South Asian Studies (MA) (60EC)
Career prospects
Where do our graduates work?
As a graduate of the MA in Asian Studies, you are qualified to work within a variety of fields where there is a demand for expertise in Asia, including journalism and publishing, international trade and marketing, business, public relations, education and development aid, and in government, international organisations and NGOs.
Examples of the diverse roles of our graduates include:
- Account manager at a translation agency
- Project manager at a trading and consultancy company in India
- Owner of a consultancy firm
- Consultant at a defence and security company
- Communications officer at an animation studio in Japan
- Relations management officer at an organisation promoting internationalisation in education
- Editor at an academic publishing house
- Content editor at a booking website
Research Master
If you have ambitions to pursue a PhD position or career as a researcher outside of academia you can apply for the two-year Research Master in Asian Studies on completion of the programme.
Dwin Snoeks
Underwriter for a Swiss insurance company
“I work as an Underwriter for a Swiss insurance company. My task is to assess the risks of insuring individuals for disability and mortality coverages. I do this by analysing information about the personal situation, financials, travel risks, dangerous sports and so on.”
The possibility to grow “While working I decided that I wanted to grow more outside of my usual field of activity. I wanted to learn how to improve my research skills, how to interpret information correctly and I wanted to write articles. I have always been very interested in South Asia and have been there many times. Therefore, I saw South Asian Studies as the perfect MA programme to grow the way that I wanted.”
An enrichment for personal and work life “South Asian Studies brought me exactly what I expected. This study programme has provided me with many tools that I use daily in my current job. I developed as a researcher, presenter and analyst. Apart from this, the study has really broadened my horizon: I have learned to speak Hindi, got to learn the history of Tibet and now know all about Indian politics. South Asian Studies has been an enrichment in both my personal life and my career.”
In which sector do students find jobs?
The graphs below are based on alumni data from the MA Asian Studies (60 EC) 2020 through 2024.
- 13 % Education
- 13 % Government and semi-government
- 8 % Communication and marketing
- 8 % IT
- 8 % Financial institutions
- 5 % Research
- 5 % Consultancy
- 5 % Business services
- 3 % Advising
- 33 % Other
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
As a Humanities graduate, you have developed talents that are in high demand on the job market. Intercultural skills, written communication, and social awareness are qualities that clearly distinguish Humanities graduates on the job market. Your ability to think analytically and creatively also gives you an edge.
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.
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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