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Master of Arts in Korean Studies

A unique interdisciplinary master’s programme combining Korean studies with a semester abroad at a South Korean university.

Best for:Best for students passionate about Korean culture, history, and society who seek a multidisciplinary academic experience with a semester abroad in South Korea.

Leiden University · Leiden, Netherlands
More professors at Leiden University
Pre-modern Korean historyContemporary Korean societyKorean religion and cultureKorean popular cultureModern Korean historyDigital humanities in Korean studies
This is a masters position — not a PhD studentship.
Deadline
Apr 1, 2027
169 days
Funding
—
2 years (120 ECTS)
Start date
Flexible (depends on intake)
Location
Leiden
Netherlands

Overview

The Master of Arts in Korean Studies at Leiden University offers a distinctive curriculum exploring pre-modern and contemporary Korea through diverse academic lenses, including history, religion, popular culture, and modern society. Students engage with original source materials and benefit from Leiden’s renowned Asian artifacts collection and library resources. A key highlight is the mandatory semester spent at a partner university in South Korea, providing immersive cultural and linguistic exposure while fostering practical skills for post-graduation careers. This programme is ideal for students seeking a rigorous, interdisciplinary approach to Korean studies with a global perspective. The curriculum is flexible, allowing students to tailor their studies to specific interests while gaining hands-on experience abroad.

Korean StudiesAsian StudiesInterdisciplinary humanitiesSouth Korea academic immersionPre-modern and contemporary KoreaDigital archives and cultural analysisLanguage and cultural immersion

What you'll do

  • Conduct graduate-level research on various aspects of Korean history, culture, and society using original source materials.
  • Develop a customised curriculum by selecting courses from a broad range of disciplinary perspectives.
  • Engage with world-class resources, including Leiden University Library’s Asian artifacts collection.
  • Spend two semesters studying at a partner university in South Korea, immersing in Korean culture, language, and society.
  • Develop practical skills for real-world success post-graduation through hands-on academic and cultural experiences.

Requirements

Degree required: Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as Asian Studies, History, Cultural Studies, or related disciplines.

Degree offered: Master of Arts (MA)

Language: English proficiency demonstrated by one of the following: Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (minimum score 180), IELTS overall band score of 6.5, TOEFL internet-based score of 90, or Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (minimum score 180).

Instruction: English

Required skills
  • Proven academic ability in humanities or social sciences
  • Strong research and analytical skills
  • Ability to work with original source materials and historical documents
Nice to have
Prior knowledge or interest in Korean language and cultureExperience with digital humanities tools or methodologiesFamiliarity with interdisciplinary research approaches
Eligibility
  • No specific nationality restrictions
  • No age restrictions
  • No prior experience caps

Funding & terms

Type
Unknown
Amount
—
Duration
2 years (120 ECTS)
Programme
—

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
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Teaching language
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Taught / research mode
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Study mode
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Campus
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Prerequisites
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Application instructions
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Tuition
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Funding
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How to apply

Deadline: 2027-04-01

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. Additional documents may be requested depending on the applicant’s background.

Documents required
  • CV
  • Letter of motivation
  • Academic transcripts
  • Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, or Cambridge Certificate)
  • Research proposal
↗Check programme and admissions

Contact

Lab
Faculty of Humanities
Leiden University
Netherlands
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