Teaching method

The Master in Anthropology is centred on a research project chosen by each student with the aid of a tutor. The objective is to train students in the technique of ‘participant observation’. With this in mind, the Master programme is a progressive and coherent one lasting four semesters spread over two years : sessions on interdisciplinary methods and issues and preparation for the examining board (first semester) ; area studies or Erasmus exchange (second and third semesters); area studies and production of a monograph (fourth semester).

The research and teaching in the Anthropology and Sociology Unit (l’Unité d’Anthropologie et de sociologie - ANSO) make the most of the links with sociology and the Institute of Development Studies. Moreover, there are exchanges and agreements with many parts of  UCL; the outstanding list of area studies (specific areas) allows students to study an area of their choice.

The quality of the training is guaranteed by the close link with the members of the Laboratory for Prospective Anthropology (Laboratoire en anthropologie prospective - LAAP) where about fifteen researchers are part of a dynamic team who are actively involved in many aspects of the  Master programme (e.g. seminars, specific courses, tutoring). The lecturers and researchers work on many areas throughout the world and collaborate with various anthropology laboratories (www.uclouvain.be/laap).

The lectures organized by the Jacques Leclercq Chair are a key component of the Master in Anthropology at UCL and bring an outstanding international dimension to the programme. Twice a year, internationally renowned anthropologists give a series of guest lectures (2 x 15 hours). Assessment of these courses is done by a board of examiners.

Assessment of the ‘cross-disciplinary issues’ section, with the exception of the sociology course, is done by defending a piece of research work which brings together different disciplines before a board of academics.  

The Socio-anthropology of Interculturality and Development  focus provides students with an original course in a more applied area of anthropology. The Laboratory for Prospective Anthropology (Laboratoire en anthropologie prospective – LAAP) is one of the leading pioneers in this field.  

The methodology courses with the initials ANTR are grouped together by subject to help organize the outside placement which, ideally, should take place during the second semester of the first year or the first semester of the second year.

Students receive support during the first year from a tutoring system involving the lecturers and assistants.  

Students are able to use new technology for surveys and data management ; special documentation on anthropology is available in the multi-media section of the ESPO library.  

Placements in Belgium or abroad (production of a monograph/dissertation) ; oral defence of the monograph/dissertation in the form of a lecture to a board of examiners and an audience of students; publication of the best monographs in a collection of the laboratory.  

Programme organized around Erasmus exchange and outside placement; help in seeking grants.