Academic research on Asian societies is becoming increasingly important, in terms of both its political and academic relevance. How can we intelligently and independently approach the many important issues that dominate today's news, whether they be China's and India's economic transformation, the fight against terrorism, labour migration and land grabbing, or the global reach of Asian companies and popular culture?

Contemporary Asian Studies is an innovative programme with a broad, interdisciplinary character and comparative approach. Our programme focuses on all the main regions of Asia, stressing the importance of looking at interconnections both within the vast Asian region and between Asian societies and other parts of the world, especially Europe. The crucial importance of Asia for current and future social science theory is demonstrated throughout the programme.

This one-year programme starts in September. It offers thematic courses that focus on contemporary developments as well as courses on specific regions of Asia. The courses provide training in new approaches to the social sciences and address issues related to identity, migration, development, power and culture in Asia today. The programme also offers a research period in Asia, leading to the thesis.

The research project consists of a fieldwork period in Asia (15 ECTS credits) followed by the Master's thesis (15 ECTS credits). Students wishing to conduct research on Asia from Amsterdam can also be accommodated. The Master's thesis must reflect a thorough understanding of the theories relevant to the thesis topic. It must also be based on original empirical research. The project is carried out by the student under the supervision of two faculty members, chosen in consultation with the student. The subject of the thesis is to be mutually agreed upon by the student and the academic adviser.

Career Outlook

A growing number of companies, governments, and international organisations (NGOs and media) have branches in Asia or maintain close co-operation with Asian countries. They therefore need people in executive and consultatory positions with a well-grounded and up-to-date knowledge of Asian societies.

Graduates of the Contemporary Asian Studies programme are well placed to find employment in government, international organisations or private companies and media outlets. Their academic training also enables them to pursue a career in universities in the Netherlands, Asia and elsewhere around the world.

Student Profile

The Master's degree programme in Contemporary Asian Studies seeks students with an academic Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in Social Sciences, Humanities, or Economics, including relevant subjects in the field of Asian Studies (24 EC). Under certain conditions, those with an alternative profile or those who are currently employed in business, journalism, or government organisations are also eligible.

Students who do not meet the requirements in terms of the background in Asian studies, but are nonetheless promising, may be recommended a preparatory programme by way of a 'minor' in Asian studies (30 EC), which consists of three introductory courses that are given in English over the course of one academic year. Students who need more preliminary instruction, such as extra training in Asian studies and/or the social sciences, may also be asked to prepare by studying social science for an additional year (60 EC). For more information please check Minor Asian Studies.

Degree

The quality of this Master's degree has been accredited by the Accreditation Organisation of The Netherlands and Flanders (NVAO). This means that upon successful completion of the programme students will receive a legally recognised Master of Science (MSc) degree in Contemporary Asian Studies.

More Information

For more information on the Master's programme, courses, lecturers and registration, please check our website http://www.graduateschoolsocialsciences.nl or contact the Programme Manager: Iris Vuurmans, i.vuurmans@uva.nl