During your first year, you will be thoroughly introduced to the field of anthropology. In courses like Introduction to Anthropology and Current Debates 1: Connecting Worlds, you will explore key anthropological themes and theories. 

Tutorial groups or tutorials are led by your mentor, who will support you throughout this first year. In Ethnographies and Academic Writing, you will develop critical reading and writing skills, while Anthropological Research Methods teaches you essential techniques that you will apply in your own research project. 

The year concludes with Doing Anthropology, where you will discover how anthropologists contribute to society and explore how you can do the same in the future. 

In the second year, you will explore diverse areas of Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology in greater depth. In Theory and History of Anthropology, you will examine the origins and development of anthropology as a social science. Current Debates 2: Imagining Futures focuses on major social processes such as colonialism, state-building, nation-building, and globalisation. 

You will also specialise by choosing courses that focus on a specific region or anthropological theme. Additionally, you can broaden your knowledge by selecting a course aligned with other interests, such as economics or law. 

The year concludes with an ethnographic research project, which you will complete with a written paper. 

In the third year, you will have the opportunity to complete a minor or go on an exchange. 

You will also further refine your specialisation by taking two thematic courses based on recent anthropological research. These courses span various disciplines, such as political anthropology, visual anthropology with film, research into (reproductive) health, art, organisations, identity, and more. 

Your studies will conclude with a presentation on your chosen specialisation within the theme courses. 

CASA is the undergraduate study association, fully run by students. It organises a wide range of events throughout the year, including social gatherings, parties, drinks, conferences, seminars, and trips. CASA also supports your studies with recurring events like exam training sessions and lectures to help you prepare for exams. 

As a member of CASA, you’ll enjoy weekly get-togethers and unique activities such as day trips within the Netherlands or even a hitchhiking race across Europe. Members also benefit from discounts on textbooks. 

Cul is the magazine for and by students of the Bachelor Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology. You can work within the creative editorial team, or you can join Cul as a guest editor. In addition to having a great time, involvement with Cul offers you the chance to further explore your anthropological interests and improve your (academic) writing skills.

International collaboration is key in anthropology, and studying at a foreign university can be incredibly enriching. The UvA has partnerships with over 50 universities outside Europe and collaborates with eight European universities, including those in Germany, Ireland, Spain, Portugal, and Italy. 

In your third year, you’ll have the opportunity to study abroad for six months. At the same time, international students will join classes at the UvA, creating a dynamic exchange of experiences and perspectives. 

During your Bachelor’s programme in Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology, you’ll have 30 credits (half a year) of free elective space to tailor your studies. You can deepen your knowledge with electives in anthropology or explore courses in other disciplines. 

Electives for anthropologists include options in Social Sciences like Sociology, Political Science, Pedagogy, and Social Geography, as well as fields within the Humanities such as Philosophy, History, or European Studies. The Institute for Interdisciplinary Studies also offers courses that encourage you to look beyond your field, and you can even take courses at another university in the Netherlands. 

All available electives are listed in the study guide. 

You can choose to do an internship during your bachelor's programme. It’s up to you to find a placement and submit a proposal. Internships allow you to apply your anthropological knowledge and skills in practice, helping you discover your potential contribution to the job market. They can also boost your chances of finding a good job after graduation. 

Examples of past internship placements include Solidaridad, Rituals, Taste Before You Waste, the StudyHub of Diversity Talks Foundation, Follow.art (an online art organisation), and El Terreno in Ecuador (an international internship). 

You can also use your elective space to complete a minor, either at the UvA or another university. A minor is a structured programme that introduces you to another field of study, serving as excellent preparation for a master’s degree or a specific career path. 

Interesting minors for anthropology students include International Relations, Gender and Sexuality, Philosophy, International Development Studies, or studying a language. 

Are you currently enrolled in a Dutch HBO Bachelor's programme in social sciences and interested in Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology? You might qualify for the abridged Bachelor's programme, which allows you to complete your anthropology degree in less time. 

Visit this page (in Dutch) to learn more about the programme, admission requirements, and how to apply.

If you’re a talented student seeking more depth in your studies, the Honours programme might be for you. This programme introduces you to scientific research through an engaging set of in-depth or broadening courses. You’ll largely design your own curriculum and work in small, high-level groups. 

The honours programme includes 30 EC, which you take alongside the regular bachelor's curriculum. 

As an anthropology student, you will spend around 12 hours per week in your first year attending lectures and tutorials at the university. In addition to these contact hours, you will dedicate time to self-study, reading literature, preparing presentations, and meeting with your research group. 

Altogether, you will invest approximately 40 hours per week in your studies. 

• Lectures: During lectures, a teacher explains the subject matter, and you have the opportunity to ask questions.
• Tutorials: In tutorials, you practice with the subject matter in smaller groups, under the guidance of a teacher.

During your studies, you are not alone. In the first year of your anthropology studies, you will have a tutor to guide you. In your second year of study, you will be invited for a counselling interview with the study adviser(s) about the specialisation phase of your study and your future plans. At any time in your studies, you can schedule a personal meeting with the study adviser(s) tailored to address specific questions or discuss concerns that you may have.