Azië Studies

Taught by top researchers from a wide range of disciplines, the MA Chinese Studies at Leiden University combines in-depth knowledge with advanced language proficiency. Expertise on Asia at Leiden University is internationally renowned. You will learn from some of Europe's best scholars in the field. Small classes allow for direct contact with your lecturers, who offer insights from the leading edge of Asia-related research.
Designed for ambitious and talented students, the master’s in Chinese Studies, a specialisation of the MA in Asian Studies, brings you the best of Leiden's acclaimed faculty and resources. You will study China from a broad range of perspectives using a comparative and global viewpoint.
Develop your research and language skills
During your studies you will develop advanced skills in critical and analytical thinking and the ability to independently conduct high-quality academic research. You will also acquire an excellent command of Mandarin (and, in the case of certain specialisations, of Classical Chinese), a deep understanding of the country’s internal and external dynamics, and a starting point for contextualising China within Asia.
Study in China
Two semesters of your degree are spent studying at the prestigious Shandong University in Jinan, China, offering you a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to immerse yourself in Chinese culture, language, and society.

The two-year master in Korean Studies offers specialised, in-depth study of the cultural and societal issues of pre-modern and modern Korea. Leiden University opened the first centre dedicated to Korean studies in Western Europe in 1947. This centre has since gone from strength-to-strength, with academics participating in high-profile research projects around the world.
Explore Korea from a broad range of perspectives
This master's offers students an expansive curriculum from which to choose and subsequently customise their learning. Study South Korea from diverse disciplinary perspectives – at times using original source materials – from its religion and popular culture to its modern and contemporary history. Enrich your learning with access to the world-class resources of the Leiden University Library and its famous collection of Asian artifacts.
Study in South Korea
Two semesters of your degree will be spent studying at one of our partner universities in South Korea, such as the Seoul National University, Sungkyunkwan University, or Yonsei University. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to immerse yourself in South Korean culture, language, and society, while developing a host of new skills that will prepare you for real-world success after your master's degree.

Leiden University’s internationally-respected master’s in Japanese Studies offers specialised knowledge on the most important aspects of modern and pre-modern Japan. Leiden University has one of the oldest and most established centres for Japanese Studies in the Western world. The two-year MA Japanese Studies programme capitalises on this expertise in every way.
Customised knowledge and skills
A comprehensive range of topics in modern and pre-modern Japan combined with a flexible programme format mean that you can tailor your studies to your interests and career goals.
Join a competitive programme and international classroom
A limited number of talented and highly-motivated students are accepted into this programme. Learn alongside inspired peers from around the world where small-scale classes allow every individual to share their ideas and engage fully in the content. At Leiden, every individual counts, which is why every student receives one-on-one support and mentoring from lecturers.
Study in Japan
Two semesters of your degree will be spent studying at a university in Japan, offering you a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to immerse yourself in Japanese culture, language, and society. Develop your fluency in Japanese and gain a host of skills and insights that will prepare you for real-world success after your master's degree.