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Universität Duisburg-Essen
Master English Social Sciences

Contemporary East Asian Studies

Master of Arts (M.A.)

Universität Duisburg-Essen Nordrhein-Westfalen · North Rhine-Westphalia Location: Duisburg

About the Program

The MA Contemporary East Asian Studies (CEAS) is an English-taught social science-based program with a contemporary and interdisciplinary profile. The program develops three sets of core skills: 1) It deepens students' existing methodological skills by applying them to the analysis of the East Asian context, 2) It increases their regional, discipline-based and interdisciplinary knowledge of East Asia, and 3) It builds skills in one of three East Asian languages (Chinese, Japanese or Korean). The program offers research-focused training for highly qualified graduates with a BA or similar in political science, international relations, sociology or economic science. The principal focus is the theoretical and problem-centered analysis of societies, politics and economies in East Asia (China, Taiwan, Japan and Korea) and includes intensive training in an East Asian language. Its aim is to deepen and enrich the students' skills in assessing contemporary change, the challenges facing the East Asian region and the implications of such developments for Europe. The program structure spans 4 semesters: Semester 1 focuses on introductory modules and language training; Semester 2 includes Advanced East Asian Studies modules; Semester 3 completes language training with additional advanced modules; and Semester 4 is dedicated to the Master's thesis. The curriculum consists of three compulsory introductory modules (East Asia in the Social Sciences, East Asia in Economic Science, and Transnational Perspectives on East Asia), intensive language training in Chinese, Japanese or Korean, Advanced East Asian Studies modules offering problem-oriented and discipline-based perspectives on politics, society and economy of East Asia, elective modules, and a concluding Master's thesis. Graduates are qualified for doctoral studies, positions in multinational corporations, politics, governmental and non-governmental think tanks, and international organizations where knowledge of East Asia is in demand.
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The MA Contemporary East Asian Studies (CEAS) is an English-taught social science-based program with a contemporary and interdisciplinary profile. The program develops three sets of core skills: 1) It deepens students' existing methodological skills by applying them to the analysis of the East Asian context, 2) It increases their regional, discipline-based and interdisciplinary knowledge of East Asia, and 3) It builds skills in one of three East Asian languages (Chinese, Japanese or Korean). The program offers research-focused training for highly qualified graduates with a BA or similar in political science, international relations, sociology or economic science. The principal focus is the theoretical and problem-centered analysis of societies, politics and economies in East Asia (China, Taiwan, Japan and Korea) and includes intensive training in an East Asian language. Its aim is to deepen and enrich the students' skills in assessing contemporary change, the challenges facing the East Asian region and the implications of such developments for Europe. The program structure spans 4 semesters: Semester 1 focuses on introductory modules and language training; Semester 2 includes Advanced East Asian Studies modules; Semester 3 completes language training with additional advanced modules; and Semester 4 is dedicated to the Master's thesis. The curriculum consists of three compulsory introductory modules (East Asia in the Social Sciences, East Asia in Economic Science, and Transnational Perspectives on East Asia), intensive language training in Chinese, Japanese or Korean, Advanced East Asian Studies modules offering problem-oriented and discipline-based perspectives on politics, society and economy of East Asia, elective modules, and a concluding Master's thesis. Graduates are qualified for doctoral studies, positions in multinational corporations, politics, governmental and non-governmental think tanks, and international organizations where knowledge of East Asia is in demand.

Which Professions Does This Program Open Up?

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Subjects / Topic Areas

East Asian Studies

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How do I apply to Contemporary East Asian Studies at Universität Duisburg-Essen?

Most international applicants apply via uni-assist (document verification + APS for some countries). Prepare your secondary/Bachelor diploma, transcripts, language certificate (DSH/TestDaF or IELTS/TOEFL), motivation letter and CV. Non-EU students also need a Sperrkonto (~11,904 EUR/year) for the visa.

  1. Check requirements — Verify your degree is recognised + meet language/grade thresholds.
  2. Get language certificate — TestDaF / DSH for German programmes, IELTS / TOEFL for English.
  3. Submit via uni-assist (non-EU) — Document review + APS if your country requires it (China, India, Pakistan, Vietnam, etc.).
  4. Apply directly or via uni portal — Some universities accept direct applications — check the official programme page.
  5. Open Sperrkonto + apply for visa — After admission, deposit 11,904 EUR, get health insurance, book embassy appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers about Contemporary East Asian Studies at Universität Duisburg-Essen

Is Contemporary East Asian Studies at Universität Duisburg-Essen taught in German or English? ▼

This Master programme is taught in English. Make sure to check the language requirements (e.g. TestDaF, DSH, IELTS or TOEFL) before applying.

How much does the Contemporary East Asian Studies programme cost? ▼

No tuition fee (only semester contribution). International students should also budget around 800–1000 EUR/month for living costs in Germany.

What are the admission requirements for Contemporary East Asian Studies at Universität Duisburg-Essen? ▼

Typical requirements include: a recognised secondary/undergraduate degree, proof of language proficiency (English), and (for non-EU applicants) a uni-assist application plus financial proof (Sperrkonto ~11.904 EUR/year).

When is the application deadline? ▼

Application deadlines vary: winter semester usually closes on 15 July, summer semester on 15 January. Always confirm the exact deadline on the official university website.

Can I work in Germany while studying Contemporary East Asian Studies? ▼

Yes. International students may work up to 140 full days / 280 half days per year without additional permission. After graduation you can apply for an 18-month job-seeker permit.

How do I apply to Universität Duisburg-Essen — directly or via uni-assist? ▼

Most German universities accept international applications through uni-assist for document verification. Some unis accept direct applications — check the programme page on the official site.

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