Korean Studies Leiden University

Overview

Leiden University opened the first centre dedicated to Korean studies in Western Europe in 1947. During your studies, you learn from scholars at the leading edge of research on pre-modern and modern Korea. You will be able to explore Korea from diverse disciplinary perspectives – at times using original source materials – from its religion and popular culture to its modern and contemporary history. You will also have access to the world-class resources of the Leiden University Library and its famous collection of Asian artifacts.

This Korean Studies MA programme at Leiden University offers students an expansive curriculum from which to choose and subsequently customise their learning. Study South Korea from diverse disciplinary perspectives – at times using original source materials – from its religion and popular culture to its modern and contemporary history. Enrich your learning with access to the world-class resources of the Leiden University Library and its famous collection of Asian artifacts. 

Small classes ensure you have direct and quality time both with your peers and with your lecturers, who are invested in helping you reach your full potential. We encourage you to study part a your degree at one of our partner universities in Korea, such as the Seoul National University, Sungkyunkwan University or Yonsei University.

Korean Studies at Leiden University is an accredited degree programme. After successful completion of this programme, you will receive a master’s degree in Asian Studies and the title Master of Arts (MA).

Career prospects

• Secretary at an Embassy

• Policy Officer at a ministry

• Communications adviser

• Coordinator of an Asia desk

• Coordinator of a Korean trade mission

• Export consultant on Korea

• Junior policy officer, political and international relations

• Manager of a translation and interpreting agency

• Marketing Officer

• Travel consultant on Korea

• Sales manager Korea

• Interpreter of Korean

• Translator of Korean