Politics, Society and Economy of Asia (MA) (60EC)
The MA in Politics, Society and Economy of Asia takes a social science approach to the study of one or more countries or regions in 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 Politics, Society and Economy of Asia at Leiden University?
Learn about the most important forces at play in Asia today. This master's offers you both the flexibility to define your focus and an expansive curriculum of relevant topics from which to choose. Select your country or region, and explore it from diverse disciplinary perspectives – often using original source materials – including modern history, sociology, development economics, media studies, political science, international relations and anthropology.
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What are your career prospects?
Graduates of the MA in Politics, Society and Economy of Asia can offer expertise that is highly relevant to many organisations today. A selection of roles in which expertise on Asia is desirable include professions in journalism, publishing, international trade, marketing, business, public relations, education, development aid, and in government, multinationals and NGOs.
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Is Politics, Society and Economy of Asia 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 Social Sciences and wish to extend their knowledge to 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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