The Asian Studies master's programme provides you with the opportunity to deepen your understanding of the region through the lens of specific disciplines, strengthen your language proficiency, and develop a critical perspective on Asia. The programme consists of one-year regional specialisations in East Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia as well as the Global Asia specialization (previously History, Arts and Culture of Asia, and the Politics, Society and Economy of Asia specialization) with a focus on themes and issues as well as connections within the region. The two-year specialisations in China, Japan, Korea are part of a selective program which includes a year abroad with intensive language study and field research. Expertise in Asia at Leiden University is internationally renowned and spans the whole of Asia.
With an expansive curriculum and flexible programme formats, you have the scope to tailor your qualification to reflect your interests or career ambitions. Choose to focus on a language and a single country, or on a specific discipline and region.
An important goal of many programmes is developing your fluency in a classical or modern language. You also have the option of taking an intensive modern Indonesian language course.