50業子

The Master’s Programme in Global Asian Studies offers an in-depth and multidisciplinary exploration of one of the world’s most dynamic regions. It provides a broad understanding of Asia’s politics, societies, economies, histories, and cultures, and examines how interactions between Asia and the wider world are mutually influential. Combining empirical study, with theoretical and critical analysis, the programme prepares students for professional work and academic research in fields related to Asia’s global significance.

The programme imparts students with deep knowledge of this important region of the world, preparing them for specialized work and doctoral studies. Through fieldwork, exchange studies and internship it primes students to become practitioners in the public, private or nongovernmental sectors of the job market. The programme provides a two-year master's degree in Global Asian Studies and is given by Stockholm Center for Global Asia at the Department of Political Science, in collaboration with the Department of Social Anthropology and teachers from the Department of Law.

Programme overview:

Global Asian Studies is a multidisciplinary academic field that examines the politics, societies, economies, histories, and cultures of Asia. The programme places particular emphasis on contemporary developments, exploring how historical trajectories and transnational processes, and domestic developments, both shape and are shaped by the actions of states, institutions, and social actors within Asia. Students engage with pressing themes such as autocratization and democratization, social movements, migration and labour, law and governance, and conflicts and international politics. The programme deepens understanding of how local, regional, and global forces interact in producing political and social change across Asia.

A central feature of the programme is its focus on critical analysis, fostering the ability to approach complex issues from multiple perspectives through analytical and theoretically informed reasoning. This approach equips students with the qualified analytical skills required for advanced professional.practice and research.

Programme structure:

The two-year Master’s Programme combines academic depth with methodological training and empirical learning.

The first course offers a broad introduction to politics, political economies, and key international conflicts in East and Southeast Asia (15 credits). This course serves as a foundation for the four subsequent thematic courses (7.5 credits each), which dives more in-depth into key issues such as development, international politics, democracy, authoritarianism and human rights, social movements, migration and labour, and law. The second semester concludes with a method course (15 credits), where students choose between qualitative and quantitative methods. This develops both methodological proficiency and transferable analytical skills.

In the third semester, students conduct independent research and write their master’s thesis, applying the theoretical and methodological skills they have developed. The final semester
offers flexibility through elective courses, exchange studies, or an internship with a relevant organization abroad or in Sweden. All teaching is conducted in English.

Knowledge and skills developed:

The programme provides students with a multidisciplinary understanding of Asia’s diverse and dynamic societies, economies, and political systems. It cultivates strong analytical and methodological abilities preparing graduates for careers in policy analysis, diplomacy, journalism, development cooperation, or for
further doctoral studies.

Through opportunities to do fieldwork, exchange studies, or internships, students gain practical experience and professional competence, enabling them to apply academic insights in real-world contexts. Graduates are well prepared for positions across the public, private, and non-governmental sectors, both in Sweden and internationally.

Career opportunities:

A degree in Political Science from Stockholm University opens doors to meaningful and globally relevant careers. According to a 2025 Alumni Survey by the Department of Political Science, most graduates find qualified employment within a few months after graduation. Many work in business, government, or national and international organizations, while others pursue further academic studies in Sweden or abroad.

Graduates from the International Master’s Programme in Political Science with Specialization in Global Asian Studies (STVAS) are well positioned for careers in the public, private, or non-governmental sectors. With its regional focus on Asia’s politics, societies and political economies, the programme prepares students for roles in embassies, NGO’s multinational companies, and international organisations requiring specialised knowledge of East and Southeast Asia.