Program Overview

Program Overview

The Master of Arts in Modern East Asian Studies (MA MEAS) is an English-taught degree program focusing on contemporary East Asia. It is designed for graduates with a background in East Asian regional studies and outstanding knowledge of an East Asian language.

Profile

• Place of study: Campus Duisburg
• Start date: Winter semester (October)
• Duration: 1 year full-time (60 ECTS credits)
• Degree: Master of Arts (M.A.) in Modern East Asian Studies
• Admission: Admission-free, with possible access requirements

Specialisation / Focus / Profile

• Chinese or Japanese or Korean Language for Advanced Students
• Elective Modules Advanced East Asian Studies

Description

The MA Modern East Asian Studies (MEAS) program is designed for graduates with a background in East Asian regional studies and outstanding knowledge of an East Asian language. The focus of the program is the theoretical and problem-centered analysis of societies, politics, and economies in East Asia, and the strengthening of previously acquired language skills.

Course of Study

Course of Study and Modules

The one-year MA program MA MEAS offers Advanced Chinese, Japanese, or Korean language and the choice of a discipline (sociology, political science, or economics). The program combines advanced language skills with interdisciplinary and discipline-specific modules focusing on Chinese, Japanese, and Korean studies.

Curriculum

• Semester 1: Students deepen their Chinese, Japanese, and Korean language skills by focusing on reading, writing, and discussing on an advanced level. Additionally, students choose three out of approximately ten Advanced East Asian Studies (AEAS) modules, complemented by one elective module, after an individual mentoring session with the coordinator or their academic advisor.
• Semester 2: Students concentrate on writing their Master’s thesis. The thesis is an independent piece of research about a cutting-edge topic on contemporary East Asia.

Examinations/ECTS-Credits

• 60 ECTS-Credits, including Master Thesis with attached seminar (30 ECTS-Credits)

Admission to Study Programme

Admission Requirements

• BA/bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in East Asian regional studies (ideally with a disciplinary focus on sociology, political science, or economy) with a minimum grade average of 2.5 according to the German grading system
• BA encompassing 240 ECTS-Credits (if the BA degree encompasses less than 240 ECTS-Credits, conditional admission may be granted requiring up to 30 ECTS credits in additional courses)
• English language proficiency “C1 level” (according to Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, Assessment)
• German language skills are recommended but not required

Admission

• Information on required documents and application procedures can be found in the program's guidelines.
• Successful applicants who fulfill the prerequisites are invited for an interview in the second stage to test their aptitude and motivation for the study program.
• Conditional admission may be granted requiring up to 30 ECTS credits to be taken in additional courses.

Application Submission

• July 15 for non-EU citizens
• September 15 for EU citizens
• Early submission is strongly recommended

Costs

• See the program's FAQ for details on costs and tuition fees

Language Requirements

• English language proficiency C1 and advanced proficiency in one East Asian language (Chinese or Korean or Japanese)

Study Abroad Period

• Not obligatory, but recommended for students without extended experience living in East Asia
• Students can apply to study for one term at one of the partner universities in East Asia in their 2nd semester of MA MEAS

Internships during Study

• Not obligatory, but recommended for gaining practical experience
• The semester abroad can be arranged in the 2nd Semester (MEAS)

Network and Careers

• Our MA MEAS graduates are qualified for further studies at the doctoral level, for high-level positions in multinational corporations, in politics/political consulting, in governmental and non-governmental think tanks and institutions, and in international organizations where intensive knowledge of East Asia and language competency is in high demand

General Course Guidance for Prospective and Current Students

• We offer a variety of consulting formats for prospective and current students

Contact to the Faculty and Advisory Service

• Joint program of Faculty of Social Sciences and Faculty of Business Administration, coordinated by Institute of East Asian Studies at Campus Duisburg
• Departmental advisory services are available for students and potential applicants

Similar Study Programmes

• Moderne Ostasienstudien, Bachelor
• Contemporary East Asian Studies, Master