Asian Studies
Source: https://www.lunduniversity.lu.se/study/asian-studies-masters-programme-HAAST Parent: https://www.lunduniversity.lu.se/study/study-opportunities-lund-university/masters-degree-studies
Master's programme • 2 years • 120 credits
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.
Start
Autumn 2026
Duration
2 years
Level
Master's
Language
English
Place of study
Lund
- Overview
- Teaching and learning
- Career prospects
Overview
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 regionwide 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.
Teaching and learning
The programme combines lectures with discussion-based seminars. Most courses include group discussions and oral presentations. Film screenings are sometimes used to support thematic learning.\
You’ll work both independently and in groups, often preparing written assignments or seminar papers. Assessment typically includes written work, presentations, participation, and exams.\
The teaching is research-led, and the lecturers are active scholars with deep regional expertise. The courses develop subject knowledge and key academic skills such as critical thinking, writing, and public speaking. The classroom environment is international and collaborative, and active participation is expected.
Students, teachers, and researchers come from diverse academic and cultural backgrounds. This international mix enriches discussion and prepares you for global, cross-cultural work settings.
Studies abroad
You may spend the third term abroad at one of Lund University’s partner universities. To do this, you should apply during your first term. If you are nominated, the courses you take abroad will count toward your degree. The exchange should be planned together with your programme coordinators to ensure it aligns with your academic focus and prepares you for your thesis work.
Career prospects
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.
- Dates
- Requirements and selection
- Tuition fees
- Scholarships and funding
Dates
Autumn Semester 2026
Closed for applications.
Lund - Full time 100%
Apply now
Start
31 August 2026
31 Aug 2026
End
4 June 2028
4 Jun 2028
Form
Normal learning
Pace
Full time
Language
English
City
Lund
Apply now
Good to know about applying for international Master's programmes
Most international Master's programmes require you to submit programme-specific documents as part of your application. Make sure to check the requirements carefully.
Requirements and selection
Prerequisites
A Bachelor’s degree (a Swedish Kandidatexamen) in the Social Sciences or Humanities. English course 6 (advanced proficiency).
When applying for the MSc in Asian Studies, you must also submit a Statement of Purpose and a CV with your application.
Selection criteria
Based on previous achievements in the following order: 1) Grades on courses and, if applicable, thesis in the BA degree; 2) English language proficiency; 3) Documented knowledge of and/or interest in the field of Asian studies and the Statement of Purpose; 4) Non-academic knowledge and/or work experience of relevance to Asian studies.
Tuition fees
Tuition fees for non-EU/EEA citizens
Citizens of countries outside:
- The European Union (EU)
- The European Economic Area (EEA) and
- Switzerland
are required to pay tuition fees. You pay an instalment of the tuition fee in advance of each \ semester.
Tuition fees, payments and exemptions
Full programme/course tuition fee: SEK 270,000 \ First payment: SEK 67,500
Note that you may also need to pay an application fee, or provide proof of exemption.
No tuition fees for citizens of the EU, EEA and Switzerland
There are no tuition fees for citizens of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland.
Scholarships and funding
Lund University Global Scholarship Programme
The Lund University Global Scholarship programme is a merit-based and selective scholarship targeted at top academic students from countries outside the EU/EEA.
Lund University Global Scholarship
African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) Scholarship
Within the framework of the Lund University Global Scholarship programme, the University also offers the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) Scholarship targeted at top academic students from selected African research universities.
Swedish Institute Scholarship: Global professionals
The Swedish Institute offers scholarships to international students from certain countries who are applying for select Master's programmes in Sweden.
Scholarship information on the Swedish Institute website
Country-specific scholarships and funding options
Lund University has agreements with scholarship organisations and funding bodies in different countries, which may allow applicants to apply for funding or scholarships in their home countries for their studies at Lund University. Most agreements are intended for Master’s applicants, although certain opportunities may also be available to Bachelor’s students.
External scholarships
In addition to scholarships offered by Lund University or through its partner agreements, there are external opportunities. On the page below, you’ll find examples of organisations that may provide financial support for international students from specific countries.
Overview
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 regionwide 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.
Teaching and learning
The programme combines lectures with discussion-based seminars. Most courses include group discussions and oral presentations. Film screenings are sometimes used to support thematic learning.\
You’ll work both independently and in groups, often preparing written assignments or seminar papers. Assessment typically includes written work, presentations, participation, and exams.\
The teaching is research-led, and the lecturers are active scholars with deep regional expertise. The courses develop subject knowledge and key academic skills such as critical thinking, writing, and public speaking. The classroom environment is international and collaborative, and active participation is expected.
Students, teachers, and researchers come from diverse academic and cultural backgrounds. This international mix enriches discussion and prepares you for global, cross-cultural work settings.
Studies abroad
You may spend the third term abroad at one of Lund University’s partner universities. To do this, you should apply during your first term. If you are nominated, the courses you take abroad will count toward your degree. The exchange should be planned together with your programme coordinators to ensure it aligns with your academic focus and prepares you for your thesis work.
Career prospects
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.
Dates
Autumn Semester 2026
Closed for applications.
Lund - Full time 100%
Apply now
Start
31 August 2026
31 Aug 2026
End
4 June 2028
4 Jun 2028
Form
Normal learning
Pace
Full time
Language
English
City
Lund
Apply now
Good to know about applying for international Master's programmes
Most international Master's programmes require you to submit programme-specific documents as part of your application. Make sure to check the requirements carefully.
Requirements and selection
Prerequisites
A Bachelor’s degree (a Swedish Kandidatexamen) in the Social Sciences or Humanities. English course 6 (advanced proficiency).
When applying for the MSc in Asian Studies, you must also submit a Statement of Purpose and a CV with your application.
Selection criteria
Based on previous achievements in the following order: 1) Grades on courses and, if applicable, thesis in the BA degree; 2) English language proficiency; 3) Documented knowledge of and/or interest in the field of Asian studies and the Statement of Purpose; 4) Non-academic knowledge and/or work experience of relevance to Asian studies.
Tuition fees
Tuition fees for non-EU/EEA citizens
Citizens of countries outside:
- The European Union (EU)
- The European Economic Area (EEA) and
- Switzerland
are required to pay tuition fees. You pay an instalment of the tuition fee in advance of each \ semester.
Tuition fees, payments and exemptions
Full programme/course tuition fee: SEK 270,000 \ First payment: SEK 67,500
Note that you may also need to pay an application fee, or provide proof of exemption.
No tuition fees for citizens of the EU, EEA and Switzerland
There are no tuition fees for citizens of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland.
Scholarships and funding
Lund University Global Scholarship Programme
The Lund University Global Scholarship programme is a merit-based and selective scholarship targeted at top academic students from countries outside the EU/EEA.
Lund University Global Scholarship
African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) Scholarship
Within the framework of the Lund University Global Scholarship programme, the University also offers the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) Scholarship targeted at top academic students from selected African research universities.
Swedish Institute Scholarship: Global professionals
The Swedish Institute offers scholarships to international students from certain countries who are applying for select Master's programmes in Sweden.
Scholarship information on the Swedish Institute website
Country-specific scholarships and funding options
Lund University has agreements with scholarship organisations and funding bodies in different countries, which may allow applicants to apply for funding or scholarships in their home countries for their studies at Lund University. Most agreements are intended for Master’s applicants, although certain opportunities may also be available to Bachelor’s students.
External scholarships
In addition to scholarships offered by Lund University or through its partner agreements, there are external opportunities. On the page below, you’ll find examples of organisations that may provide financial support for international students from specific countries.
Contact us
Academic Advisor
Nina Brand
Email: nina.brand@ace.lu.se
Phone: +46 46 222 38 61
Director of Studies
Stefan Brehm
Email: stefan.brehm@ace.lu.se