24 monthsProgramme duration
22,900 EURTuition Fee/year
Feb, SepStarting Month
Programme overview
Main Subject
History
Degree
MA
Study Level
Masters
Study Mode
On Campus
The Asian Studies master's programme provides you with the opportunity to deepen your understanding of the region through the lens of specific disciplines, strengthen your language proficiency, and develop a critical perspective on Asia. The programme consists of one-year regional specialisations in East Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia as well as the Global Asia specialization (previously History, Arts and Culture of Asia, and the Politics, Society and Economy of Asia specialization) with a focus on themes and issues as well as connections within the region. The two-year specialisations in China, Japan, Korea are part of a selective program which includes a year abroad with intensive language study and field research. Expertise in Asia at Leiden University is internationally renowned and spans the whole of Asia.
With an expansive curriculum and flexible programme formats, you have the scope to tailor your qualification to reflect your interests or career ambitions. Choose to focus on a language and a single country, or on a specific discipline and region.
An important goal of many programmes is developing your fluency in a classical or modern language. You also have the option of taking an intensive modern Indonesian language course.
Read more about Asian Studies (120EC) on the Leiden University website
Programme overview
Main Subject
History
Degree
MA
Study Level
Masters
Study Mode
On Campus
The Asian Studies master's programme provides you with the opportunity to deepen your understanding of the region through the lens of specific disciplines, strengthen your language proficiency, and develop a critical perspective on Asia. The programme consists of one-year regional specialisations in East Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia as well as the Global Asia specialization (previously History, Arts and Culture of Asia, and the Politics, Society and Economy of Asia specialization) with a focus on themes and issues as well as connections within the region. The two-year specialisations in China, Japan, Korea are part of a selective program which includes a year abroad with intensive language study and field research. Expertise in Asia at Leiden University is internationally renowned and spans the whole of Asia.
With an expansive curriculum and flexible programme formats, you have the scope to tailor your qualification to reflect your interests or career ambitions. Choose to focus on a language and a single country, or on a specific discipline and region.
An important goal of many programmes is developing your fluency in a classical or modern language. You also have the option of taking an intensive modern Indonesian language course.
Read more about Asian Studies (120EC) on the Leiden University website
Brochures
Admission Requirements
For more information about the admission requirements, please check the website.
English language requirements: Cambridge English 180, C1 level; Cambridge English 180, C2 level; IELTS 6.5; TOEFL internet-based 90.
Admission requirements and application: https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/education/study-programmes/master/asian-studies/admission-and-application?utm_source=QS&utm_medium=portal&utm_campaign=Asian+Studies+MA+2+years&utm_content=entry_requirements_other
Tuition fees
Domestic
International
Scholarships
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Frequently Asked Questions
The objective of the Master's in Asian Studies is to equip ambitious students with the essential knowledge and skills to pursue a successful career in their chosen profession. The objective of the programme is to ensure that you graduate with:
- A high level of fluency in the Korean/Japanese or Chinese language.
- A broad knowledge of Korea/Japan/China and the ability to analyse issues from other perspectives (such as Asia in general or Western Europe).
- An overview and understanding of the history of Korean/Japanese/Chinese Studies and its current developments.
- The interaction of Korean/Japanese/Chinese Studies with such disciplines as:
- Anthropology
- History
- Art history
- Social Sciences
- Literature
- Religion
- The ability to carry out independent research at an academic level.
The first semester of the programme is held in Leiden. You will have the chance to follow a number of courses offered through the Asian Studies master’s programme. Two semesters of your degree will be spent studying at one of our partner universities in South Korea, China or Japan. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture, language, and society, while developing a host of new skills that will prepare you for real-world success after your master's degree.
As a graduate of the MA in Asian Studies, you are qualified to work within a variety of fields where there is a demand for expertise in Asia, including journalism and publishing, international trade and marketing, business, public relations, education and development aid, and in government, international organisations and NGOs.
Examples of the diverse roles of our graduates include:
- Lecturer at a Dutch University
- School teacher at a school in China
- Editor at an academic publishing house
- Museum curator
- Freelance festival producer
- Foreign correspondent of national broadcasting service
- Spokesperson at a Dutch Ministry
- Social media marketer
- Communication adviser at a University
- International business advisor
- Consultant at a defence and security company
- Sustainable data analyst and consultant
- Policy officer at a Ministry
- International relations officer at a university
For more information about the admission requirements, please check the website.
English language requirements: Cambridge English 180, C1 level; Cambridge English 180, C2 level; IELTS 6.5; TOEFL internet-based 90.
Two semesters of your degree will be spent studying at one of our partner universities in South Korea, China or Japan. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture, language, and society, while developing a host of new skills that will prepare you for real-world success after your master's degree.
- Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS)
- StuNed Scholarship Programme
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