About the Master's Programme in Asian Studies

From geopolitics to K-pop, are you curious about what drives East and South-East Asia today? Explore the region’s complexities in a Master’s that puts you at the crossroads of global change within a truly international, interdisciplinary classroom setting.

This program provides you with a broad and interdisciplinary understanding of societal development in East and South-East Asia. You begin with courses that address region-wide themes such as politics and economic development. In the second term, you choose a course focused on a specific country or region, analysing current issues from cultural, political, and historical perspectives. You then continue with studies in international relations and research methods.

The studies gradually become more specialized, allowing you to shape your own regional and thematic profile. In the third term, you choose elective courses at the Centre for East and South-East Asian Studies, other departments at Lund University, or a partner university abroad—if you apply and are nominated by the faculty. Many students use this term to deepen their knowledge in their thesis area. During the final term, you write your master’s thesis and may conduct fieldwork in Asia.

The teaching is led by researchers with deep regional expertise, and the program combines academic breadth with methodological training and analytical depth. You develop tools to analyse complex societal issues, work across disciplines, and collaborate in intercultural environments. The program prepares you for qualified international roles in research or other areas of society such as the public sector and civil society.

As a student in this programme, you will:

Learn to analyse complex issues related to social, cultural, political and economic developments in East and South-East Asia.
Critically, independently, and creatively be able to identify and formulate questions and use appropriate research methods.
Gain the ability to work in an interdisciplinary setting and a multicultural international environment.
Gain the skills required for work in research, government agencies, international organisations or employment in some other qualified capacity.

When you graduate you will receive a Master of Science in Asian Studies degree.

Programme modules/courses

The programme progresses and the courses become more specialised over time, requiring higher levels of critical and analytical skills. Thus the courses are studied in the following order:

First semester

Introduction to Asian Studies (6 credits)
The Economic Transformation of East and South-East Asia (12 credits)
Political Systems, Governance, and Democratization in East and South-East Asia (12 credits)

Second semester

Region-specific course, choose between China, Japan/Korea, or Southeast Asia (15 credits)
International Relations of East and South-East Asia (7.5 credits)
Methodology in Theory (7.5 credits)

Third semester

Elective course 1 (7.5 credits)
Elective course 2 (7.5 credits)
Elective course 3 (7.5 credits)
Elective course 4 (7.5 credits)

Fourth semester

Master’s Thesis (30 credits)

For more detailed information on the courses please have a look at the Outline of the Programme page

Fieldwork in Asia

During the fourth semester, you have the possibility to travel to Asia to carry out fieldwork and collect material for your master's thesis. You can choose to do the fieldwork on your own or to be affiliated with one of the Centre for East and South-East Asian Studies’ academic partners in Asia, currently Fudan University, China, Waseda University, Japan, and Thammasat University, Thailand

Career Prospects for MSc Programme in Asian Studies Graduates

Graduates of this programme go on to a wide range of careers internationally and in Sweden. Some pursue doctoral studies in fields like political science, demography, international relations, legal studies, and sustainable development. These paths often build on a student’s undergraduate field, with the programme adding regional expertise and research skills. Others continue in academia as research assistants, programme managers, or international coordinators.

Many graduates work in public administration, including foreign ministries, embassies, and EU or UN agencies. Others work in civil society organisations such as the Asia Foundation, the Red Cross, and Oxfam. In the private sector, our alumni are employed as consultants, analysts, project managers, brand specialists, and editors.

The programme supports diverse career paths by helping you develop strong analytical skills, cross-cultural understanding, and in-depth regional knowledge—qualities that are in demand across sectors.

Upon completion, you will receive a Master of Science in Asian Studies degree, opening doors to further studies and diverse career opportunities. This programme prepares you to become an expert on a region that is playing an increasingly significant role in the world.