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Education Master's and PhD degree programmes International Relations (60 EC) East Asian Studies
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East Asian Studies

East Asia is booming. How have some East Asian countries achieved such economic growth and global prominence in so little time? What are the global implications of the rise of East Asia?

East Asia is the foremost dynamic region in the world. This Master's track is organized around the achievements, opportunities and challenges facing East Asia. Taught by international staff affiliated with the Centre for East Asian Studies Groningen this International Relations Master's programme focuses on the political economy and international relations of China, Japan and Korea.

The track takes a multidisciplinary approach. Lectures and seminars are taught by experts in international relations, history, economy or law. You will gain knowledge on the top-three economies in East Asia and develop oral, writing and research skills to analyze developments from a local and global perspective. Work placement and study abroad are optional.

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Facts & Figures
Degree
MA in International Relations
Course type
Master
Duration
12 months (60 ECTS)
Croho code
60734
Language of instruction
English
Start
February, September
Faculty
Arts
Why study this programme in Groningen?
  • A unique International Relations Master's track on the politics and economy of contemporary East Asia
  • A multi-disciplinary approach towards developments in contemporary China, Japan and Korea
  • Options to study or gain hands-on experience in East Asia
  • Further opportunities to focus on Hong Kong, Taiwan or emerging countries such as Mongolia
Programme

This track within the Master's degree programme International Relations is 60 ECTS. During your first semester, you take the module Advanced Theory and Research Practice in International Relations. This module must be followed by all students. In addition, you choose two Research Seminars (at least one of which in East Asian Studies) and you complete the specialization course Capita East Asian Studies.

During your second semester, you will write a Master Thesis (in the field of EAS) and you will choose between doing a Placement, professionalization electives or you may opt for an exchange to East Asia (limited places).

If you choose the Placement option, please note that you must find and apply for your Placement yourself, on the basis of your interests and skills. The Placement should last at least 7 weeks full-time. If you choose to do a Placement that takes longer than 7 weeks, it might be difficult to finish the programme within one year, and you will have to register for the extra months.

For examples of Research Seminar topics, please go to the Course Catalogue (link below). If you start the Master programme in September, you choose Research Seminars from semester I. If you start in February, you choose Research Seminars from semester II.

Because the programme starts in September as well as in February, all elements of the programme are offered both in the first and in the second semester. Please note: because the topics of the Research Seminars depend on the expertise of the lecturers, the list may be subject to change and differs each semester/year.

Semesters
CoursesCourse Catalog >1a1b2a2b
Advanced Theory and Research Practice in International Relations (5 EC)
Capita East Asian Studies (5 EC)
Research Seminar 1 (10 EC)

Example: - Europe and China - History, Culture and Politics of East Asia

Research Seminar 2 (10 EC)

Example: - The Rise of East Asia - Transnational Movements

Master Thesis on East Asian Studies (20 EC)
Study Period in East Asia (10 EC, optional)
Master placement (10 EC, optional)
Professionalization Electives (10 EC, optional)

Example: - Career Seminar: Working in and on Governance

Programme options
Master's placement (specialization)

A placement is a recognised component of this Master's track.

It is your responsibility to find a placement yourself, but the Office for Student Affairs can offer help with this where necessary.

Study abroad

  • Study abroad is optional

Studying abroad is possible through: A Master placement (10 EC, approx. 2 months): There are attractive opportunities for students to conduct a placement in China, Japan, Korea, Mongolia, but also other countries. Students can propose a work placement, for instance in a private sector company, international organization, embassy or NGO related to, or situated in East Asia.

A semester abroad (limited places): The University of Groningen has study centers in Beijing, Shanghai and Osaka and offers multi-faculty exchange programmes with various partner universities in China, Korea and Japan. For a limited number of students, it is possible to study a semester abroad, during which time you write your thesis and you select courses for 10 EC.

Entry requirements

Transfer options

Transferring from...

Study programmeOrganizationTransition
All Universities of applied sciences

Via a pre-master

More information:

with a HBO Bachelor's degree certificate with an international profile and/or knowledge of social sciences, for example Political Sciences, American Studies, History, European/International Law or International Economics and an IRIO pre-master

Study programmeOrganizationTransition
International Relations and International OrganizationUniversity of GroningenNo additional requirements
American StudiesUniversity of Groningen

Additional requirements

More information:

with an IRIO faculty minor or pre-master

Communication and Information StudiesUniversity of Groningen

Additional requirements

More information:

with an IRIO faculty minor or pre-master

History (part-time)University of Groningen

Additional requirements

More information:

with an IRIO faculty minor or pre-master

Liberal Arts and SciencesUniversity of Groningen

Additional requirements

Additional requirements:
  • additional subject
More information:

with a specialization International Relations and International Law, and a number of required courses (see below)

Media StudiesUniversity of Groningen

Additional requirements

More information:

with an IRIO faculty minor or pre-master

Minorities & MultilingualismUniversity of Groningen

Additional requirements

More information:

with an IRIO faculty minor or pre-master

Middle Eastern StudiesUniversity of Groningen

Additional requirements

More information:

with an IRIO minor or pre-master

European Languages and CulturesUniversity of Groningen

Additional requirements

More information:

If you started the BA programme in 2016 or later, with the profile Politics and Society OR with an IRIO faculty minor/ pre-master

International BusinessUniversity of Groningen

Via a pre-master

More information:

with an IRIO pre-master

PsychologyUniversity of Groningen

Via a pre-master

More information:

with an IRIO pre-master

Psychology (EN)University of Groningen

Via a pre-master

More information:

with an IRIO pre-master

SociologyUniversity of Groningen

Via a pre-master

More information:

with an IRIO pre-master

Study programmeOrganizationTransition
International Relations and International OrganizationAll Research universitiesNo additional requirements
American StudiesAll Research universities

Via a pre-master

More information:

with an IRIO pre-master

History (part-time)All Research universities

Via a pre-master

More information:

with an IRIO pre-master

International and European LawAll Research universities

Via a pre-master

More information:

with an IRIO pre-master

Political ScienceAll Research universities

Via a pre-master

More information:

with an IRIO pre-master

Admission requirements

Specific requirementsMore information
previous education

Students with a Bachelor's degree in International Relations and International Organization from the University of Groningen or from another Dutch university, students with a Bachelor's degree from the University of Groningen in European Languages and Cultures (Profile Politics & Society) who started in 2016 or later, and students with a BA in International Relations and International Law (IRIL) from University College Groningen (if they have completed the following set of courses: International Relations Theories (and Practice) (5 ECTS), International Politics (5 ECTS), Statistics 1 (5 ECTS), Two of the following three qualitative methods courses: Qualitative Data Collection & Analysis (5 ECTS); Interpretive Methods (5 ECTS); Advanced Argumentation and Critical Thinking (5 ECTS)) have direct access to this track through the IR Admissions Board. Please use this application guide for your specific application procedure: https://www.rug.nl/let/how-to-apply-MA

Students with a University of Groningen Bachelor's degree in:

  • American Studies
  • Communication and Information Studies
  • European Languages and Cultures (profiles Culture & Literature and Language & Society)
  • History
  • Media Studies
  • Middle Eastern Studies
  • Minorities and Multilingualism

who have completed a Faculty Minor in International Relations will also be admitted to this Master's track on that basis.

Students from a similar field (which is not mentioned above) or those with a different educational background, for example Political Sciences, American Studies, History, European/International Law or International Economics, must submit a request for admission to the Master's degree in International Relations to the Admissions Board. The Board may decide to decline the request due to an insufficiently internationally orientated Bachelor's degree, or to admit the applicant to (parts of the pre-)Master programme. Please use this application guide for your specific application procedure: https://www.rug.nl/let/how-to-apply-MA

After you complete your application, the IR Admissions Board will assess whether your educational/academic background meets the specific programme requirements, and will consider the level and curriculum of your previous studies.

The Admissions Board will then determine whether:

language test

Additional requirements English: A VWO diploma or a subject certificate for VWO English (mark 6 or higher), minimum requirement of TOEFL iBT 90 (with a minimum of 21 on all items), or IELTS 6.5 (with a minimum of 6 on all items). Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency with a minimum score of 180. If you have a VWO diploma a language test is not required.

Application deadlines

Type of studentDeadlineStart course
Dutch students15 August 202401 September 2024
15 January 202501 February 2025
15 August 202501 September 2025
EU/EEA students01 May 202401 September 2024
15 October 202401 February 2025
01 May 202501 September 2025
15 October 202501 February 2026
non-EU/EEA students01 May 202401 September 2024
15 October 202401 February 2025
01 May 202501 September 2025
15 October 202501 February 2026

Admission requirements

Specific requirementsMore information
previous education

Students with either a Bachelor's Degree in Social Sciences (including - but not limited to - Economics, Political Science, Development Studies, Psychology, Sociology, Social Geography), or an internationally oriented Bachelor's degree such as International Relations, Regional Studies, European/International Law, or (Modern) History can submit an application to the IR Admissions Board.

Please use this application guide for more information regarding your eligibility and your specific application procedure: http://www.rug.nl/let/how-to-apply-MA

After you complete your application, the IR Admissions Board will assess whether your educational/academic background meets the specific programme requirements, and will consider the level and curriculum of your previous studies.

The Admissions Board will then determine whether:

language test

Additional requirements English: A VWO diploma or a subject certificate for VWO English (mark 6 or higher), minimum requirement of TOEFL iBT 90 (with a minimum of 21 on all items), or IELTS 6.5 (with a minimum of 6 on all items). Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency with a minimum score of 180.

Application deadlines

Type of studentDeadlineStart course
Dutch students15 August 202401 September 2024
15 January 202501 February 2025
15 August 202501 September 2025
EU/EEA students01 May 202401 September 2024
15 October 202401 February 2025
01 May 202501 September 2025
15 October 202501 February 2026
non-EU/EEA students01 May 202401 September 2024
15 October 202401 February 2025
01 May 202501 September 2025
15 October 202501 February 2026
Tuition fees
NationalityYearFeeProgramme form
EU/EEA2023-2024€ 2314full-time
non-EU/EEA2023-2024€ 16000full-time
EU/EEA2024-2025€ 2530full-time
non-EU/EEA2024-2025€ 18700full-time

Practical information for:

After your studies

Job prospects

This Master's track has been designed for students who aspire to a career related to East Asia in international business, international cooperation, diplomacy, media and academia.

The Master programme in International Relations prepares its students for professions and research careers where knowledge of international-political developments and the ability to analyse and assess complex issues and to form grounded judgements are relevant.

Alumni of the East Asian Studies track work at:

Government:

Business:

  • Adviser Economy and Energy - E&E advies (Groningen)
  • Client Executive Environment and Energy at Burson-Marsteller(Brussels)

Research and education:

Job examples

  • Business consultant
  • Manager
  • Lobbyist
  • Diplomat
  • Policy advisor
  • Researcher
Research

Research

Individual research topics of faculty members include: Economic Transition and Institutional Change in Asia, Political Economy of China, China and the World Economy, Land Tenure and Land Governance in China, Land Registration in China, International Trade Law and China, China-EU Relations, 19th Century Business Cycles in China, Religion in Modern China, Private International Law and China, Carbon Emission Trading and Competition Law in East Asia, Political Economies of Global Health in Asia, History of Japan, Foreign Policy of Japan, Japan-EU relations, Technology and Culture in Contemporary Japan, regionalization in Asia, Foreign and Security Policies of Korea, Visual Politics and North Korea, Foreign Policy of Mongolia.

For more information, visit the Centre for East Asian Studies (CEAS).

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"The courses are challenging, but at the same time give you the opportunity to delve deeper into your topic of interest."

The Master International Relations offers six different tracks, and I chose East Asian Studies. This means that my Master is focused on International Relations in East Asia, but also that we look at East Asia from an Asian perspective instead of a Western perspective. I find it very interesting and I am enthusiastic about my Master: it is challenging and it forces you to look critically toward your own perspective. We examine East Asia from various angles: the historical, economical, political and social aspects that make this region so unique are all highlighted. We also study International Relations theories, which enables us to put contemporary developments in perspective.

The courses are challenging, but at the same time give you the opportunity to delve deeper into your topic of interest. Also, the courses are a preparation for your thesis, which I find really helpful.
Within the Master’s programme, there is a lot of freedom of choice: in the second semester we have the option to study abroad in East Asia, to do an internship or to follow another research seminar. You are supposed to work hard for the Master: besides taking part in the intensive classes, it takes a lot of time to prepare the seminars and study the theories of International Relations as well. Nonetheless, I do not find the study load is too heavy: due to good time management it is possible to do something extra besides the study.

I have chosen for the University of Groningen because their Master’s programme allows me to expand my knowledge about the Asian region in general, in addition to my knowledge about China. Also, I am really interested in International Relations, so for me this programme brings together the best of both worlds. I am originally not from Groningen, but I feel at home here. It is a friendly, cozy city, “gezellig” as we call it in Dutch. The city centre is small, which allows you to bike around and get to know the city very easily. I am very happy to study here, and I would definitely recommend the Master if you are interested in International Relations and East Asia!

Read more

I became fascinated with East Asia

Whilst studying for my Bachelor's degree in History, I became intrigued by the Minor in Modern Japan. It started with an introduction to Non-Western Studies. The further we got into the Minor, the more we learnt about East Asia and Japan and the more these took centre stage. Japan's international relations with the West, the ASEAN+3 and the rest of the world was a subject I particularly wanted to delve into.

I became fascinated with East Asia and curious about the other disciplines that study this region. The Master's track in East Asian Studies was exactly what I was looking for.

In this interdisciplinary track, you approach complex international issues from cultural, legal, political and economic perspectives. The track thus provides the deeper meaning and intellectual challenge that I need. In addition, the students and lecturers get on well and go out for a drink every now and again. This is not just fun but is also a good occasion to exchange ideas and knowledge. The lecturers have a large network, which offers many opportunities. Thanks to these connections, I am going to study at the Osaka University of Japan for four months. But the track also offers opportunities for study in China, Korea, even Mongolia!

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University of Groningen Orange Tulip Scholarship/Talent Grant Faculty of Arts

Are you a non-EU/EEA student from Russia, India or Indonesia, starting a Master's programme at the Faculty of Arts? If so, you could qualify for the University of Groningen OTS/Talent Grant, Faculty of Arts, a partial scholarship which helps you to finance your studies.

Read more about the OTS/Talent Grant Faculty of Arts.

Research Master

Are you interested in a research oriented career? Please also check our Research Master's Programme of International Relations.

Read more

Study associations

Clio

Clio is the study association of International Relations and International Organization at the University of Groningen.
It has around 1000 members and is one of the largest study associations in Groningen and the largest study association at a Dutch Faculty of Arts. Clio organises numerous events including parties, workshops, excursions and offers services like high-quality summaries, the internship database and various discounts around Groningen.
https://www.clio.nl/home

Mitrany

Mitrany is the Alumni Network for all graduated students of International Relations and International Organization.
It was established in February 2013 in order to facilitate the contact between alumni and the Department of IRIO. Mitrany offers events tailored to graduated IRIO students concerning career paths and connects graduated IRIO students to its alumni network.
https://www.clio.nl/association/mitrany-alumni-network
Read more
Study support

If you have any questions or doubts about your studies, you can always contact the study advisor. He or she knows all the ins and outs of the program and personal planning. Study advisors are impartial and everything that is discussed is treated confidentially. They can also help you find the right institutions and student desks for your problems.