Semester 1: Three compulsory introductory modules help students to familiarize themselves with East Asian studies from different disciplinary perspectives. In addition, students start their training in the language of their choice (Chinese, Japanese or Korean native speakers are not allowed to choose their mother tongue).

Semester 2: There are up to 18 different modules on Advanced East Asian Studies (AEAS) available throughout the academic year, with some offered in the winter and others in the summer term. These modules provide problem-oriented and discipline-based perspectives on the politics, society, or economy of China, Japan and Korea, as well as the entire East Asian region. Students are required to select two AEAS modules and one elective module (which can be chosen from the AEAS and E-modules offered) in consultation with their study coordinator or supervisor.

Semester 3: Students complete their language training and select two additional AEAS and one elective module.

Semester 4: Students focus on writing their Master’s thesis. The thesis is an independent piece of research about a cutting-edge topic on contemporary East Asia. It is intended to demonstrate the student’s newly acquired knowledge, theoretical and methodological skills in East Asian regional studies, and language proficiency. Depending on individual progress and planning, the 4th semester may serve as window of opportunity for study stays abroad (subject to approval by coordinator/supervisor, place availability at partner universities etc.) or internships.

Further details about the program and all modules and classes can be found in the Examination Regulations and Module Handbook in the Download section.

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The MA CEAS program equips students with three interconnected sets of core skills that are highly relevant for careers related to East Asia.

1. Advanced methodological competence
Students deepen their existing methodological training and apply it to the analysis of East Asian political, social, and economic developments. They learn to critically assess contemporary change, evaluate policy challenges, and conduct independent research. These analytical and research skills are essential for positions in academia, think tanks, policy advising, governmental institutions, and international organizations dealing with East Asia.

2. Regional and interdisciplinary expertise
The program strengthens students’ in-depth knowledge of East Asia from discipline-based and interdisciplinary perspectives. Graduates gain a nuanced understanding of political systems, economic transformations, and societal change in China, Taiwan, Japan, and Korea, as well as their global connections. Such region-specific expertise is highly valued in diplomacy, international business, NGOs, consulting, journalism, and European institutions engaging with East Asian partners.

3. Professional language proficiency
Students receive intensive training in Chinese, Japanese, or Korean (excluding their native language). This enables them to access primary sources, engage directly with regional stakeholders, and operate confidently in cross-cultural contexts. Language competence significantly enhances employability in multinational corporations, foreign services, international cooperation agencies, and organizations operating in or with East Asia.

Together, these skills prepare graduates for professional careers that require both strong analytical capabilities and deep regional expertise. The combination of methodological rigor, interdisciplinary knowledge, and language proficiency provides a competitive profile for the global job market with a focus on East Asia.

Graduates of the MA in Contemporary East Asian Studies are well qualified for a wide range of professional and academic career paths. The program prepares students for doctoral studies as well as for demanding positions in national and international contexts where in-depth knowledge of East Asia is essential.

Many graduates pursue further academic training at the doctoral level, building on the program’s strong research orientation and methodological foundation. Research-oriented alumni may continue their studies within regional and international research networks. Local opportunities include the Alliance for Research on East Asia (AREA) Ruhr, a collaborative initiative in cooperation with the Faculty of East Asian Studies at Ruhr University Bochum and supported by the Mercator Research Center Ruhr (MERCUR). These institutions provide an excellent environment for advanced research on political, economic, and societal developments in East Asia.

Beyond academia, the MA degree qualifies graduates for high-level positions in multinational corporations, particularly in areas such as market analysis, strategy, risk assessment, and corporate communication involving East Asian partners. The program also opens career paths in politics and public administration, including political consulting, foreign affairs, and policy analysis.

Furthermore, graduates are well positioned for roles in governmental and non-governmental think tanks, research institutes, foundations, and international organizations where region-specific expertise and language proficiency are in high demand. Their ability to combine analytical skills with deep regional knowledge makes them attractive candidates for careers in diplomacy, international cooperation, development agencies, and globally operating NGOs.

Overall, the MA CEAS provides a strong foundation for careers that require both academic rigor and practical engagement with the dynamic and strategically important East Asian region.

• July 15 for non-EU citizens
• September 15 for EU citizens

We encourage you to apply early. This is to ensure that you have enough time to obtain a visa (if you are from a non-EU country), make all the necessary arrangements and arrive in time for the start of the program in early October. Please see below for details according to your nationality/education.

EU citizens and EU-educated non-EU citizens (BildungsinländerInnen): Please send all your application documents except the Letter of Recommendation in one single pdf file by E-mail:
maceas@in-east.de

Non-EU citizens: Please follow the steps outlined under “Application Deadlines” and upload your application via the online application platform of our International Office.

• MA CEAS Application for Admission form
• MA CEAS Letter of Recommendation form

The Letter of Recommendation needs to be issued by a university professor. He or she should send the completed form directly to us via E-mail.

If you need further information or have open questions, please contact the Coordination Unit at
maceas@in-east.de
Ms. Melanie KOGLER, M.A., Coordinator
Campus Duisburg
Office LE 705/706 in LE building
Please contact me by E-mail to set up an individual appointment.
 

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https://www.uni-due.de/en/privacy-policy.php

• Frequently Asked Questions

• Module Handbook (English version, updated 2021. For an impression of the modules currently taught, check the LSF – switch to English, choose the term you want to look at, choose “Courses”, Click “Course Overview”, select “Ostasienwissenschaften/East Asian Studies” and then choose the specific study program)

• Module Handbook (German version, updated 2021)