Japanese Studies
| Specialisation of: | Asian Studies |
|---|---|
| Degree: | Master of Arts in Asian Studies |
| Mode of Study: | Full-time |
| Duration: | 2 years |
| Start date: | September |
| Language of instruction: | English |
| Location: | Leiden |
| Croho/isat code: | 60840 |
The two-year specialisation in Japanese studies is unique in the Netherlands. With a world-class teaching and research portfolio that covers East Asia and looks at the region from a multi-disciplinary standpoint, the programme provides you with unique insights into a comprehensive range of cutting-edge topics in modern and pre-modern Japan.
The MA programme in Leiden is an international and cosmopolitan one, drawing students from around the world. This gives the programme an outward-looking and creative tone that seeks to foster ‘world citizens’ as well as first-class scholars.
Building on the uniquely long and intimate relations between The Netherlands and Japan, Leiden University has one of the oldest and most established centres of Japanese Studies in the Western world.
Entry requirements
Applicants are admissible to the MA programme in Japanese Studies who:
- have earned the degree of bachelor at an academic university equivalent to a Dutch university bachelor’s degree, or can demonstrate that they meet the requirements for such a degree
- have knowledge and understanding of the at least three of the following disciplinary approaches (problems, theories, methods, analytical concepts): history, art history and material culture, religion, literature, linguistics, politics, philosophy, law, economy and/or sociology of Japan.
- have knowledge of the japanologic traditions and understanding of disciplinary-methodological issues in this field;
- have knowledge of the important historical, sociocultural and political developments in the region;
- have sufficient command of Japanese, at a level comparable to the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT2) Level N2;
- are sufficiently proficient in written and spoken English: IELTS test level of at least 6.5 or TOEFL score of at least 570/230/88-90, evidenced by an appropriate test.
This requirement does not apply if you have:- completed your education in Canada, USA, UK, Ireland, New Zealand or Australia, or
- an International Baccalaureate, or
- a Dutch VWO diploma.
Essay required
Prospective students are required to add a recent essay in English of approximately 1,250 words on a topic related to Japan Studies to their application documents, to demonstrate their level of knowledge and understanding. This may be work written as part of your previous education or a new essay.
More general information on the admission procedure can be found on the How to apply page.
Selection procedure
This programme has a yearly maximum of 17 places. Because of the selection procedure, the application deadline for all students is 1 April.
Applicants with a higher professional education (HBO) degree are not eligible for admission.
More details on the selection procedure are on the department’s website .
