Program Overview

Program Overview

The Faculty of Philosophy at Heidelberg University offers a unique Bachelor's program in South Asian Studies, providing students in Europe with the opportunity to explore geographical, social, and economic aspects of South Asian culture. This program combines historical and philological aspects, alongside linguistic and cultural traditions of South Asia, and considers a broad field of contemporary, modern regional studies.

Facts and Formalities

• Degree: Bachelor of Arts
• Type of programme: Undergraduate
• Start of programme: Winter semester only
• Standard period of study: 6 semesters
• Language(s) of instruction: German, English, possibly South Asian languages
• Fees and contributions: 161.10 € / Semester
• Application procedure: Subjects with no admission restrictions
• Application deadlines: Information about deadlines can be obtained after you have put together a degree program.
• Part-time option: Yes

Course Content

South Asian studies focus on the historical, current political and economic developments, events, languages and media, religions, and geographical processes that characterize and influence countries in South Asia. Countries considered include Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, as well as Tibet and the Indian Himalayan region.

From the start of the degree programme, students are encouraged to develop multi- and interdisciplinary working methods, enabling them to work effectively in multilingual and multicultural environments. Students must select an area of specialization and learn a Southern Asian language. Intensive language courses ensure that students can understand and methodically process texts written in their chosen language.

Course Structure

The major subject with a weighting of 50% consists of four course elements:

1. The compulsory element consists of a one-year lecture series entitled "An Introduction to South Asia" and a lecture or seminar focusing on a specific, but freely chosen region of South Asia, as well as a final oral examination taken in the sixth semester.
2. A second compulsory elective element requires students to study a language, attending intensive language courses in one of the languages offered.
3. An additional compulsory elective element necessitates that students select a further area of specialization from the subjects on offer. In total, students must complete three subject modules.
4. The fourth course element equips students with generic competences not specific to South Asian studies. Completion of the course "Academic Working Methods" in the first semester is compulsory. Students may select additional courses in this area from those offered by the University.

If South Asian studies is taken as a first major subject with a weighting of 50%, students must also produce a Bachelor's thesis in the sixth semester.

Additional Degrees

• Bachelor 25%
• Bachelor 75%
• Bachelor 100%