Sociology and anthropology to be merged into a single department

Both departments are academically strong and internationally recognised research environments offering high‑quality degree programmes. The distinct disciplinary identities of the two fields will be preserved within the new department.

The merger is driven by a desire to give researchers and lecturers more time for research and teaching and to improve the administrative framework. The merger will not result in any financial savings or changes to the degree programmes.

Anthropology and Sociology are among the smallest departments at the University of Copenhagen, yet they are required to handle the same organisational tasks as much larger departments. This places a disproportionate burden on departmental management and academic staff and takes time away from core academic activities.

– Anthropology and sociology are two of our strongest academic environments. By bringing them together in a single department with shared leadership and a stronger administrative setup, we will provide researchers and lecturers with a better framework to focus on what they do best. The identity and academic profile of both disciplines must be clearly reflected in the new department, says Vibeke Koushede, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, adding:

– Achieving this ambition requires that we now jointly embark on a constructive and open process towards a merger. Along the way, there must be room for innovative thinking, and it will be possible to propose alternative solutions. However, the objective is clear: Sociology and Anthropology must be placed within new and stronger organisational frameworks.

The process will be anchored in a project group across the management of both departments, with close and ongoing involvement of the departments’ Faculty Boards, local cooperation committees and students. The project group will be supported by the University Administration.