Master's Programme in Asian Studies
The two-year programme combines a wide range of content courses with advanced language training. Fields of possible specialization of MA research projects include translation studies and linguistics, literature, visual and performing arts, media cultures, cultural heritage and modern policies. Potential supervisors and their areas of expertise Pdf, 109.2 kB. (109 Kb)
The programme consists of four semesters of full-time studies. During the first two semesters students take compulsory and elective courses (60 ECTS). The third semester (30 ECTS) provides an opportunity for exchange studies at another university in East Asia or Europe, internships, or taking elective courses offered at the Department and across Stockholm University as well as other universities or institutions of higher education in Sweden (or a combination of these three options). The fourth semester is devoted to the degree project, which entails writing a master’s thesis (30 ECTS). The thesis writing and all course instructions are conducted in English.
With its flexible programme format, the MA in Asian Studies allows students to tailor their studies in accordance with their interests or career ambitions. The programme prepares students for a diversity of careers in the public and private sector that require analytical thinking, deep knowledge of East Asia and relevant language skills. The students who graduate from the programme are also eligible to proceed to third cycle education in Asian Studies.
First Semester
The first semester comprises four compulsory courses in the following order:
Issues and Approaches in East Asian Studies (7.5 ECTS)
Cultural Flows and Political Relations in East Asia (7.5 ECTS)
Scientific Methods and Research Ethics 7.5 ECTS
and an advanced language course in accordance with an individually selected language track:
Advanced Japanese I (7.5 ECTS)
Advanced Chinese I (7.5 ECTS)
Advanced Korean I (7.5 ECTS)
Second Semester
The second semester comprises of four courses, including two compulsory courses:
English for Academic Research (7.5 ECTS Main subject area: English, Dept. of English)
and an advanced language course in accordance with an individually selected language track:
Advanced Japanese II (7.5 ECTS)
Advanced Chinese II (7.5 ECTS)
Advanced Korean II (7.5 ECTS)
In addition, students have the opportunity to choose the following elective courses
Contemporary Cultural Politics and Identity in East Asia (7.5 ECTS)
East Asian History (7.5 ECTS)
Queer Asia (7.5 ECTS)
The elective courses are to be selected in consultation with the Director of Studies. It is required that students take at least two of these courses. Students are assigned a supervisor for their Master's thesis project by the Director of MA Asian Studies who has prior to that consulted with potential supervisors at the Department. Students then begin their individual thesis tutorials.
Third Semester
The third semester provides an opportunity for exchange studies at another university in East Asia or Europe, internships, or taking elective courses offered at the Department of Asian, Middle Eastern and Turkish Studies, across Stockholm University as well as other universities or institutions of higher education in Sweden. It is also possible to combine all three options. Individual thesis tutorials with the supervisor continue throughout this semester.
Exchange Studies in East Asia
Students in the Japanese language-track can apply for exchange studies at Chuo University in Tokyo or Osaka University. Students in the Chinese language-track can apply for exchange studies at Hang Seng University of Hong Kong. Students in the Korean language-track can apply for exchange studies at Sogang University in Seoul. The application process begins at the end of the first semester. All questions related to the exchange application process should be directed to the Director of Studies.
For more information on Exchange studies:
Study abroad
Internships
Students interested in conducting internships are free to arrange placements by themselves. However, the selection needs to be approved by the Director of Studies and the Director of MA Asian Studies before the start of the internship. The Director of Studies provides a certificate stating that the internship will be awarded ECTS and that the student will have a supervisor from the Department. For more information students are asked to consult the Training Programme within East Asian Studies Pdf, 237.5 kB. (237 Kb) guidelines, the Director of Studies and the Director of MA Asian Studies Programme.
Elective Courses
Instead of exchange studies or internship students have an opportunity to choose elective courses either offered at the Department and across Stockholm University as well as other universities or institutions of higher education in Sweden. The selection needs to be consulted on with the MA thesis supervisor and the Director of Studies during the second semester.
Fourth Semester
The fourth semester is devoted to writing a master’s thesis. MA thesis defenses are held in two rounds: in early June and in late August. For more information, please refer to the MA Thesis Protocol 2022 Pdf, 275.2 kB. (275 Kb)
Selection process
The selection to the programme is based on the following five criteria: the specialization and grades of the Bachelor’s Programme studied, the quality and topic of the Bachelor’s Thesis, the motivation letter explaining the relevance of previous studies in relation to the programme, the reference letter as well as an interview that, however, will only be conducted if deemed necessary.
MA Thesis Protocol 2022 Pdf, 275.2 kB. (275 Kb)
Training Programme within East Asian Studies Pdf, 237.5 kB.
Scholarships
Scholarships and other funding options for master's programmes at Stockholm University:
Do you have questions about the Master's programme in Asian Studies?
Director of Studies:
Johan Fresk
