The MA in Contemporary East Asian Studies is an English-language, social science master’s programme with a contemporary and interdisciplinary orientation. It is research-focused and intended for motivated graduates who hold a BA or equivalent in political science, international relations, sociology or economics. The curriculum centers on theoretical and problem-oriented analysis of societies, politics and economies in East Asia — specifically China, Taiwan, Japan and Korea — while strengthening students’ ability to evaluate regional change and its wider implications for Europe.
The degree combines advanced disciplinary work (students follow a track that corresponds to their prior degree in sociology, political science or economics) with broader regional and interdisciplinary modules. Methodological training is woven into the advanced East Asian studies courses so that students apply quantitative and qualitative tools directly to East Asian case studies. A substantial component of the programme is intensive language training in one of three East Asian languages: Chinese, Japanese or Korean.
This is a two-year programme (four semesters) that pairs language instruction with both interdisciplinary and discipline-specific courses focused on Chinese, Japanese and Korean studies. Students graduate with deeper methodological skills, expanded regional and interdisciplinary knowledge, and improved proficiency in one East Asian language. Native speakers of one of the offered languages must choose a different language option (for example, a native Korean speaker would study Chinese or Japanese).
Key facts and entry points
This MA curriculum combines intensive language instruction with both interdisciplinary and region-specific disciplinary modules, plus dedicated methodological training (either built into modules or offered separately). Students demonstrate their acquired regional, theoretical, methodological and language skills by completing an independent Master’s thesis on a contemporary issue in East Asia, accompanied by a seminar and supervisory guidance.
The full programme comprises 120 ECTS credits and is structured to build from core perspectives to advanced specialised study. Core introductory work introduces disciplinary approaches to East Asian studies (including economic, transnational and social-science perspectives). A substantial language component (Japanese, Chinese, or Korean) runs throughout the programme to develop strong reading, writing and communicative competence. Advanced modules allow students to focus on politics, society and economy across Japan, China and Korea, and elective modules may be available intermittently to broaden or deepen specific interests.
Learning outcomes emphasize:
Core curriculum requirements (concise)
Applicants must hold a Bachelor's degree (or an internationally equivalent first degree) in social or economic sciences. The programme requires at least 180 ECTS credits from the prior degree and a minimum grade point average of 2.5 according to the German grading scale. International qualifications will need to be comparable to these requirements.
If the admission committee identifies gaps in an applicant’s background, conditional admission can be offered. In that case students may be required to complete up to 30 ECTS of additional coursework (requirements set individually by the IN-EAST examination board). Conditional admits may also be accepted for the summer semester. An interview in English may be requested by the admissions board, and you must submit the complete set of application documents as listed on the programme’s application instructions.
Winter Semester (International)
15 July 2026
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
15 September 2026
Graduates are prepared for research and policy-oriented careers that require regional expertise on East Asia, strong methodological skills and East Asian language competence. Typical career paths include policy analysis, international organisations, NGOs, diplomacy, think tanks, and research roles in academia or private-sector units dealing with Europe–Asia relations.
The combination of discipline-based training, applied methodology and language proficiency also provides a solid foundation for doctoral study in East Asian studies, political science, sociology or economics, as well as roles in international business units that engage with East Asian markets.