Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology: Sociology of Policy in Practice

Master

Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology: Sociology of Policy in Practice

Sociology of Policy in Practice is a specialisation of the master's programme Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology and is offered by the Institute of Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology. It is a one year master's programme of 60 ECTS.

This specialisation offers students the opportunity to conduct ethnographic research with an organization in the context of a three-month Policy Oriented Research Internship. A list of Sociology of Policy in Practice Research internships is available on our website. The list is continually updated. In addition, it is possible to request permission to engage in a self-organised a research internship, which will only be granted if it meets the strict requirements specified in the module 'Policy Oriented Research Internships'. Requests for the academic year to come need to be submitted by June 15th.

While students begin with the issues tabled by the research internship provider, they are expected to conduct independent research. This implies, that the research project will always encompass a larger field of enquiry, which encompasses the questions formulated. In the context of a Policy Oriented Research Internship students can work with a NGO, government agency, small or large-scale company, museum or knowledge institute, either in the Netherlands or abroad.

The CADS staff actively encourages and supports students to make use of the technical means available to conduct both ‘ethnography at a distance’ (making video calls and so on), as well as ‘digital ethnography’ (doing research on and in online environments). The CADS Master’s programme also offers the opportunity to join staff members on their own research topics.

Admission and application

For information on admission to the master's programme Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology, specialisation Sociology of Policy in Practice, please check the website.

Career Preparation

Throughout the master’s programme both academic and transferable skills are developed: critical and analytical reading, thinking and writing; verbal, written and audio-visual communication; giving and receiving feedback; teamwork and working independently as well as time-management. During fieldwork, practical research experience is gained and training is provided for skills such as interviewing, observing, intercultural awareness and communication, networking, rapport-building, problem-solving, self-reflection and budgeting.

Besides the coursework the institute of Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology and Study Association Itiwana organise ‘get-togethers’ with alumni, and excursions to relevant organisations.

To fully support CADS students in entering the labour market, the FSW Career Service offers career advice, workshops, and CV checks and assessment of covering letters.

Coördinator career preparation programme CADS: Dr. S.R.J.J. Hölsgens

Sociology of Policy in Practice Curriculum

Course	EC	Semester 1	Semester 2
Large Issues, Small Places: Theorizing Ethnographic Research	10
Research Design for Policy in Practice	5
Research Proposal CADS	5
Policy Oriented Research Internship	20
Thesis seminar CADS PIP	5
Master Thesis Project CADS	15

Career Preparation

Description

By studying Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology you become an independent, critical thinker with a creative and problem-solving attitude. You are trained to adapt a broad range of social scientific methods to specific research problems, and use a comparative and holistic approach to both the big critical problems of our times and local manifestations thereof. This unique combination of skills and approach is highly valued and relevant to our fast changing and interconnected globalising world.

To help you prepare for your future career, you acquire valuable knowledge and skills during all your courses. These skills include: critical and analytical reading, thinking and writing; verbal, written and audio-visual communication; giving and receiving feedback; teamwork and working independently; and time-management. During fieldwork, you gain practical research experience and train skills such as interviewing, observing, intercultural awareness and communication, networking, rapport-building, problem-solving, self-reflection and budgeting.

Besides your coursework, the institute of Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology and Study Association Itiwana organise meet-ups with alumni and excursions to relevant organisations.

To fully help you prepare for entering the labour market, the FSW Career Service preparation offers career advice, workshops, and CV and cover letter checks.

More information

See for more information the Leiden University Career zone.

Contact information

Coördinator career preparation programme CADS: Dr. S.R.J.J. Hölsgens