Master of Arts in Asian Studies
Explore Asia’s history, culture, and contemporary challenges through a multidisciplinary, customisable degree at Leiden University.
Best for:Best for graduates with a bachelor’s in humanities, social sciences, or related fields who seek a rigorous, customisable master’s in Asian studies with language immersion and regional specialisation.
Overview
The Master’s in Asian Studies at Leiden University offers a specialised, interdisciplinary programme focused on Asia’s diverse regions—East, South, Southeast, and Global. Students engage with themes like postcolonialism, democratisation, economics, and language studies, with opportunities to specialise in language-intensive tracks (Chinese, Japanese, Korean) that include a compulsory year abroad. The curriculum blends disciplinary approaches with flexible electives, allowing tailoring to academic or career goals. Language fluency—including classical or modern languages—is a key component, with options for intensive courses like Indonesian. This programme is ideal for scholars and professionals seeking deep regional expertise in one of Europe’s leading Asian studies hubs.
What you'll do
- Engage with interdisciplinary coursework covering history, politics, economics, and culture of Asian regions.
- Develop advanced proficiency in a classical or modern Asian language through intensive courses or fieldwork.
- Conduct independent research or fieldwork abroad, particularly for language-focused specialisations (Chinese, Japanese, Korean).
- Customise your degree by selecting electives aligned with your academic or career interests.
- Participate in seminars, workshops, and conferences related to Asian studies and regional expertise.
- Collaborate with faculty and peers on interdisciplinary projects exploring Asia’s contemporary and historical challenges.
Requirements
Degree required: Bachelor’s degree in Humanities, Social Sciences, or a related field (e.g. History, Political Science, Anthropology, Linguistics).
Degree offered: Master of Arts (MA)
Language: English proficiency demonstrated by one of the following: Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (180), IELTS overall band 6.5, TOEFL internet-based 90, or Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (180).
Instruction: English
- Proven academic background in humanities or social sciences.
- Strong research and analytical skills.
- Basic proficiency in English for academic study (see language requirements).
- Open to international applicants; no nationality restrictions.
- No age restrictions.
- No prior experience caps; tailored for bachelor’s degree holders.
Funding & terms
Programme and admissions
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How to apply
Deadline: 2026-10-15
Applicants must submit their application through Leiden University’s official portal. Required documents include a CV, proof of language proficiency, academic transcripts, a statement of purpose, and letters of recommendation. The application process is competitive, and selection is based on academic merit, research potential, and alignment with the programme’s interdisciplinary focus.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Proof of English language proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL/Cambridge Certificate)
- Academic transcripts (Bachelor’s degree)
- Statement of purpose or research proposal
- Two or three letters of recommendation
Contact
Create a free profile to unlock your personal match score, the full requirements, funding details and how to apply — in English or Persian.