Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology (BSc)

What will you learn

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.

Nicolás Moreno-Gutiérrez

Student Ambassador CADS

"I’ve always thought of people as a never-ending collection of stories. Ever since I have approached them with this mindset, I have been marveled by the complexities of human relationships. This is what made me study Cultural Anthropology, and this is what brought me here to Leiden. Now that I am in my second year, I have developed a more nuanced understanding of the human experience by connecting it to broader social realities. I hope to continue doing so during the remainder of the programme. In an increasingly interconnected and diverse world, grasping these complexities proves to be more important than ever."

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."

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.

Online Experience

See if Cultural Anthropology is something for you and join us in our Online Experience. You will follow short lectures on the four key themes of our programme: Sustainability, Diversity, Digitalisation and Methodology. This is an easy way to get a taste of the first year of our programme. Experience the Online Experience of Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology.