PhD in Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology

Class Profile

Class Size

25

Average Age

27

Average Work Experience

2 Years

Diversity

Others:

10%

Asia:

20%

North America:

10%

South America:

5%

Oceania:

2%

Africa:

3%

Europe:

60%

Career Outcomes

Median Earnings After Graduation

$1,10,000 / year

Job Placement

76%

Top recruiters

American Historical Association

American Association for State and Local History

Wellcome Trust

The British Museum

National Trust for Historic Preservation

American Museum of Natural History

UNESCO

Oxfam

Save the Children

University College London

National Trust

Fees and Funding

Tuition Fees

$8,500 / year

Overall Cost

$23,500 / year

FAQs

• What career prospects or support are available for graduates?
  
  Graduates are prepared for academic careers, research roles, and positions in NGOs, government, and international organizations. The programme provides extensive training in research, academic skills, and professional development, and PhD candidates participate in academic and public engagement events as part of their training.
• Are there funded PhD positions or scholarships available?
  
  Yes, funded PhD positions are available through specific research projects (e.g., the ERC-funded “Climate Citizenship” project). Additionally, scholarships like the CSC-Leiden University Scholarship are available for eligible candidates and may cover tuition, bench fees, and living expenses.
• What are the tuition and bench fees for PhD candidates?
  
  Contract and external PhD candidates are charged bench fees by the Institute of Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology. The exact amount should be confirmed with the institute. Some scholarships, such as the CSC-Leiden University Scholarship, may cover these fees.
• What are the main research areas within the institute?
  
  Research focuses on everyday practices and global challenges such as diversity, sustainability, and digitalisation. Key strengths include visual anthropology, media and material culture, historical ethnography, social policy, global religion, environmental studies, and urban development.
• What is the structure and duration of the PhD programme?
  
  The PhD is typically a four-year, full-time research programme. It includes independent ethnographic research (often with extensive fieldwork), participation in training and seminars, and the completion of a thesis. First-year PhD candidates participate in the Netherlands School of Anthropology (NESA), which provides advanced theoretical and methodological training.
• How can I apply for a PhD in this programme?
  
  You can apply by responding to advertised PhD vacancies within staff research projects or by submitting your own research proposal if you have secured a supervisor. Admission to the Graduate School of Social and Behavioural Sciences is mandatory at the start of your doctoral training.
• What are the entry requirements for the PhD in Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology at Leiden University?
  
  Applicants generally need a (research) Master’s degree in Cultural Anthropology or a relevant social science, with strong research skills demonstrated by a thesis or research papers. Proficiency in English is required, and additional language skills may be necessary for fieldwork in certain locations (e.g., Japanese for research in Japan).