Asian Studies

The Bachelor of Arts in Asian Studies at Nanyang Technological University offers students an in-depth understanding of the diverse cultures, histories, Societies and political systems across Asia. This interdisciplinary programme is designed to equip students with comprehensive knowledge of Asian countries, their development trajectories, and their roles in the regional and global contexts. Throughout the course of study, students will explore a wide range of topics including language and literature, cultural practices, political institutions, economic development, and social issues relevant to Asian societies. The programme emphasizes critical thinking, analytical skills, and cross-cultural communication, preparing graduates for careers in diplomacy, international business, journalism, academia, or government service. Students have the opportunity to engage with Asia's rich cultural heritage and modern developments through a variety of courses, projects, and internships. The curriculum is structured to provide both theoretical frameworks and practical insights, fostering an understanding of complex regional dynamics. Additionally, students can choose from a broad spectrum of electives tailored to their specific interests within Asian Studies, such as East Asian Studies, Southeast Asian Studies, or South Asian Studies. The programme also encourages language acquisition skills, with options to learn Asian languages to enhance cultural competence and employability. With an emphasis on research, critical analysis, and real-world applications, the Asian Studies degree at Nanyang Technological University prepares students to become informed global citizens and influential contributors to Asia’s ongoing development. Graduates will be well-equipped to operate effectively in multicultural environments and contribute to international dialogue and cooperation in various professional fields.

Core Courses

• AS6001 Comparative Politics of Asia
• AS6000 The International History of Asia

Primary Courses

• AS6007 Government and Politics of Southeast Asia
• AS6008 Maritime Security and Territorial Disputes in the Indo-Pacific
• AS6010 State and Politics in Modern Indonesia
• AS6011 State Society and Politics in Malaysia
• AS6013 State Society and Politics in China
• AS6015 Non-Traditional Security Issues in Asia
• AS6020 Islam, State and Society in Southeast Asia
• AS6021 Government-Business Relations in Asia
• AS6022 China’s Foreign and Security Policy
• AS6023 India’s Foreign and Security Policy
• AS6024 Nationalism and Multiculturalism
• AS6025 Introduction to Discourse Analysis, with a special emphasis on Religio-Political Discourse
• AS6026 Religion, Violence and Peacebuilding
• AS6027 State, Society and Politics in the Philippines
• AS6028 Studying Religion in Plural Societies
• AS6029 Governance & Security in Myanmar
• AS6030 Encountering Religions in Plural Societies: Comparative & Contrastive Perspective
• AS6032 Contemporary Relations of Islam and Politics: Deconstructing Islamism, Salafism and Jihadism
• AS6033 Modern Challenges, Contextualisation & the Qur’an
• AS6034 Political Anthropologies of Southeast Asia
• AS6035 Dialogue: Interreligious Encounters & Peacebuilding
• AS6036 Islam, Diversity & The Religious Other
• AS6037 Christianity, Religious Violence & Peacebuilding
• AS6039 Comparing the Dynamics of Islam in Turkey & Indonesia
• AS6040 China’s Foreign Relations
• IR6004 International Relations of Northeast Asia
• IR6005 International Relations of South Asia
• IR6015 Japanese Foreign Policy
• IP6015 Quantitative Methods in the Study of International Politics

Elective Courses

• IP6000 Theories and Issues in International Political Economy
• IP6001 Economics for International Political Economy
• IP6008 A Globalizing China in the World Economy
• IP6009 Monitoring Forecasting and Managing Country Risk and Economic Crisis
• IP6016 Energy and Environment Issues
• IP6018 Regional and Global Financial Crisis
• IP6021 International Economic Institutions and International Economic Policies
• IP6022 Indonesian Economy
• IP6025 Comparative Political Economy
• IP6026 Introduction to the Political Economy of Southeast Asia
• IP6027 Political Risk Analysis
• IP6030 The Political Economy of Economic Development and Integration in Asia
• IP6031 Culture, Institutions & Development
• IP6032 International Trade & Finance
• IR6001 The Study of International Relations
• IR6003 Critical Security Studies
• IR6006 The Study of Institutions
• IR6011 Foreign Policy and Security Issues in Southeast Asia
• IR6020 European Union and Contemporary European Security
• IR6023 An Introduction to International Law
• IR6024 International Human Rights Law
• IR6025 Global Governance
• IR6028 Current Topics and Controversies in U.S. Foreign Policy
• IR6029 Foreign Policy Analysis
• IR6030 The International Politics of Islam: Ideas, Actors and Contemporary Issues
• IR6031 International Politics of Communication
• IR6033 Global Environmental Politics IR6028 Current Topics and Controversies in U.S. Foreign Policy
• IR6035 US-China Relations
• S6005 The Analysis of Defence/Security Policies
• S6010 Technology and Military Innovation: A Revolution In Military Affairs Defense Transformation or Something Else?
• S6014 The Evolution of Strategic Thought
• S6016 The Study of War
• S6019 Terrorism Intelligence and Homeland Security
• S6024 Problems in Combating Insurgency and Terrorism
• S6028 Countering Religiously-Motivated Terrorism in Southeast Asia: Issues and Challenges
• S6029 Nuclear Politics in Asia
• S6031 Globalisation, Arms-Racing and Naval Development in the Asia Pacific
• S6034 Jihadist Strategic Thought and Practice
• S6035 Insurgency and Counterinsurgency in Modern Asian Politics
• S6037 Selected Issues in Terrorism and Counterterrorism
• S6038 Conflicts in the Digital Age: Information and Cyber Warfare
• S6040 Intelligence in Peace and War
• S6041 Comparative Civil-Military Relations: In Theory and Practice
• S6043 Comparative Asian Security Policy

MBA Elective Courses

• B6260 Global Financial Markets, Institutions and MNCs
• B6602 Sustainable Business Operations
• B6631 Strategic Technology & Innovation Management
• B6834 Strategy Implementation: Key Role of Organisational Design
• B6840 Emerging Markets Strategy

MACC (Master of Arts in Contemporary China) Elective Courses

• CC6001 The Making of Modern China: Historical and Social Perspectives
• CC6002 China’s Economy in Transformation
• CC6290 Special Topics in Politics & International Relations: The Rise of China
• CC6305 Religion in Contemporary China

MPA (Master of Public Administration) Elective Courses

• PM6000 Applied Public Sector Economics
• PM6100 Macroeconomic Environment & Policy
• PM6134 Financial Development & Financial Supervision

WKSCI (Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information) Elective Courses

• A6301 Communication, Technology & Society
• A6325 Public & Promotional Communication Issues & Strategies

Requirements

1. One passport-sized photograph (electronic copy, jpeg format)
2. Copy of Academic Transcript(s) issued by your university (must be in English, otherwise an official English translation must also be provided).
3. Copy of undergraduate degree certificate (must be in English, otherwise an official English translation must also be provided).
4. Statement of Purpose: applicants should discuss the professional, academic and personal experiences which contributed to their desire to study at RSIS, their specific interest in the intended area of focus, and professional goals/objectives upon graduation (600 words).
5. Essay on an issue of national/international importance: discuss an issue of national or international importance and its concern to you (600 words).
6. Copy of NRIC / Passport (page showing your nationality and personal details).
7. All applicants must pay a non-refundable application fee of S$21.40 per programme
8. Completed scholarship application form, if applicable.
9. Documentary proof of present and previous employment (with designation, dates of appointment and resignation indicated), if applicable.
10. Minimum two references are required. References must be submitted by referees directly toRSISadmissions@ntu.edu.sg, using the email title: ‘Reference <candidate name>’. If any of your referees does not provide his/her report, your application will not be processed. We strongly recommend that referees use their official email address (company email address/university email address) and not personal emails such as Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, 163.com, qq.com etc, when submitting their references. We recommend that both your referees are past or current lecturers/supervisors/managers who can comment on your abilities and potential to successfully complete the program.  Referees should use this Referee Report Form.
11. Standardised Test Scores: test scores for TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System) must be submitted by all applicants except those with undergraduate degrees from universities where English was the medium of instruction. A TOEFL Test Score of minimum 600 (paper-based), 250 (computer-based) or 100 (internet-based) or a IELTS score of minimum 7.0. are required. Test dates must be within two years or less from the date of your application

The Nanyang Technological University offers various financial aid options for students enrolled in the Asian Studies programme. These include government-funded scholarships, bursaries, and grants designed to assist both local and international students in financing their education. The ASEAN Undergraduate Scholarship provides financial support to students from ASEAN countries, covering tuition fees and providing a living allowance. The NTU Co-Curricular Involvement Scheme (NCCIS) offers cash awards and subsidies for students actively participating in campus activities, fostering holistic development. Additionally, the University’s merit-based scholarships recognize academic excellence and are awarded based on academic achievement, leadership qualities, and extracurricular involvement. International students may be eligible for external scholarships from their home countries or international organizations, which can supplement NTU’s financial aid.

Students are encouraged to explore the Tuition Grant Scheme (TGS), which offers subsidized tuition fees in exchange for a service commitment after graduation. The TGS is a highly competitive scheme, and applicants must meet specific academic and nationality criteria. For those who do not qualify for TGS, full tuition fees apply, but flexible repayment options are available through student loans and installment plans. NTU also provides financial planning services to help students manage their educational expenses effectively.

Furthermore, the university’s Financial Aid Office offers counseling and application assistance for various funding opportunities. Many students also participate in work-study programs or part-time employment opportunities available on campus to offset living costs. International students might also consider external loan schemes or sponsorship programs from their home governments or private organizations. Overall, NTU’s comprehensive suite of financing options aims to make Asian Studies education accessible and affordable, ensuring students can focus on their academic and personal development without undue financial burden.

The Bachelor of Arts in Asian Studies at Nanyang Technological University offers students a comprehensive understanding of the diverse cultures, histories, politics, and societies of Asia. The programme is designed to provide a multidisciplinary approach, combining insights from history, politics, sociology, and cultural studies to give students a well-rounded perspective on Asian civilizations. Students will have the opportunity to develop language skills in various Asian languages, such as Chinese, Japanese, or Korean, which are essential for deepening their engagement with primary sources and understanding regional nuances. The curriculum typically includes core modules that introduce the fundamental concepts of Asian studies, along with electives that allow students to specialize in areas such as Asian history, contemporary Asian politics, economics, or intercultural communication. The programme emphasizes experiential learning through internships, research projects, and study trips, enabling students to apply their knowledge in real-world contexts. Graduates of the Asian Studies programme are well-equipped for careers in government, diplomacy, international organizations, media, academia, and the private sector, where they can utilize their regional expertise and intercultural competence. The university also fosters an interdisciplinary environment, encouraging students to explore connections between Asian cultures and global issues, preparing them to be informed and culturally sensitive global citizens. The programme typically spans three to four years, depending on the chosen track and whether students pursue a minor or double major. Overall, the programme aims to cultivate critical thinking, cross-cultural understanding, and research skills, preparing graduates for dynamic careers in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.