways of conceiving relations between environment and society, nature and culture, and humans and other animals. Paying attention to this diversity provides inspiration for how to re-imagine our social and economic systems in more sustainable ways."

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.

Online Experience
You can join us in an Online Experience and follow lectures on the four key themes of our programme: Sustainability, Diversity, Digitalisation and Methodology.
Read more and sign up for your Online Experience

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! 

Learn more about studying Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology in Leiden here.

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.

See here for information on admission and application.