Learning outcomes

^{These learning outcomes apply to students who started their studies between 2019 and 2024.}

Social Anthropology engages with contemporary social issues through empirically grounded studies of people’s lives. You learn how anthropologists have developed theoretical and methodological tools for conducting such studies. You also learn to apply these yourself through designing your own research project, carrying out ethnographic fieldwork and analysing qualitative research data.

Specialisations

The programme is academically broad and offers flexibility in the choice of empirical and theoretical specialisation. You can choose between specialising in Contemporary Ethnography or Global Political Economy.

Contemporary Ethnography

With a specialisation in Contemporary Ethnography, you will learn how anthropologists have made sense of the most important social issues of our times. This track also provides you with maximum flexibility to customize your studies according to your own interests and research focus. For instance, you can take credits in a language of your choice, or take a regional or thematic course in line with your own project plans. You will also learn how to apply ethnographic methods in practice, which will help you to turn your anthropological competence into an asset on the job market.

Global Political Economy

With a specialisation in Global Political Economy, you will gain a rigorous understanding of different anthropological approaches to capital, finance, business and work. By exploring in-depth today’s challenges that shape the global economy, you will be given the analytical and methodological tools to engage with issues such as economic crisis, banking, and labour. You will be able to design, conduct and write up your own ethnographic fieldwork project related to this set of themes.

Learning objectives

The teaching and learning methods are varied. At the end of the programme you will have completed a complex, independent ethnographic research project where you have developed your thesis, found relevant theory and turned it into a complete scientific analysis. Upon completing the master's programme in Social Anthropology, you will have the following knowledge, skills and general competences:

Knowledge

advanced knowledge within the field of Social Anthropology, with a particularly thorough knowledge of political, socio-economic and cultural-historical perspectives on contemporary issues.
advanced knowledge of qualitative research methods.
advanced knowledge of how ethnography can be applied in contexts outside academia.
specific in-depth knowledge of the theme, theory and region chosen for your master’s thesis.