During the first semester, MEAS students deepen their Chinese, Japanese and Korean language skills by focusing on advanced reading of essays and newspaper articles. Additionally, students choose three out of up to nine Advanced East Asian Studies (AEAS) modules, complemented by one elective module (which can be chosen from the AEAS and E-modules offered) in consultation with their study coordinator or supervisor. 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.

During the second and last semester of the MA MEAS, 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 second 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.

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

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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• Frequently Asked Questions

• MA MEAS Examination Regulations, including module description (in German)

• 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)