Location:

Leuven, Belgium

Program Type:

Study Abroad

Degree Level:

Undergraduate

Term:

Academic Year

Program Overview

Program Description:

What makes anthropology unique is not the subject it studies but the perspective from which it approaches the human condition. In doing so, it focuses on both the differences and the similarities between people across the globe. Today, cultures are regarded as always 'in-between', as giant melting pots of all sorts of influences. The global has adapted to the local and the local has incorporated the global. It is this interaction between cultures - and its economic, social and political implications - that contemporary anthropologists explore. As an anthropologist, you will study issues such as the impact of colonisation, the making and unmaking of identity, the relation between people and their environment and ethnicity. This is an initial Master's programme and can be followed on a full-time or part-time basis.

A graduate in the Master of Science in Social and Cultural Anthropology is capable of designing and carrying out original research and communicating its findings. Also, s/he has the ability to critically evaluate existing research. To this purpose, s/he has a solid and active knowledge of anthropological methods and techniques, of the existing cultural and ethnological diversity and of past and current anthropological paradigms, themes and theories.

The Faculty of Social Sciences at KU Leuven is home to approximately three thousand students, about fifty professors and two hundred research assistants. The faculty's objective is to contribute to the quality of society and analyse and inform societal trends through its education and research. Our programmes are thus closely linked to current events. As a student, you will closely track the developments of contemporary society. The topical and innovative aspect of our programmes is also to be found in our modern infrastructure. Our campus is equipped with advanced teaching technology, Wi-Fi, a library exclusively devoted to social sciences, a media centre with a usability lab and observation mirror and a meeting centre with video conferencing equipment. Via the interactive digital learning environment (Toledo) and our online student portal, you can check the online notice board, consult study materials and contribute to the discussion forum.

Setting Description:

Situated in the heart of Western Europe, KU Leuven (University of Leuven) has been a centre of learning for nearly six centuries. Today, it is Belgium's largest and highest-ranked university and, founded in 1425, one of the oldest and most renowned universities in Europe. As a leading European research university and co-founder of the League of European Research Universities (LERU), KU Leuven offers a wide variety of programmes in English, all supported by high-quality, innovative, interdisciplinary research. KU Leuven is home to a vibrant community of international scholars spread out over its various campuses. 14% of the university’s 54,000 students are international representing 140 countries. KU Leuven's three doctoral schools provide internationally oriented PhD tracks for more than 4,000 doctoral students. Boasting an outstanding central location, KU Leuven offers a truly international experience, high-quality education, world-class research and cutting-edge innovation.

Cost:

The Flemish Government's generous co-financing system ensures that tuition fees for Bachelor's and initial Master's programmes remain relatively low: 890 EUR per academic year (subject to change without notice).