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Competences developed

The Master's degree in Anthropology trains specialists in the comparative approach to societies and the cultural dynamics created by globalisation. It gives students the critical thinking skills needed for analysis of life in society, specifically targeting the micro- or meso-sociological study of practices and concepts at the level of specific actors and groups. The master's in anthropology equips students with both theoretical knowledge and methods specific to this discipline, in particular ethnographic survey through participant observation. It also offers ethnological training in numerous cultural areas, primarily in Africa, America and Asia. This "outside view" of non-European societies offers a logical and original theoretical basis for addressing the complexities of the daily universe in our advanced industrial societies.

 
Upon completing the degree programme, graduates will have acquired both in-depth knowledge of the discipline and, if they wish, specialised knowledge in a more limited area through their choice of optional courses. Theoretical analysis and research lie at the heart of their discipline, but contemporary anthropologists
also help solve society's problems. Experienced in analysing cultural change, they place their expertise at the service of groups and bodies concerned with social developments or dysfunction, in both northern and southern hemisphere countries.

Curriculum

The MA combines a variety of teaching methods. Lectures – in the field of anthropology but also in other disciplines such as sociology, history and geography – alternate with exercises in small groups, seminars and field work. The thesis represents the cycle's organising axis; preparatory work begins from the end of the first year of the programme. Generally, the thesis involves field study that can take place in either distant locations or close to home.

Based on a common set of courses, three orientations are organised at ULB. The in-depth orientation is more directly based on theoretical and epistemological reflection and on further study of one or more cultural areas. It also offers optional courses in the area of sociology, geography, history, religious sciences and linguistics. The specialised orientation in anthropology of social dynamics in development contexts is steered more towards the analysis of social transformations affecting countries of the southern hemisphere as a result of development policies implemented by States or international organisations. It includes optional courses related to migration, health, the environment and political or development issues. The education orientation is more specifically focused on preparing students for teaching in non-university higher education.

Admission conditions

For the admission conditions, click here.

Specific features

The MA in Anthropology offers a solid set of basic courses in the discipline, courses in regional or specialised anthropology and a large number of optional courses in other disciplines.
The programme is designed to give students basic practical ethnographic skills by putting them to the test in the field. The teaching is designed to present close synergy with research: students interact with researchers through seminars and conferences. Many teachers-researchers work in Sub-Saharan Africa, Eastern Asia and Latin America on a wide variety of subjects. These include, among others, heritage development and the invention of traditions, the environment, ethnicity, religion, material culture, gender and sexuality, artistic performances, etc.

Professional strengths

The degree programme prepares students for the "classic" careers often pursued by anthropologists: basic research and teaching at university/higher education level. The other career paths are quite similar to those for the social sciences in general: public or private institutions, and more specifically those whose area of activity is related to problems of interculturality (migration, voluntary sector, etc.), development (international cooperation, NGOs, etc.) and policies related to culture.