Master of Arts in Southeast Asian Studies
Explore Southeast Asia’s history, culture, and languages through a customisable interdisciplinary master’s programme at Leiden University.
Best for:Best for students with a passion for Southeast Asian cultures, languages, and interdisciplinary research who seek a flexible, customisable master’s programme with direct access to leading scholars.
Overview
This Master of Arts in Southeast Asian Studies at Leiden University offers an in-depth exploration of Southeast Asia through its history, literature, media, religions, and cultures. Students can tailor their studies by selecting electives, choosing a research focus for their thesis, and specialising in a language or discipline. The programme provides opportunities to learn Indonesian or other Asian languages and engage directly with internationally renowned scholars. Small class sizes ensure close interaction with leading experts in the field, fostering a dynamic and immersive academic environment.
What you'll do
- Complete a structured curriculum covering Southeast Asia’s history, literature, media, religions, and philosophy.
- Select and pursue elective courses tailored to specific academic or career interests.
- Conduct independent research and write a master’s thesis on a chosen topic within Southeast Asian Studies.
- Optionally take an intensive modern language course in Indonesian or another Asian language.
- Engage in small-group seminars and discussions with internationally renowned scholars.
- Participate in interdisciplinary projects and cultural analyses focused on Southeast Asia.
Requirements
Degree required: Bachelor’s degree in Humanities, Social Sciences, or a related field
Degree offered: Master of Arts (MA)
Language: English; Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (180), IELTS overall band (6.5), TOEFL internet-based (90), or Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (180)
Instruction: English
- Proven academic ability in humanities or social sciences
- Basic proficiency in English for academic study (see language requirements)
- No specific nationality restrictions
- No age restrictions
- No prior experience caps
Funding & terms
Programme and admissions
Admissions not verified
A catalogue listing does not mean applications are open or funding is guaranteed. Check the source for your intake.
- Intake
- Not confirmed by the source
- Duration
- Not confirmed by the source
- Teaching language
- Not confirmed by the source
- Taught / research mode
- Not confirmed by the source
- Study mode
- Not confirmed by the source
- Campus
- Not confirmed by the source
- Prerequisites
- Not confirmed by the source
- Application instructions
- Not confirmed by the source
- Tuition
- Not confirmed by the source
- Funding
- Not confirmed by the source
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-10-15
Applicants must submit their application through Leiden University’s official online portal. Required documents include a CV, a letter of motivation, academic transcripts, proof of English proficiency, and a research proposal for the thesis. Additional materials may be requested depending on the programme’s requirements.
- CV
- Letter of motivation
- Academic transcripts (Bachelor’s degree)
- Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, or Cambridge Certificate)
- Research proposal for the master’s thesis
Contact
Create a free profile to unlock your personal match score, the full requirements, funding details and how to apply — in English or Persian.