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Universität Duisburg-Essen
Master English 👥 Social Sciences

Master of Arts in Contemporary East Asian Studies (MA CEAS)

Master

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

About the Program

The Master’s in Contemporary East Asian Studies (MA CEAS) is an English-taught, social science-based programme with a contemporary and interdisciplinary profile. The programme offers research-focused training for highly motivated and qualified graduates with a BA or similar degree in political science, international relations, sociology or economic science. The principal focus of the MA CEAS programme is the theoretical and problem-centred analysis of societies, politics and economies in East Asia (China, Taiwan, Japan and Korea), accompanied by intensive training in an East Asian language. Its aim is to deepen and enrich the student's ability to assess contemporary change, the challenges for the East Asian region and the implications of such developments for Europe. The MA programme in Contemporary East Asian Studies develops three sets of core skills: It deepens students’ existing methodological skills by applying them to the analysis of the East Asian context. It broadens their regional, discipline-based and interdisciplinary knowledge of East Asia. It enhances their proficiency in one of three East Asian languages (Chinese, Japanese or Korean). The two-year MA CEAS (equivalent to four semesters) offers Chinese, Japanese or Korean language options along with the choice of a discipline corresponding to the student’s previous degree (sociology, political science or economics). It combines intensive language training with interdisciplinary and discipline-specific modules focusing on Chinese, Japanese and Korean studies. Methodological training is integrated into the advanced East Asian studies modules. Native speakers of one of the East Asian languages offered are required to choose a language option different from their native language, e.g. Korean native speakers have to choose Chinese or Japanese.
▶ Show the original English text
The Master’s in Contemporary East Asian Studies (MA CEAS) is an English-taught, social science-based programme with a contemporary and interdisciplinary profile. The programme offers research-focused training for highly motivated and qualified graduates with a BA or similar degree in political science, international relations, sociology or economic science. The principal focus of the MA CEAS programme is the theoretical and problem-centred analysis of societies, politics and economies in East Asia (China, Taiwan, Japan and Korea), accompanied by intensive training in an East Asian language. Its aim is to deepen and enrich the student's ability to assess contemporary change, the challenges for the East Asian region and the implications of such developments for Europe. The MA programme in Contemporary East Asian Studies develops three sets of core skills: It deepens students’ existing methodological skills by applying them to the analysis of the East Asian context. It broadens their regional, discipline-based and interdisciplinary knowledge of East Asia. It enhances their proficiency in one of three East Asian languages (Chinese, Japanese or Korean). The two-year MA CEAS (equivalent to four semesters) offers Chinese, Japanese or Korean language options along with the choice of a discipline corresponding to the student’s previous degree (sociology, political science or economics). It combines intensive language training with interdisciplinary and discipline-specific modules focusing on Chinese, Japanese and Korean studies. Methodological training is integrated into the advanced East Asian studies modules. Native speakers of one of the East Asian languages offered are required to choose a language option different from their native language, e.g. Korean native speakers have to choose Chinese or Japanese.

💼 Which Professions Does This Program Open Up?

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💡 How do I apply to Master of Arts in Contemporary East Asian Studies (MA CEAS) 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 Master of Arts in Contemporary East Asian Studies (MA CEAS) at Universität Duisburg-Essen

Is Master of Arts in Contemporary East Asian Studies (MA CEAS) 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 Master of Arts in Contemporary East Asian Studies (MA CEAS) 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 Master of Arts in Contemporary East Asian Studies (MA CEAS) 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 Master of Arts in Contemporary East Asian Studies (MA CEAS)? ▼

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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