East Asian Studies (MA) (60EC)

Why study East Asian Studies at Leiden University?

Expertise on Asia at Leiden University is internationally renowned. As a student of the MA in East Asian Studies, you will learn from some of Europe's best scholars in the field, many of whom are at the leading edge of Asia-related research in Europe. Small classes will ensure you have the opportunity to interact closely and regularly with your lecturers throughout your studies. The East Asian Studies master’s programme offers focused study of either China, Japan or Korea. Study the country of your choice from an expansive number of disciplinary perspectives including history, literature, art, art history, sociology, anthropology, media, cultural studies, religious studies, philosophy, economics, development studies, linguistics, or politics and international relations. A key focus of this programme is on language training and developing your fluency in an East Asian language. We have experts in language training who are skilled in facilitating this learning process. You will be expected to apply your language skills when writing your MA thesis by using primary materials written in Chinese, Japanese or Korean.

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What are your career prospects?

As a graduate of the MA in Asian Studies, you are qualified to work within a variety of fields where there is demand for expertise in Asia, including journalism and publishing, international trade, marketing, business, public relations, education, development aid, and in government, non-profit and international organisations.

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Do you want to find out if you are eligible for this Master's Programme?

Check the admission requirements

In which sector do students find jobs?

• 30 Government and semi-government
• 20 Education
• 10 IT
• 10 Research
• 10 Financial institutions
• 10 Information management
• 10 Other

The graph above is based on alumni data from the MA East Asian Studies 2016-2020.