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East Asian Studies

The Master’s Degree Programme in East Asian Studies (EAST) at the University of Turku gives a unique opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge on the dynamic societies of contemporary East Asia.

 

Quick Facts

Full-time Duration: 2 years
Starting in: late August
Tuition Fee: Free for citizens of EU/EEA countries or Switzerland, for citizens of non-EU/EEA countries €8,000/academic year
Location: Turku, Finland

You will gain expertise in East Asian contemporary history, politics and societies and learn social science research methods to become an area specialist on East Asia. East Asian languages are studied as part of the degree to support students’ acquisition of knowledge and Master’s thesis research.

In this programme, you will have good opportunities to go on a student exchange in East Asian universities as well as to receive an East Asian study and research scholarship. The programme provides you with expertise to enter international public, private and third sector professions. You will also become qualified to apply to PhD programmes and to pursue an academic career.

Programme Structure

The Master’s degree programme is a two-year programme (120 ECTS credits), during which you will study contemporary societies of East Asia based on social science methods. The programme consists of the following sections:

  • Study and research skills, and Master’s Thesis, 64 ECTS
  • Obligatory Subject Studies, 22 ECTS
  • Optional Subject Studies, 14–26 ECTS
  • East Asian Languages, 10–20 ECTS

The programme includes the following courses:

  • Conflicts and Cooperation in East Asia
  • Welfare Regimes and Social Policy in East Asia
  • China’s Urban Governance and Sustainability
  • North Korean Politics, Society and Economy
  • Issues in Japanese Politics and Society
  • The Non-Profit Sector in Japan

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“I chose Turku because the language courses here are wonderful, not to mention the array of interesting electives. UTU is more work than I was used to, but with chocolate, tea, and a deep desire to defeat the Japanese language, I’m doing well. And, quite honestly, after three years of working, it’s lovely to return to studying in an international environment full of supportive, friendly lecturers and classmates from whom I can learn more about East Asia – and about a lot of other things, too.”

Kristýna Hřivnáčová – Master’s student in East Asian Studies

Czechia

Career Prospects

Those graduating from the Master’s Degree Programme in East Asian Studies find employment in public, private and third sector jobs. Knowledge on East Asia and dynamic regions is in demand in various fields: diplomatic service, international organisations, and companies.

Example job titles of our alumni:

  • Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Finland;
  • Junior Account Executive;
  • Senior Adviser, Finnish Immigration Services;
  • International Sales Specialist;
  • HR and Communications Assistant.

Career in Research

After graduating from the EAST Programme, you are also eligible to apply to the doctoral programmes at the University of Turku and other universities in the fields of social sciences and East Asian studies

Learn more