Choose from eight specialisations

The Asian Studies master's programme offers one-year specialisations in East Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia, the History, Arts and Culture of Asia, and the Politics, Society and Economy of Asia, as well as two-year specialisations in China, Japan, Korea.

Learn from internationally-acclaimed scholars

Expertise on Asia at Leiden University is internationally renowned and spans the whole of Asia. Small classes give you direct and regular contact with your lecturers, many of whom are at the leading edge of Asia-related research worldwide.

Customise your degree

With an expansive curriculum and flexible programme format, the MA in Asian Studies allows you to tailor your degree to reflect your interests or career ambitions. Choose to focus on a language and a single country, or on a specific discipline and region, with access to an unmatched range of diverse?electives.

Develop your language fluency

During your studies you have the opportunity to develop your fluency in a classical or modern language. You also have the option to take an intensive modern Indonesian language course.

Benefit from our unique resources

All Asian Studies programmes make the most of Leiden University's world-class resources, including its famous and unique collections of Asian artifacts.