MSc in Anthropology and Development Studies

Programme Overview

• This programme is designed for students with a background in Anthroplogy, Development Studies, Non-Western Sociology or related disciplines
• Gain skills to design and present your own research and findings in dialogue with NGOs, stake holders, or government actors
• Learn about the scientific debates surrounding your chosen domain, and apply this knowledge to analysis of local issues- especially in terms of social exclusion and inequality
• Prepare for a career in fields such as policy making, NGO or aid work, consulting, and civil society

Why study Anthropology and Development Studies at Radboud University?

The Master's programme in Anthropology and Develoment Studies at Radboud was voted the best programme of its kind in the Netherlands from 2015-2017. Radboud offers you an atmosphere where you can develop your research ideas surrounded by supportive faculty. We also offer a one-year Advanced Master in International Development if you choose to continue your studies.

We place great importance of research to 'the field' with a strong focus on a critical, reflective attitude towards social issues.

Radboud also offers access to an international network of partners to help you find an internship that meets your interests. The programme is run by two Nijmegen chair groups: Cultural and Social Anthropology (including the renowned Centre for Pacific and Asian Studies), and Development Studies (through the Centre for International Development Issues Nijmegen (CIDIN), which is recognised internationally for its expertise on issues related to development cooperation. The Nijmegen programme is also part of the European Association of Development Institutes.

What will your learn?

This unique Master's programme, which is at the cutting edge of social and cultural anthropology as well as development studies, also includes knowledge derived from sociology, politicology, economics and geography. Using a multidisciplinary perspective you will be encouraged to go deeper into the most relevant current local and global issues, including poverty, health, environment, inequality, mobility, multiculturalism and transnational networks. It is a study designed for those who want to break with traditional paradigms.

You will join the international debate around global policy issues, and learn how to reformulate these issues into research questions and discover the best methods to use when exploring them. We will also teach you to think critically and analytically and help you develop your academic and communication skills.

Career prospects

Graduates from this programme could find work as:

• Policy officers
• Researcher
• Government advisor
• Advisor for aid, welfare or civil society organizations
• Consultant
• Journalist
• Communications officer

Admission requirements

As an international student, your prior education must meet certain requirements.

1. A completed Bachelor's degree in Anthropology, Development Studies, Non-Western Sociology or related area

In order to get direct admission to this Master's you will need a completed Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology, Development Studies, Non-Western Sociology or related area that is the equivalent to a Dutch university diploma (this does not include a Bachelor’s from a University of Applied Science, in Dutch hbo; in German Fachhochschule).

2.Basic training in Social Science research processes

Our programme is based on research; we are an academic university and involved in many international research projects. Therefore, we require a basic training in Social Science research processes: research design, fieldwork and data analysis.

3. The required documents need to be written correctly, in good English.

4. The degree should have been obtained in the last 7 years; if longer ago the student should refer to recent expertise in a related field (education, research and/or training).

Language Requirements

In order to take part in this programme, you need to have fluency in both written and spoken English. Non-native speakers of English* without a Dutch Bachelor's degree or VWO diploma need one of the following:

• A TOEFL score of ≥575 (paper based) or ≥90 (internet based)
• An IELTS score of ≥6.5
• Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE) or Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) with a mark of C or higher

Deadlines

Programmes starting in September

• Non-EEA students: 1 April
• EEA students: 1 May

Quality label

This programme was recently rated ‘Number One’ in the Netherlands in the Keuzegids Masters 2016 (Guide to Master's programmes).