MA Asian Studies (Research)
Leiden, Netherlands
DURATION
2 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
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EARLIEST START DATE
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TUITION FEES
EUR 8,000 / per year *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* per year. Scholarships available covering both tuition fees and living expenses.
Introduction
The research master's in Asian Studies gives you access to Leiden University's leading expertise in the countries of Asia, from their politics and literature to their languages.
Why study Asian Studies (research) in Leiden University
You will be able to focus your studies on a country or region, such as China, Japan, Korea, South Asia or Southeast Asia, or on a discipline, such as politics, religion, art and material culture, or languages and literature, with the option to work with a primary language. A comparative, area studies approach to learning encourages a broader, contextual understanding of the issues at hand. The programme not only encourages intra-Asian comparisons, but cooperates closely with the MA Middle Eastern Studies (research) programme. This cooperation is formalised, for example, through a common introductory course on Area Studies. The courses in the first year of the programme develop your academic skills to an advanced level. In the second year, you will do research on a topic related to Asia and, where appropriate and possible, in a specific place in Asia. You may also combine this research with attending courses at another top university, here or abroad.
Admissions
Curriculum
The two-year research master in Asian Studies equips you with advanced and in-depth knowledge of a region and discipline within the field of Asian Studies.
First year
Throughout the programme, you will, together with students of the MA Middle Eastern Studies (research), participate in two core courses. These include:
- Critical Area Studies: Placing Your Research – which covers theories and issues central to the field of area studies and examines key writings on the challenges of studying and writing about “other” cultures and societies.
- Methodology in the Social Sciences and Humanities - which critically explores the multitude of methodologies in the Social Sciences and Humanities.
In addition to the core courses you will choose core elective and elective courses specific to either Asian Studies or Middle Eastern Studies. You can also combine courses from each of these two master's programmes, from other (Research) MA programmes and/or courses from national Research Schools.
Second year
You are expected to spend the third semester of the programme doing research, either in the Netherlands or abroad. Blended and virtual research-based options are also available. After you have finished your research project, you work on your MA Thesis. The process of writing is supported by a “Thesis Seminar” which is offered bi-weekly. During this seminar, you discuss relevant issues with your peers and present your research and writings to them and to the convenor of the seminar. Once you have finished your thesis and have received a passing grade, you will defend your thesis publicly.
Career Opportunities
Where do our graduates work
The master in Asian Studies (research) prepares you for a wide range of careers in which knowledge of Asia and advanced conceptual, analytical and interpretative skills are essential. Our graduates have pursued successful careers in academia and in the public, private and non-profit sectors. Experience and knowledge of Asia combined with advanced analytical skills are also in demand in careers in publishing, international trade, public relations, education, development aid, or in government, international organisations and NGOs. Leiden University Asian Studies graduates often find employment in Asia itself.
Some of the occupations of our graduates include:
- Freelance writer at a magazine and online platform focussing on China
- Teacher at Leiden University
- Researcher and teaching staff member at Leiden University
- PhD candidate at Leiden University
- PhD candidate at a university in Hong Kong
- Junior underwriter at an insurance company
- Area Manager Asia at the Netherlands Council for Trade Promotion
- Consular Officer at the Dutch Embassy
- Coordinator, International Relations at Mima City Hall
- Translator for the Dutch government