The two-year MA in Chinese Studies, a specialisation of Leiden University’s master's in Asian Studies, combines content courses with intensive and advanced language training, outstanding teaching, and world-class resources to bring you the only qualification of its calibre offered in the Netherlands.
Our curriculum is designed to give you a broad understanding of China, as well as the contextual knowledge to comment on issues from other vantage points – for example, western Europe – for both specialist and general audiences. Gain an understanding of disciplinary thinking, concepts, terminology and methodology as dictated by your regional-disciplinary specialisation, and acquire the skills to carry out independent and academic-quality research.
The curriculum of the two-year master's programme in Chinese Studies comprises core courses, two semesters at Shandong University in Jinan, China, and an MA thesis.
February 2025
Leiden University
Rapenburg 70,
LEIDEN,
Zuid-Holland,
2311, Netherlands
You are eligible to apply for the MA Asian Studies: Chinese Studies (120 EC) if you have:
A bachelor’s degree from a research university, equivalent to the level of a Dutch academic Bachelor’s degree
Knowledge of the nature and role of as well as the ability to analyse and report on academic inquiry in the humanities or social sciences; and
Completed components at bachelor’s level (which may include the thesis) equivalent to at least 30 EC (or equivalent) on at least three out of these six disciplines: history, art, culture, politics, society or economy of one or more East Asian countries or regions.
Fundamental knowledge of pre-modern and modern China;
Knowledge of sinological traditions and understanding of disciplinary-methodological issues.
Sufficient command of Chinese, at least 250 points from HSK Test (Level 4), 180 points from HSK Test (Level 5), or TOCFL (Level 3).
*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.
