
BA South and Southeast Asian Studies
Leiden, Netherlands
DURATION
3 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
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EARLIEST START DATE
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TUITION FEES
EUR 2,314 / per year *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* First year bachelor students: the statutory tuition fee of the academic year 2023-2024 for first-year bachelor students is €1157. | for non-EEA, non-Swiss, & non-Surinam applicants: €12,500
Introduction
South and Southeast Asia is one of the world’s most dynamic and diverse areas. Interested in speaking one of its major languages, and understanding its history, culture, and current affairs? Then this is the programme for you!
Why study South and Southeast Asian Studies
In the South and Southeast Asian Studies programme you gain a thorough understanding of the history, cultures, and politics of a region which is home to almost a third of the world’s population (including two-thirds of its Muslims) and to some of the world’s fastest-growing economies. Relevant contemporary issues such as ethnic and religious conflicts, inequality and development, the surge in cultural and political movements and the tensions between modernity and tradition are addressed in lectures and seminars.
Why South and Southeast Asian Studies at Leiden University?
- The Leiden University programme is unique: the only bachelor’s in the Netherlands where you can study languages and cultures of the region at a multidisciplinary, academic level.
- Language is the key to knowing and understanding a culture. This is why language acquisition is an important part of the programme. You will learn either Hindi, Sanskrit, Tibetan, or Indonesian.
- There is plenty of room to tailor the programme according to your interests. You can choose to specialise on (part of) a region or on the South and Southeast Asian region as a whole. Also, you can opt to focus either on modern society or on the classical cultures of the area.
- You will have access to the world-renowned Asian Library at Leiden University Library, as well as to the Royal Netherlands Institute of Southeast Asian and Caribbean Studies (KITLV) and the International Institute of Asian Studies (IIAS).
- In the third year you will study a semester at an international university. Those studying the Indonesian language will go to Gadjah Mada University in Yogyakarta, students of Hindi to the University of Hyderabad, and those studying Sanskrit or Tibetan to a European University.
Is this programme for you?
In this programme you gain the academic, language, and practical skills essential to research, analyse, understand, and formulate creative answers to the tough questions arising from this dynamic region. Are you/do you:
- Fascinated by the historical context and emerging possibilities of this region?
- Want to specialise in one country or area, diving deep into specific issues?
- Want to learn from the top academics and lecturers in the field?
- Looking to broaden your perspectives by studying with international students?
Admissions
Curriculum
The bachelor’s in South and Southeast Asian Studies is a unique multidisciplinary programme that integrates the culture, religion, history, sociology, economics and politics of the region. You choose to study Hindi, Sanskrit, Tibetan or Indonesian.
Languages of South and Southeast Asia
This course offers an introduction to the various languages of South and Southeast Asia. You will learn about their historical, cultural and linguistic context and will acquire insight into the primary ways in which these languages can be studied in a scholarly fashion.
Premodern History of South and Southeast Asia
This course introduces you to the long-term history of South and Southeast Asia from ancient times up to about 1850 CE.
The focus is on three varieties of globalisation which each affected very large parts of the region in this period: Indianisation, Islamisation, and colonisation.
Nation, Community, Self
An introduction to the contemporary cultures of South and Southeast Asia. Central concepts include culture, tradition and modernity. Expressions of both 'high' and everyday culture are studied. Frequent comparisons are made between South and Southeast Asian practices.
Study abroad
All students of Hindi and Indonesian spend the first semester of the third year abroad in Asia for intensive language studies, a hallmark of this programme. Students will take their semester abroad at, respectively, the University of Hyderabad (India) or Gadjah Mada University (Indonesia). This immersion enables you to quickly obtain a command of a new language, while contact with local people helps you develop intercultural understanding and skills. There are parallel options for students studying Tibetan or Sanskrit. You can also decide to study in another European country.
Gallery
Ideal Students
Is this programme for you?
In this programme, you gain the academic, language, and practical skills essential to research, analyze, understand, and formulate creative answers to the tough questions arising from this dynamic region. Are you:
- Fascinated by the historical context and emerging possibilities of this region?
- Want to specialize in one country or area, diving deep into specific issues?
- Want to learn from the top academics and lecturers in the field?
- Looking to broaden your perspectives by studying with international students?
Then South and Southeast Asian Studies is for you!
Career Opportunities
What is your preferred career path? Do you enjoy coordinating? Would you like to work in marketing? Or do you prefer writing and editing? You will find that your degree in South and Southeast Asian Studies is a perfect preparation for the career of your choice.
These skills will help you
As a South and Southeast Asian Studies graduate you will have developed not only strong academic skills, but also skills that will prove valuable in your future career. These skills include critical thinking, resourcefulness, the ability to work independently as well as in teams, intercultural skills, and skills in verbal and written communication. This set of competences will greatly enhance your appeal for future employers. If you have also gained relevant work experience during your studies, this will help you find the job of your dreams even faster.
The job market survey of the Faculty of Humanities shows that 70% of our master's alumni find a job within two months, of which 83% find a job at academic or higher professional education level immediately.
What will your professional field be?
Your degree in South and Southeast Asian Studies makes you an attractive candidate for a variety of potential employers. For example, you could work in communication and marketing, IT, the public sector or the travel industry.
Where our alumni work
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- The Indonesia Nederland Youth Society
- Aspen Institute Mexico
- University of Melbourne
- Ahold Delhaize
- Food Innovator Bosman Van Zaal
Other alumni work, among others, as researchers, consultants, and museum curators.