Education

The Master of Science in Cultures and Development Studies (CADES) is an advanced Master's programme taught in English that aims to enhance the multidisciplinary and intercultural expertise and skills of students and professionals involved or interested in advisory, policy or educational assignments in the international and intercultural cooperation sectors. Rooted in contemporary social and cultural anthropology, the programme draws on various disciplines and fields of study and deploys a wealth of relevant perspectives. Its approach builds on current insights into, for example, the complex dynamics of the ongoing economic and informational globalisation and the development of alternative modernities. Following multi-sited research conducted at the Institute for Anthropological Research in Africa (IARA) and the Interculturalism, Migration and Minority Research Centre (IMMRC), the programme counters the universalising Western master-narrative of modernisation and stimulates an integrated approach to development issues. Taking this into account, the programme does not offer its students a practical toolkit, but rather tends to question whether available tools are suitable and applicable in any given context.

The programme can be followed on a full-time or part-time basis.

Profile

Ideal prospective students have an interest in advisory, policy or educational assignments in the international and/or intercultural cooperation context. They are interested in anthropological and cultural-specific views on sustainable development and opt for an interdisciplinary academic preparation towards a better understanding of the development paradigms.

For specific admission requirements, click on the desired programme in the 'Choose your courses of study' section.

Objectives

The aim of the programme is to increase the student's interdisciplinary and intercultural expertise with a view to fulfilling advisory, policy-making and educational functions within international and/or intercultural development and cooperation. This is achieved by providing them with conceptual and practical experience in the processes of information transmission, international cooperation, globalization and cultural assertiveness. The programme places the accent on anthropology, but is relevant to various academic disciplines.
By the end of the programme, the student will have acquired:
- knowledge and understanding of the scholarly framework in which intercultural problems can be clarified with respect to various academic and social themes;
- skill in the analysis of practical and theoretical problems from an intercultural perspective; setting up, executing and evaluating research projects; drafting diagnoses, plans and recommendations; use and/or design of instruments for the optimization of situations in practical situations; critical reflection on the content of practical interventions; linking theoretical concepts to practical acts; guiding and developing innovations;
- the skills necessary for adequate communication and reporting.

After graduation

CADES offers students a large international and interdisciplinary background to deal with developmental issues from an anthropological perspective. Graduates may access a variety of jobs in NGOs, international organisations, development cooperation, education, social and medical services, advisory organisations, international relations, enterprises and research.

Information sessions

KU Leuven organises a Verderstudeerbeurs each spring. In addition, faculties also organise information sessions for many of their bridging and graduate programmes. Information on the Master of Cultures and Development studies can continuously be provided by Sylvia Tutenel.

All information sessions for (future) Master's students

(Inter)national

During the programme, students have the opportunity to organise an intercultural internship and acquire international experience. The internship can be included in the curriculum provided that it covers at least 6 weeks and starts after the closing of the lectures (end of June). Also, students can include elective courses at partner institutions in their study curriculum.

Contact

Faculty of Social Sciences
Ann Cassiman
Institute for Anthropological Research in Africa
tel. +32 16 32 62 19
ann.cassiman@soc.kuleuven.be

Dominique Joos (Assistant Co-ordinator)
Institute for Anthropological Research in Africa
tel. +32 16 32 04 66
dominique.joos@soc.kuleuven.be

Sylvia Tutenel (Administrative Co-ordinator)
tel. +32 16 32 60 45
sylvia.tutenel@soc.kuleuven.be

General
Study Advice Service
Naamsestraat 80 bus 5415
3000 Leuven
To contact us please complete the contact form on our website.

Download this brochure

Order this Master's brochure.