MSc in Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology - Global Ethnography

Leiden University

The Master’s specialisation in Global Ethnography provides you with the opportunity to conduct a personalised three-month ethnographic field research, to gain expertise on how to study global issues on a local level and to develop excellent social scientific skills.

What does this master's specialisation in Global Ethnography entail?

Today people are increasingly connected across places, which redefines the local in terms of the global. Our globalising world demands comparative and holistic approaches to cultures and societies. In the master's specialisation in Global Ethnography, you will acquire the methodological skills for the localised study of global connections, both in far away places but also closer to home in your own society. Experienced scholars will teach you how to investigate, analyse and report on pressing and contemporary societal issues, by using in-depth ethnographic research methods. You will learn how to situate the everyday practice of individuals within the complex processes of the social changes and global challenges that confront societies worldwide today.

Reasons to choose Global Ethnography at Leiden University

• Acquire skills to study the everyday practice of individuals, groups, and communities worldwide to situate them within the complex global challenges of diversity, sustainability, and digitalisation;
• Learn how to set up and conduct a personalised three-month ethnographic fieldwork project, and how to present your research outcomes;
• Take part in one of our Field Schools in the Netherlands or in Ghana, and receive excellent on the spot coaching by our experienced staff members.

Global Ethnography: the right specialisation for you?

Are you eager to conduct your own three-month research project? Do you have excellent analytical, organizational and communication skills? Are you creative, flexible and hard-working? Then Global Ethnography is the right specialisation for you!

Career prospects

Graduates of the master's specialisation in Global Ethnography are proficient in analysing and reporting global vulnerabilities and local forms of resilience.

Skills after graduation

Graduates of this master's specialisation are independent, critical thinkers with a problem solving, creative mind set and the ability to express themselves very well. You are proficient in analysing and reporting global vulnerabilities and local forms of resilience thereby specifically studying environmental challenges and issues of sustainability, economic precariousness and the impact of media culture.

Career options

Thorough knowledge of societies, people’s drives and motivations in everyday life reality makes you suitable for a lot of positions. Your analytical qualifications and social science skills are a much desirable asset in various sectors, ranging from business and non-profit organisations to the governmental sector.

Positions our alumni hold

In some sectors, our graduates are represented more than in others, like the media industry, development organisations, the government, education, municipalities, art and culture industry, and scientific institutes.