History, Arts and Culture of Asia (MA) (60EC)
The MA in History, Arts and Culture of Asia is designed for students interested in taking a humanities-related approach to the study of countries or regions in pre-modern, modern or contemporary Asia. This specialization will merge with the Global Asia specialization starting September 2026. Students enrolling in February 2026 will be able to complete their program as planned.
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Why study History, Arts and Culture of Asia at Leiden University?
With an expansive curriculum, this one-year master's gives students the opportunity to delve deep into their specific disciplinary area of interest within the field of Asian Studies. Explore the countries of your choice from a wide range of disciplinary perspectives, including history, literature, art history, critical heritage, media and culture, and religion.
Within the master's in History, Arts and Culture of Asia, knowledge of an Asian language is not required, but you have the opportunity to broaden your skillset by taking an intensive modern language course at beginner’s level in Sanskrit, Indonesian, Tibetan or Hindi.
You can also earn a dual degree by following the focus Critical Heritage Studies of Asia and Europe at one of Leiden University's partner universities in Asia, earning you an additional MA in Heritage Studies on top of your MA in Asian Studies. Knowledge of an Asian language is not required for this master’s programme.
Learn more about the study programme
What are your career prospects?
Your expertise in Asia will qualify you for jobs in a variety of fields where there is demand for expertise in Asia, including journalism, publishing, international trade, marketing, business, public relations, education, development aid, and in government, non-profit and international organisations.
Find out more about your career prospects
Is History, Arts and Culture the programme for you?
This program is suitable for students who want to delve deeper into a specific discipline or subject in the study of Asia by choosing from a broad range of electives. It is also suitable for students who pursued degrees in the Humanities and wish to extend their knowledge of Asia. Do you want to find out if you are eligible for this Master’s Programme?
Check the admission requirements
A centre of expertise on languages and cultures of the world
If you’re interested in languages and cultures, Leiden University is the best place to study. The university’s global expertise places our programmes at the top. In Leiden and The Hague, we study languages and cultures from all regions of the world and from prehistory to the present day. In this way, we create a broad view of the world; the key to mutual understanding.
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