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Faculty of Philosophy and Social Sciences MA-ANTR

Master in Anthropology

Master in Anthropology

The 2025-2026 programme is subject to change. It is provided for information purposes only.

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  • Programme title
    Master in Anthropology
  • Programme mnemonic
    MA-ANTR
  • Programme organised by
    • Faculty of Philosophy and Social Sciences
  • Degree type
    Master 120 credits
  • Tier
    2nd cycle
  • Field and branch of study
    Human and social sciences/Political and social sciences
  • Schedule type
    Daytime
  • Languages of instruction
    french
  • Theoretical programme duration
    2 years
  • Campus
    Solbosch
  • Category / Topic
    Human and social sciences - Political and social sciences

Presentation

Details

General information

Degree type

Master 120 credits

Theoretical programme duration

2 years

Learning language(s)

french

Schedule type

Daytime

Campus

Solbosch

Category(ies) - Topic(s)

Human and social sciences - Political and social sciences

Organising faculty(s) and university(ies)
Infor-études

Contacts

+32 2 650 39 09

hdivince@ulb.be

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Presentation

The Master in Anthropology enables students to acquire both theoretical knowledge and practical experience on the methodologies specific to this discipline, in particular participant observation. It also includes solid theoretical courses on various geographical cultural areas: first and foremost Africa, but also several regions of Europe, Asia, and Latin America. In addition, this ‘distant view’ of non-European societies and the highly comparative approach used in anthropology help students gain an original perspective that lets them better understand contemporary worlds as a whole, including the complex nature of advanced industrial societies. At the end of the programme, graduates will have both general knowledge of the discipline's major topics and issues, and a wealth of in-depth knowledge in their specialised fields, acquired through their choice of research subjects, specialisation track, and elective courses.

The Master programme combines several teaching methods: formal lectures, exercises in small groups, workshops, and assignments.

Emphasis is placed on the student's ability to think critically; on acquiring and putting to the test quantitative and qualitative methods (observation, description, interviews); on field work; and on openness to other disciplines (sociology, history, psychology, philosophy, political science).

The Master in Anthropology offers solid basic knowledge in regional anthropology, and includes courses that borrow from other disciplines (history, linguistics, geography, religion, etc.).

With its emphasis on research-based training, the programme was designed to let students acquire basic ethnographical skills in a practical manner, by putting them to the test in the field. Thus, teaching activities are designed in close synergy with research, which allows students to share ideas during seminars with researchers who work on various geographical areas and topics.

Courses focus on training through research, with students acquiring practical skills by developing a research project over two years, from defining their research topic and methodology to writing a dissertation featuring empirical fieldwork, in Belgium or abroad.

A team of lecturers-researchers is available, whose members are well connected in international research programmes and have a wide range of interests and geographical areas of specialisation: this means that the programme is backed by high-level research.

The department gives graduates a European Certificate in Anthropology of Social Dynamics and Development. ULB is in charge of coordinating this specific programme.

Importance is attached to training by research, with students acquiring practical competences through developing a research project over two years, from the definition of a research subject and a methodology to writing a dissertation featuring empirical fieldwork, whether in Belgium or abroad.

A team of lecturers-researchers is available, well-networked in international research programmes, with a wide range of interests and varied geographical specialisation areas, meaning that training is backed by high-level research.

The department offers a “European certificate in Anthropology of social dynamics and development”. ULB is in charge of the coordination of this specific programme.

Students may spend a single term or a full year abroad. The department has signed exchange agreements with many partner universities in Europe and throughout the world.

It also has a strong relationship with a limited number of universities, enabling students to take part in a mobility programme as part of the European Certificate in Anthropology of Social Dynamics and Development programme. ULB is in charge of coordinating this programme, which can lead to a joint Master’s degree when students attend the University of Bordeaux (France). The list of universities that take part in this European Master's degree can be found here: European programme in Anthropology.

Access conditions

Access conditions
CONDITIONS COMMUNES MASTERS / COMMUNES MASTERS

The conditions of access to the selected Master's degree meet the requirements of Article 111 of the Decree of 07/11/2013.

To facilitate the reading of these access conditions and click on the category that concerns you, to obtain more information, please note that :

The point A concerns the candidates who have obtained a diploma in theFrench-speaking community of Belgium and who benefit from full admission rights .

The point B concerns the candidates who have obtained a diploma outside the French-speaking community of Belgium, recognised as equivalent in the framework of a European directive, an international convention, ...

The point C concerns the candidates who have obtained a diploma outside the French-speaking community of Belgium, whose application is submitted to the opinion of the academic jury

ACCES PLEIN DROIT

A. Full admission rights granted to holders of a degree obtained in the French-speaking Community of Belgium

ACCES PLEIN DROIT / AUTRE FINALITE

Admission granted to the holder of the same Master's degree, but with a different focus.

Finalité spécialisée accessible without supplement to the holder of the following degrees :

  • Master en Anthropologie, à finalité approfondie
  • Master en Anthropologie, à finalité didactique
ACCES PLEIN DROIT / DECISION ACADEMIQUE UNIV

Admission granted to the holder of a university Bachelor's or Master's degree, pursuant to a decision by the academic authorities.

Finalité spécialisée accessible without supplement to the holder of the following degree :

  • Bachelier en sociologie et anthropologie

Finalité spécialisée accessible with supplement to the holder of the following degrees :

  • Bachelier en histoire - 3 additional courses, for 15 credits
    • Histoire de la pensée anthropologique SOCA-D-208 - 5 credits
    • Anthropologie sociale et culturelle II SOCA-D-201 - 5 credits
    • Méthodologie de l'anthropologie sociale et culturelle SOCA-D-204 - 5 credits
  • Bachelier en histoire de l'art et archéologie, orientation générale - 3 additional courses, for 15 credits
    • Histoire de la pensée anthropologique SOCA-D-208 - 5 credits
    • Anthropologie sociale et culturelle II SOCA-D-201 - 5 credits
    • Méthodologie de l'anthropologie sociale et culturelle SOCA-D-204 - 5 credits
  • Bachelier en histoire de l'art et archéologie, orientation musicologie - 3 additional courses, for 15 credits
    • Histoire de la pensée anthropologique SOCA-D-208 - 5 credits
    • Anthropologie sociale et culturelle II SOCA-D-201 - 5 credits
    • Méthodologie de l'anthropologie sociale et culturelle SOCA-D-204 - 5 credits
  • Bachelier en information et communication - 10 additional courses, for 50 credits
    • Sociologie II SOCA-D-202 - 5 credits
    • Histoire de la pensée anthropologique SOCA-D-208 - 5 credits
    • Anthropologie du proche SOCA-D-323 - 5 credits
    • Anthropologie sociale et culturelle I SOCA-D-101 - 5 credits
    • Eléments d'épistémologie des sciences sociales SOCA-D-203 - 5 credits
    • Anthropologie sociale et culturelle II SOCA-D-201 - 5 credits
    • Méthodologie de l'anthropologie sociale et culturelle SOCA-D-204 - 5 credits
    • Anthropologie de la religion SOCA-D-473 - 5 credits
    • Le capitalisme et les sciences sociales SOCA-D-3500 - 5 credits
    • Méthodologie de l'entretien de recherche SOCA-D-200 - 5 credits
  • Bachelier en philosophie - 3 additional courses, for 15 credits
    • Histoire de la pensée anthropologique SOCA-D-208 - 5 credits
    • Anthropologie sociale et culturelle II SOCA-D-201 - 5 credits
    • Méthodologie de l'anthropologie sociale et culturelle SOCA-D-204 - 5 credits
  • Bachelier en sciences philosophique, politique et économique - 6 additional courses, for 30 credits
    • Sociologie II SOCA-D-202 - 5 credits
    • Histoire de la pensée anthropologique SOCA-D-208 - 5 credits
    • Anthropologie du proche SOCA-D-323 - 5 credits
    • Eléments d'épistémologie des sciences sociales SOCA-D-203 - 5 credits
    • Anthropologie sociale et culturelle II SOCA-D-201 - 5 credits
    • Méthodologie de l'anthropologie sociale et culturelle SOCA-D-204 - 5 credits
  • Bachelier en sciences politiques, orientation générale - 3 additional courses, for 15 credits
    • Histoire de la pensée anthropologique SOCA-D-208 - 5 credits
    • Anthropologie sociale et culturelle II SOCA-D-201 - 5 credits
    • Méthodologie de l'anthropologie sociale et culturelle SOCA-D-204 - 5 credits
  • Bachelier en sciences psychologiques et de l'éducation, or.générale - 10 additional courses, for 50 credits
    • Sociologie II SOCA-D-202 - 5 credits
    • Histoire de la pensée anthropologique SOCA-D-208 - 5 credits
    • Anthropologie du proche SOCA-D-323 - 5 credits
    • Anthropologie sociale et culturelle I SOCA-D-101 - 5 credits
    • Eléments d'épistémologie des sciences sociales SOCA-D-203 - 5 credits
    • Anthropologie sociale et culturelle II SOCA-D-201 - 5 credits
    • Méthodologie de l'anthropologie sociale et culturelle SOCA-D-204 - 5 credits
    • Anthropologie de la religion SOCA-D-473 - 5 credits
    • Le capitalisme et les sciences sociales SOCA-D-3500 - 5 credits
    • Méthodologie de l'entretien de recherche SOCA-D-200 - 5 credits
  • Bachelier en sciences psychologiques et de l'éducation, orientation logopédie - 10 additional courses, for 50 credits
    • Sociologie II SOCA-D-202 - 5 credits
    • Histoire de la pensée anthropologique SOCA-D-208 - 5 credits
    • Anthropologie du proche SOCA-D-323 - 5 credits
    • Anthropologie sociale et culturelle I SOCA-D-101 - 5 credits
    • Eléments d'épistémologie des sciences sociales SOCA-D-203 - 5 credits
    • Anthropologie sociale et culturelle II SOCA-D-201 - 5 credits
    • Méthodologie de l'anthropologie sociale et culturelle SOCA-D-204 - 5 credits
    • Anthropologie de la religion SOCA-D-473 - 5 credits
    • Le capitalisme et les sciences sociales SOCA-D-3500 - 5 credits
    • Méthodologie de l'entretien de recherche SOCA-D-200 - 5 credits
  • Bachelier en sciences économiques, orientation générale - 10 additional courses, for 50 credits
    • Sociologie II SOCA-D-202 - 5 credits
    • Histoire de la pensée anthropologique SOCA-D-208 - 5 credits
    • Anthropologie du proche SOCA-D-323 - 5 credits
    • Anthropologie sociale et culturelle I SOCA-D-101 - 5 credits
    • Eléments d'épistémologie des sciences sociales SOCA-D-203 - 5 credits
    • Anthropologie sociale et culturelle II SOCA-D-201 - 5 credits
    • Méthodologie de l'anthropologie sociale et culturelle SOCA-D-204 - 5 credits
    • Anthropologie de la religion SOCA-D-473 - 5 credits
    • Le capitalisme et les sciences sociales SOCA-D-3500 - 5 credits
    • Méthodologie de l'entretien de recherche SOCA-D-200 - 5 credits
ACCES PLEIN DROIT / DECISION ACADEMIQUE UNIV

Rem. concerning admission to a university Bachelor's or Master's degree.

ACCES PLEIN DROIT / MINEURE/OPTION

Access granted to holders of an undergraduate level degree, having passed a subsidiary subject/minor/option or a module under the conditions set out by the board of examiners, taking into account all the credits that the student can also use at the time of admission. These extra courses form part of the student’s graduate course of studies.

ACCES PLEIN DROIT / DECISION ACADEMIQUE HE TYPE LONG

Rem. concerning admission to Bachelor's or Master's degree from a Non-University Higher Education Institution -HE or ESA- (long course).

ACCES PLEIN DROIT / DECISION ACADEMIQUE HE TYPE COURT

Admission granted to the holder of a Bachelor's degree from a Non-University Higher Education Institution -HE or ESA- (short course), pursuant to a decision by the academic authorities.

Finalité spécialisée accessible with supplement to the holder of the following degrees :

  • Bachelier : assistant social - 6 additional courses, for 30 credits
    • Histoire de la pensée anthropologique SOCA-D-208 - 5 credits
    • Anthropologie du proche SOCA-D-323 - 5 credits
    • Eléments d'épistémologie des sciences sociales SOCA-D-203 - 5 credits
    • Anthropologie sociale et culturelle II SOCA-D-201 - 5 credits
    • Méthodologie de l'anthropologie sociale et culturelle SOCA-D-204 - 5 credits
    • Anthropologie de la religion SOCA-D-473 - 5 credits
  • Bachelier en coopération internationale - 10 additional courses, for 50 credits
    • Sociologie II SOCA-D-202 - 5 credits
    • Histoire de la pensée anthropologique SOCA-D-208 - 5 credits
    • Anthropologie du proche SOCA-D-323 - 5 credits
    • Anthropologie sociale et culturelle I SOCA-D-101 - 5 credits
    • Eléments d'épistémologie des sciences sociales SOCA-D-203 - 5 credits
    • Anthropologie sociale et culturelle II SOCA-D-201 - 5 credits
    • Méthodologie de l'anthropologie sociale et culturelle SOCA-D-204 - 5 credits
    • Anthropologie de la religion SOCA-D-473 - 5 credits
    • Le capitalisme et les sciences sociales SOCA-D-3500 - 5 credits
    • Méthodologie de l'entretien de recherche SOCA-D-200 - 5 credits
  • Bachelier en coopération internationale - 10 additional courses, for 50 credits
    • Sociologie II SOCA-D-202 - 5 credits
    • Histoire de la pensée anthropologique SOCA-D-208 - 5 credits
    • Anthropologie du proche SOCA-D-323 - 5 credits
    • Anthropologie sociale et culturelle I SOCA-D-101 - 5 credits
    • Eléments d'épistémologie des sciences sociales SOCA-D-203 - 5 credits
    • Anthropologie sociale et culturelle II SOCA-D-201 - 5 credits
    • Méthodologie de l'anthropologie sociale et culturelle SOCA-D-204 - 5 credits
    • Anthropologie de la religion SOCA-D-473 - 5 credits
    • Le capitalisme et les sciences sociales SOCA-D-3500 - 5 credits
    • Méthodologie de l'entretien de recherche SOCA-D-200 - 5 credits
  • Bachelier en gestion des ressources humaines - 10 additional courses, for 50 credits
    • Sociologie II SOCA-D-202 - 5 credits
    • Histoire de la pensée anthropologique SOCA-D-208 - 5 credits
    • Anthropologie du proche SOCA-D-323 - 5 credits
    • Anthropologie sociale et culturelle I SOCA-D-101 - 5 credits
    • Eléments d'épistémologie des sciences sociales SOCA-D-203 - 5 credits
    • Anthropologie sociale et culturelle II SOCA-D-201 - 5 credits
    • Méthodologie de l'anthropologie sociale et culturelle SOCA-D-204 - 5 credits
    • Anthropologie de la religion SOCA-D-473 - 5 credits
    • Le capitalisme et les sciences sociales SOCA-D-3500 - 5 credits
    • Méthodologie de l'entretien de recherche SOCA-D-200 - 5 credits
  • Bachelier en gestion des ressources humaines - 10 additional courses, for 50 credits
    • Sociologie II SOCA-D-202 - 5 credits
    • Histoire de la pensée anthropologique SOCA-D-208 - 5 credits
    • Anthropologie du proche SOCA-D-323 - 5 credits
    • Anthropologie sociale et culturelle I SOCA-D-101 - 5 credits
    • Eléments d'épistémologie des sciences sociales SOCA-D-203 - 5 credits
    • Anthropologie sociale et culturelle II SOCA-D-201 - 5 credits
    • Méthodologie de l'anthropologie sociale et culturelle SOCA-D-204 - 5 credits
    • Anthropologie de la religion SOCA-D-473 - 5 credits
    • Le capitalisme et les sciences sociales SOCA-D-3500 - 5 credits
    • Méthodologie de l'entretien de recherche SOCA-D-200 - 5 credits
  • Bachelier en écologie sociale - 6 additional courses, for 30 credits
    • Histoire de la pensée anthropologique SOCA-D-208 - 5 credits
    • Anthropologie du proche SOCA-D-323 - 5 credits
    • Eléments d'épistémologie des sciences sociales SOCA-D-203 - 5 credits
    • Anthropologie sociale et culturelle II SOCA-D-201 - 5 credits
    • Méthodologie de l'anthropologie sociale et culturelle SOCA-D-204 - 5 credits
    • Anthropologie de la religion SOCA-D-473 - 5 credits
  • Bachelier-Conseiller social  - 6 additional courses, for 30 credits
    • Histoire de la pensée anthropologique SOCA-D-208 - 5 credits
    • Anthropologie du proche SOCA-D-323 - 5 credits
    • Eléments d'épistémologie des sciences sociales SOCA-D-203 - 5 credits
    • Anthropologie sociale et culturelle II SOCA-D-201 - 5 credits
    • Méthodologie de l'anthropologie sociale et culturelle SOCA-D-204 - 5 credits
    • Anthropologie de la religion SOCA-D-473 - 5 credits
ACCES PLEIN DROIT / DECISION ACADEMIQUE HE TYPE COURT

Rem. concerning admission to a Bachelor degree in a Non-University Higher Education Institution -HE or ESA- (short course).

ACCES PLEIN DROIT / BA 15 CREDITS MAX

By way of derogation, students who still need to earn a maximum of 15 credits in order to be awarded the degree entitling them to be admitted to the Master's programme, and who are enrolled simultaneously for these studies in a Higher Education institution in the French-speaking Community, will also be admitted.

DIPLÔME EQUIVALENT

B. Admission granted to the holder of a degree obtained abroad which is recognised as equivalent to degrees mentioned previously in application of the Decree of 7 November 2013 (décret définissant le paysage de l'enseignement supérieur et l'organisation académique des études), of a European directive, of an international agreement or other legislation, under the same conditions.

ACCES DOSSIER JURY

C. Admission granted following submission of a dossier and decision by the jury

ACCES DOSSIER JURY / GRADE ACAD SIMILAIRE

Admission granted to the holder of a degree similar to the degrees awarded in the French-speaking Community (see point A), and awarded by a Higher Education Institution outside the latter (Flemish Community, German-speaking Community, Royal Military Academy, foreign institution), under the additional conditions determined by the jury. These extra courses form part of the student’s Master's programme. A qualification or degree leading to the same career prospects or to a continuation of studies in the original system is considered similar to a degree awarded in the French-speaking community.

ACCES DOSSIER JURY / DIPLÔME VALORISE 180 CREDITS

Admission granted, under the general conditions laid down by the academic authorities, to the holder of a qualification, diploma, degree or certificate awarded outside the French-Speaking Community or awarded abroad if the qualification, diploma, degree or certificate attests to the successful completion of studies and the jury considers them to be worth at least 180 credits. The jury may impose a programme worth a maximum of 60 credits in addition to the Master's programme, bearing in mind all the credits for which the student obtains recognition at the time of admission. These extra courses form part of the student’s Master's programme.

ACCES DOSSIER JURY / CONDITIONS SPECIFIQUES JURY

Criteria laid down by the jury.

VAE

D. Accreditation of prior experience

VAE / VAE CONDITIONS

In line with the procedure defined by the ULB, juries can recognise knowledge and skills acquired through professional and/or personal experience, and may grant access to the MA to any person who does not fall under the categories listed above. The jury determines the additional courses and any possible exemptions which constitute supplementary entry requirements for the student. The personal or professional experience must be equivalent to at least five years of activity. A maximum of two years of higher education can be taken into account, providing 60 credits were obtained per year.

HORS UNION EUROPÉENNE

Administrative fee for Applicants from outside the European Union

HORS UNION EUROPÉENNE / FRAIS ADMINISTRATIFS

Applicants from outside the European Union who do not meet the assimilation criteria and do not meet a criterium of article 3 of the Decree of the 11 April 2014 adapting the financing of higher education institutions to the new organisation of studies are required to pay an administrative fee of 200 euros. This payment is a prerequisite for the examination of the application. We invite you to check whether you meet the access conditions to the studies envisaged before submitting your application insofar as the administrative fee is not refundable.

Programme

The Master in Anthropology trains specialists on a comparative approach to various societies and cultures, and on field research. It provides students with the analytical skills required to reflect on life within a society.

The programme starts by developing the foundations laid down during the Bachelor, and by offering regional or specialised anthropological courses as well as courses that borrow from other disciplines (sociology, history, psychology, philosophy, political science, etc.).

A special feature of the Master in Anthropology is that it is largely organised around the dissertation students produce at the end of the programme. Students choose a research topic at the beginning of the Master, in agreement with a supervisor of their choosing. This means the Master in Anthropology places emphasis on training through research, allowing students to acquire a range of skills associated with the design and implementation of an empirical field research project, from defining a methodology and producing data to writing the dissertation.

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What's next ?

Prospects

The programme paves the way to ‘traditional’ careers in social sciences, e.g. in research into social issues, either fundamental (within universities and research institutes) or applied (within consulting firms, NGOs, international institutions). With their experience in the analysis of cultural change, anthropologists—like sociologists—can work in institutions that are directly involved in social change, designing social or cultural policies, contributing to aid and development practices, etc.

Sectors:

  • National and international institutions (European Union, World Bank, etc.)

  • NGOs and international cooperation organisations

  • Social services and non-profit organisations

  • Civil service

  • Consulting

  • Teaching

  • Public or private research institutes

  • Research in anthropology (universities, research institutes)

  • Work as specialists or project managers in a consulting firm, NGO, or national or international organisation

  • International aid / development agencies (humanitarian aid, NGOs, etc.)

  • University-level social work, or work in the non-profit or cultural sector

  • Management positions in civil service or the private sector (working in areas related to human and social sciences)

  • Teaching in secondary schools or universities

  • International aid / development agency (humanitarian, NGO, etc.)

  • University-level social worker, or working in the non-profit or cultural sector

  • Manager in the civil service or the private sector (working in areas basically linked to human and social sciences).

  • Secondary school teacher / university lecturer