The courses are open to:

• Health and health-related professionals;
• PhD students in health or social science;
• Master’s students in health or social science.

The courses are taught in English. Participants will be exposed to the latest thinking in medical anthropology and will be stimulated to discuss and exchange ideas. This winter school is part of  Master’s programme in Medical Anthropology and Sociology offered by the Graduate School of Social Sciences, University of Amsterdam. 

Lecturer

Dr. Lianne Cremers

Course objectives

To be able to:

• Understand key developments in the history of ethnographic film and visual anthropology, particularly in the context of health research;
• Gain insight into diverse research methodologies that incorporate visual data;
• Critically assess the use of different media (text, audio, image, video) in health-related anthropological research;
• Develop a critical awareness of ethical considerations in conducting visual research on health;
• Acquire skills in collecting, analysing, and presenting visual data;
• Reflect on how visual approaches can be meaningfully integrated into their own research projects.

Content

This course explores the role of visual methods in anthropological health research. It offers both a theoretical grounding in the debates of visual anthropology and a practical introduction to the use of visuals in ethnographic health research. Topics include the history of ethnographic film, ethical challenges in visual health research, and how to visualize themes around health and society. Through interactive seminars, hands-on group assignments, and an individual essay assignment, students will learn how to work with various forms of visual data. The course is particularly valuable for students interested in the intersections of health, society, and visual methods. A basic understanding of ethnographic or qualitative research is required for participation in this course.

Course code

73940016AY

Schedule

Credits

UvA Master of Medical Anthropology and Sociology students take the course for 4 EC as part of their curriculum. VU Master Global Health students take the course for 6 EC as part of their electives. All other participants take the course for 4 EC.  

•  4 EC course: attendance, readings and small assignment
•  6 EC course: attendance, readings, an extra assignment, and a more substantial paper

Tuition fee

Students enrolled in a full time Master’s programme at a Dutch university are legally exempt from paying extra tuition.

PhDs at a Dutch university:

• 4 EC course = € 820,-

Professionals and PhDs and students from a non-Dutch university:

• 4 EC course = € 1525,-

Lunch is not included.

Invoices can be paid by employers, research institutes or individuals.

Application

The winter schools have a limited capacity. Applications can be sent in from 1 October 2025. Students of the Medical Anthropology and Sociology Master programme are guaranteed a spot in one of the courses. You will be informed about the admission decision by 1 December 2025 latest. Applicants will send in a CV and motivation letter upon registration. Entry requirements for the winter courses are:

• having a Bachelor’s degree or higher from a university or University of Applied Sciences related to health or social science, or the equivalent thereof
• and/or a minimum of 2 years of relevant working experience.
• or being a PhD candidate

Are you an international participant? Please note that housing/hotel and visa arrangements need to be made individually and are not included in the tuition fees. In case you need a visa, please start procedures as soon as possible.

Application deadline

1 November 2025

More information

For more information contact the study adviser via studyadvisor-mas@uva.nl