Chinese Studies (MA) (120EC)

Why study Chinese Studies at Leiden University?

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. 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.

Learn more about the study programme

Please note: The two-year Chinese Studies programme has a maximum of 15 places; the Admissions Board ranks the requests on the fulfilment of the Admission Requirements. It is also possible to focus on Chinese Studies as part of the two-year Research Master’s programme in Asian Studies and the one-year East Asian Studies programme. East Asian Studies and the Research Master's have no restriction on the number of available places. 

One of the main objectives of the two-year programme Chinese Studies is to enhance Chinese language proficiency. We strongly advise native speakers to apply for the Research Master’s programme in Asian Studies or the specialisation Global Asia. 

Giulia Longhi: My year in Shandong

My year in China was very special because of the many trips I went on. Immersing myself so deeply in the culture I studied was such a wonderful experience, it felt like all the books, the papers and research I read (and did myself!) suddenly started to make sense. Other than that, my Chinese friends made my stay amazing, even if in certain times it wasn't all roses. Read more.

What are your career prospects?

Our graduates frequently find employment in policy-making occupations and are sought-after within the world of commerce. We have alumni working in management positions in NGOs, multinationals and SMEs in China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and elsewhere in Asia. You may also find employment as a journalist, correspondent, public relations manager, travel guide, interpreter or translator. We have graduates working at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, China Southern Airlines, Gassan Schiphol and Reformatorisch Dagblad.

Find out more about your career prospects

Is Chinese Studies the programme for you?

This programme is designed for ambitious and talented students, eager to become proficient in Chinese and pursue a career where you can apply your knowledge and expertise on China. Do you want to find out if you are eligible for this Master's Programme? 

Check the admission requirements

Maghiel van Crevel

Professor of Chinese Language and Literature

“What is so special about this master’s programme is that it is multidisciplinary. I am a specialist in modern Chinese poetry; my colleagues are philosophers, political scientists, historians, economists, experts in material culture and religion and so on. We also offer a state-of-the-art language programme that covers both modern and classical Chinese.”

Check the study programme and courses in the study guide