This English-taught, social science–oriented master's offers a contemporary, interdisciplinary approach to the study of East Asia. Designed as a research-focused one-year (two-semester) degree, the programme combines advanced language tuition with discipline-specific modules to deepen understanding of political, social and economic developments in China, Japan and Korea. Students pick a disciplinary strand that matches their prior training (sociology, political science or economics) while taking advanced courses in one of the three regional languages.
The curriculum trains students to carry out theoretical and problem-centred analyses of social, political and economic phenomena in East Asia, with particular attention to contemporary change and the region’s implications for Europe. Methodological instruction is embedded in the Advanced East Asian modules so that students apply rigorous disciplinary methods directly to regional case studies.
What you will gain
The programme combines interdisciplinary and discipline-specific coursework centered on Chinese, Japanese and Korean studies. Students follow modules that deepen regional expertise while also receiving methodological training; this methodology instruction can be embedded within the country/region modules or offered as standalone classes. The curriculum is designed to build both area knowledge and the research skills needed for social-science scholarship about contemporary East Asia.
In the first semester students take three Advanced East Asian Studies modules (each worth 6 ECTS) and an advanced language course of their choice, enabling simultaneous development of analytical and language abilities. The second semester is reserved for the Master’s thesis: an independent research project on a contemporary East Asian topic that brings together theoretical understanding, methodological competence and the programme’s regional specialisation.
Key learning outcomes include advanced knowledge of social, political and cultural processes in East Asia; practical methodological skills in discipline-specific research approaches; high-level language proficiency relevant to primary-source research; and the capacity to design and complete an independent, cutting-edge research thesis.
Requirements (concise)
Admission requirements
A completed Bachelor's degree (or an international qualification equivalent to a Bachelor's) in East Asian / Asian regional studies, social sciences, political science or economics is required, assessed on the basis of the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS). Applicants are normally expected to hold a total of 240 ECTS credits and a minimum grade average of 2.5 according to the German grading scale.
If an applicant’s prior studies do not fully meet these requirements, the admissions board may offer conditional admission. In such cases you can be asked to take up to 30 ECTS of additional/bridging courses specified by the IN‑EAST examination board to remedy identified gaps; conditional admission can also allow entry for the summer semester. The admissions process may include an interview in English if the board deems it necessary, and you must submit the full set of application documents listed on the programme’s application page.
Key points (bullet list)
Winter Semester (International)
15 July 2026
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
15 September 2026
Graduates are prepared for roles that require regional expertise and strong language skills, such as policy analysis, international organisations, diplomacy, think tanks, NGOs, consultancy, journalism and research positions. The programme’s methodological focus and the independent master’s thesis also provide a solid foundation for students who wish to pursue doctoral studies in East Asian studies or related social-science fields.
Because the degree combines language proficiency with disciplinary social-science training, alumni are well placed for Europe-Asia liaison roles, regional research posts, and positions in institutions that engage with East Asian political, economic or social issues.