COURSE CURRICULUM

The one-year master’s program in South Asian Studies at Leiden University, a specialisation within the broader MA in Asian Studies, offers students a flexible and interdisciplinary curriculum. It allows them to explore the region’s history, culture, literature, religions, philosophy, and arts while tailoring their studies to their personal academic interests. The program combines in-depth expertise with a comparative and global perspective, preparing students to analyse South Asia in both regional and international contexts.In the first semester, all students take the core course Introduction to Asian Studies, which situates the study of Asia within the wider field of Area Studies and its multiple disciplinary approaches. Students then choose one or two electives specific to South Asia to deepen their knowledge in particular areas of interest. Optional intensive language courses in Hindi, Sanskrit, or Tibetan are also available and can replace one elective in the first semester.The second semester continues with one or two South Asia electives, allowing students to further specialise in topics such as cultural studies, political developments, religious traditions, or historical analysis. Students can again choose optional intensive language courses in Hindi, Sanskrit, or Tibetan instead of an elective. The semester culminates with the MA thesis, where students conduct independent research under faculty supervision, synthesising their theoretical knowledge and methodological skills to produce a substantive academic work.The program emphasises active learning through seminars, group discussions, research projects, and independent study. Small class sizes ensure close interaction with lecturers, giving students personalised guidance and access to Leiden’s leading scholars in South Asian Studies.Graduates leave the program with a strong foundation in both regional knowledge and interdisciplinary research methods. They are prepared for academic careers, including PhD studies, as well as professional roles in government, international organisations, cultural institutions, and research organisations. Optional language skills in Sanskrit, Tibetan, or Hindi further enhance graduates’ ability to engage with primary sources and deepen their understanding of South Asian societies, past and present.