Japanese Studies (MA) (120EC)

The two-year Japanese Studies programme has a maximum of 17 places, depending on available places at our partner universities; the Admissions Board ranks the requests on the fulfilment of the Admission Requirements. The application deadline is 1st April for all students. 

It is also possible to focus on Japanese 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 have no restriction on the number of available places.

Why study Japanese Studies at Leiden University?

Leiden University has one of the oldest and most established centres for Japanese Studies in the Western world – building on the country’s long and intimate relations with Japan. The two-year MA Japanese Studies programme, a specialisation of the MA Asian Studies, capitalises on this expertise in every way. Join a state-of-the-art and multidisciplinary programme taught by some of the leading academics in the field. 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.

Learn more about the study programme

What are your career prospects?

Our alumni can be found working within Japanese multinationals such as banks, insurance companies, and government bodies. Others have followed paths into consultancy, management, journalism, PR and marketing, tourism, and education.

Find out more about the career prospects

Is Japanese Studies the programme for you?

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. Alongside your specialised knowledge, you will acquire sophisticated analytical and critical-thinking skills and the ability to independently conduct high-quality research. Do you want to find out if you are eligible for this Master's Programme?

Check the admission requirements

Chat with a student

Do you have a question about studying at Leiden University or student life in Leiden? Do you want more information about the Asian Studies master's programme? 

Chat with a current student for answers to your questions!