Asian Studies (research) (MA)
Career prospects
Where do our graduates work?
The master in Asian Studies (research) prepares you for a wide range of careers in which in-depth knowledge of Asia and advanced conceptual, analytical and interpretative skills are essential. Our graduates have pursued successful careers in the public, private and non-profit sectors.
Academic career
Graduates have also gone on to pursue a PhD and a career in academia. If you wish to pursue an academic career, your Master's is excellent preparation for a PhD programme or a career in a research agency, a think tank, or a governmental or non-governmental organisation. Your strong analytical and problem-solving skills can also be applied in a wide range of other professions.
Advanced analytical skills
Experience and knowledge of Asia combined with advanced analytical skills are, for example, also in demand in careers in publishing, international trade, public relations, and education. Leiden University Asian Studies graduates often find employment in Asia itself.
Examples of the diverse roles of our graduates include:
- Freelance writer at a magazine and online platform focussing on China
- Teacher at Leiden University
- Researcher and teaching staff member at Leiden University
- PhD candidate at Leiden University
- PhD candidate at EPFL (École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne)
- PhD candidate at Groningen University
- NOS correspondent in Japan
- Junior underwriter at an insurance company
- Area Manager Asia at the Netherlands Council for Trade Promotion
- Consular Officer at the Dutch Embassy
- Coordinator, International Relations at Mima City Hall
- Translator for the Dutch government
Vincent Brussee
PhD candidate at Leiden University
"I knew I loved research and wanted to deepen my understanding of contemporary Chinese politics. The research master’s in Asian Studies at Leiden University offered exactly that: numerous opportunities to sharpen my research skills, along with exceptional individual supervision from leading researchers in my field—beyond what is typically available in a regular MA programme. These experiences proved invaluable to secure two roles I had long aspired to: first at a leading think tank, and now in my current PhD position back at Leiden."
Alice Simionato
Graduated in Asian Studies (research)
"I decided to apply for the Research Master in Asian Studies because I wanted to develop my research interests related to Chinese philosophy and, while doing so, learn about the tools and methodologies that a researcher should acquire. During my studies in Leiden, I was able to build my own curriculum by choosing courses related to my field of interest and, at the same time, I learned about the fundamental issues and methods of Area Studies.”
“I am currently a PhD student in Philosophy (School of Humanities) at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, where I was awarded a four years scholarship. My research project focuses on the relations between European rationalism and Neo-Confucianism, two traditions that have been compared in both Europe and China during different historical periods. Because of the skills and knowledge I have aquired during the Research Master in Leiden I started my PhD with confidence and I am now able to work independently. "
In which sectors do students find jobs?
The graphs below are based on alumni data from the Research Master Asian Studies 2020 through 2024.
- 33 % Government and semi-government
- 22 % Education
- 22 % Research
- 11 % Wholesale and retail
- 11 % Media and journalism
Career preparation
Find out how this programme exactly prepares you for your future career and check our career preparation activities.
Launch your career with a master’s degree
Continuing your studies after your bachelor's degree pays off. Graduates with a master's degree are more likely to find higher-level positions: 77% start at a university of applied sciences (hbo) or university level, compared to 63% of graduates who only hold a bachelor's degree. This difference remains visible in the long term. After more than two years of work experience, 87% of master's alumni work at a university of applied sciences or university level, compared to 76% of bachelor's alumni.
A unique strength on the job market
The development of in-depth knowledge in the field, and the ability to think critically and analytically, are key goals of this programme. The Asian Studies (research) programme will introduce you to the theoretical concepts and academic methodological approaches current in Asian Studies, including disciplines such as: linguistics, history and social siences.
You will learn to use these concepts and approaches in researching and analysing large quantities of source material during your research project. You will also learn how to report on your findings in written form (your thesis) and orally (during your thesis defense).
Do you consider to put your knowledge into practice during your studies? Determine whether an internship could be an option for you. Start orientating your possibilities by visiting an internship information session. This way you can receive information about the internship procedure and listen to tips of former interns.
Notice that you will search for an internship yourself to find a place of your interest. Do you need some help with this or the application process? Do not hesitate to contact the Career Service. When you have found an internship, inform us. Then, the internship coordinator advises you how to proceed and provides your internship plan with feedback so it can be submitted for approval to the board of examiners.
You can always do an internship, but depending on its content, it may or may not count towards your degree (be extra-curriculair).
Our staff can help you identify both the career that is right for you, and the necessary steps to get you there. Our team at the Humanities Career Service provides all Leiden University humanities students with professional advice and guidance on everything from internships and career planning to job applications. Humanities Career Service also organises regular workshops on topics such as effective interview skills and creating a successful CV.
The Humanities Career Service offers you various (online) workshops, webinars and info sessions. Check our overview of career activities.
The Leiden University Career Zone is an online career portal that helps you to prepare for the job market. Here you can find information, tools and tips to help you gain more personal insight, learn about the job market, develop your application skills, plan your academic and professional career, find job vacancies and discover what the Career Service can do for you.
Join the Mentor Network to contact alumni with experience on the labour market and ask them for advice. More than 1200 alumni are happy to help you!
Jelle on finding an internship via Leiden University's Mentor Network
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