Overview This two-year, English-taught MA is offered by the South Asia Institute and brings together small, international cohorts for interdisciplinary, research-oriented study. Classes emphasize close seminar work and academic exchange, so students benefit from diverse perspectives and sustained interaction with faculty and peers.
The curriculum examines historical, social, political, economic, geographic, and environmental aspects of South Asia—specifically Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. The programme aims to develop students’ ability to work independently and reflect critically across humanities and social-science approaches. You design your own pathway by selecting a primary study focus and adding complementary courses, including language training.
Specialisations, programme enrichment and languages Students choose one of several study focuses to shape their master’s thesis and coursework, and can combine their major with flexible in-house minor options. Governments of Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka fund guest professorships that bring contemporary regional insight to the teaching. Regular public talks by academics, writers, and social and cultural activists further connect classroom learning to current debates and networking opportunities.
For students planning fieldwork or research on primary sources, the programme offers regular instruction in ten South Asian languages—Bengali, Dari, Hindi, Classical Tibetan, Nepali, Pali, Sanskrit, Sinhala, Tamil, and Urdu—available as part of minor programmes that can be combined with the major.
Program details (concise)
This Master's is a 120 CP (credit points) programme designed to combine disciplinary depth with flexibility across interdisciplinary combinations. Coursework makes up 90 CP completed over the first three semesters, while the fourth semester is devoted to a 30 CP Master's phase (thesis and oral exam). The structure supports a focused study track alongside a wide choice of electives so you can build either a specialized or broadly comparative profile in development, environment, societies, and the history of South Asia.
Core learning and skill development are built into a compulsory module sequence, a dedicated study focus, and a large elective component. The compulsory modules introduce academic working, AI competency and academic writing, and bring students together in a research colloquium, ensuring research-ready skills. The study focus provides concentrated disciplinary training (36 CP total), while the elective modules (36 CP total) let you tailor the programme to your interests. In the final semester you will produce a Master's thesis (25 CP) and defend it in an oral examination (5 CP), demonstrating independent research and scholarly communication.
Key modules and credits
Learning outcomes you can expect
Applicants are generally expected to hold an above-average Bachelor's degree in the subject area they wish to study or in a closely related social-science discipline. The admissions committee looks for strong academic preparation that aligns with the program’s focus.
Applicants who do not have a directly matching degree but can show comparable knowledge and skills are also welcome to apply. Relevant extracurricular involvement or professional experience that demonstrates equivalent proficiency will be taken into account; be prepared to explain how your background matches the programme’s academic expectations.
Winter Semester (International)
30 September 2026
Summer Semester (International)
31 March 2026
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
30 September 2026
Summer Semester (EU/EEA)
31 March 2026
Graduates leave with both in-depth regional knowledge of South Asia and transferable research skills suitable for careers in research and academia, international organisations, NGOs, policy and development agencies, cultural institutions, journalism, and diplomacy. The programme's language options and close engagement with contemporary debates also prepare students for roles that require specialised regional competence.
Students aiming for further academic study will be well prepared for PhD programmes thanks to the programme's emphasis on independent research, academic writing and a substantive master's thesis. Exchange opportunities and guest lectures further support networking and professional pathways in and beyond Europe.