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 prepare for the (international) job market as an anthropology graduate by following the courses Future Perspectives and Professional Anthropological Profiles. What sparks your curiosity and how do you find your dream job? Besides inspiration, you will receive practical tips for pursuing your ambitions, networking and job hunting. Do you want to pursue a Master first or start working right away? Discover a world of possibilities.

In the third year, you can use your free choice elective space to further explore your interests. You can complete a minor, do an internship or go on an exchange for example. You will also further develop your specialisation within anthropology by completing two theme courses in a field of your choice. The theme courses are based on recent anthropological research and span various disciplines, such as political anthropology, migration, identity, sustainability, (reproductive) health, art, visual anthropology using film, and more.

CASA is the is the study association for students of Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology, 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. 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.

Students have previously completed internships in the Netherlands at organisations such as The Black Archives, The Dutch Council for Refugees, De Volkskrant, the municipality of Amsterdam, Solidaridad, Rituals, Taste Before You Waste, World Press Photo and Diversity Talks. You can also decide to complete an internship abroad, either within or outside Europe, for instance at a non-profit organization, research institute or consulting firm.

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 an average of 12 hours per week at university during your first year, attending lectures and tutorials. In addition to these contact hours, you will also spend time on self-study, such as reading literature, working on presentations, completing writing assignments, conducting fieldwork, and preparing for exams and other deadlines.

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

You will attend lectures together with other students from your year. Attendance at lectures is expected in order to participate in tutorials, also keep in mind that material from lectures may be included in exams. Tutorials are mandatory interactive sessions in groups of approximately 25 students in which you further discuss literature.

As a student, you do not have to figure everything out yourself. At the start of your first year, you will be assigned a mentor. Your mentor is your first point of contact for questions related to making a smooth start as a first-year student and can help you find your way around the university. You can talk to your mentor about your experiences with the Bachelor, academic progress or any doubts you might have. The mentors organize weekly study sessions during your first year. This can be a great way to prepare for exams and deadlines together or serve as good motivation if you struggle with procrastination. The mentors also provide tools to help you reach your full potential in workshops focused on topics such as dealing with setbacks, stress management and decision-making.

In your second year of study, you will be invited for a meeting with the study adviser 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 advisers tailored to address specific questions or discuss concerns that you may have. Are you the first in your family to go to university? Are you studying with a chronic illness, disability or neurodiversity? Whether you want to discuss your study planning or any personal circumstances that may impact your studies, the study advisers are happy to make time for you to explore how they can best support you in your studies.