StudyQA — Master: South Asian Studies — University of Heidelberg (Page 40)

Photos of university / #uniheidelberg

Description Contents Requirements Funding More

The MA in South Asian Studies is a two-year degree spanning four semesters. It is a multi- and interdisciplinary programme with a wide range of disciplines related to South Asia. These include courses from: 1) Anthropology, 2) Development Economics, 3) Geography, 4) Global Art History and Media Anthropology, 5) History of South Asia, and 6) Political Science. Students can specialise in up to two of these disciplines to fit their study interests and career goals.
The core courses are taught by seven professors as well as their lecturers and assistants. The Iqbal Chair, sponsored by the Government of Pakistan, the Heinrich Zimmer Chair for Indian Philosophy and Intellectual History, sponsored by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, and the Sri Lanka Chair, sponsored by the Sri Lankan Government, support our teaching team.

Educational organisation

The programme comprises a total of 120 credit points over four semesters. In the first three semesters, students attend seminars and lectures. In the final semester, students write their thesis and take the exam in the discipline of their primary study focus.

Students chose two study foci as well as courses from one other complimentary discipline. A study focus provides in-depth knowledge in the chosen field. The following study foci are offered: Anthropology, Art History and Visual Culture, Geography, History, and Political Science.

Throughout the first three semesters, students will also be obliged to take courses in scientific working techniques. This includes an academic student conference, in order to improve students' academic skills, during the second semester.

A major in South Asian Studies can also be combined with another minor at Heidelberg University. Here is the list of possible minors: http://www.uni-heidelberg.de/md/studium/interesse/faecher/begleitfaecher.pdf.

Forms of assessment

One ECTS credit equals thirty working hours. There are a variety of forms of assessment, such as oral exams, written exams, presentations, literature reviews, translations, or essay writing. The course catalogue will give you a detailed overview of the forms of assessment proposed by the lecturer and of the expected workload.

Language requirements

If your first language is not English, you have to provide evidence of your proficiency in English. You may supply evidence in the form of an IELTS (overall score 7), Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE 67), or TOEFL (Internet-based 95) certificate. If you have a German/Austrian/Swiss high school diploma (Abitur/Matura), you may prove your English language proficiency with your obtained English grade. If your Bachelor's degree was obtained in an English-speaking country, proof of English proficiency is not necessary.
For postgraduate studies in South Asian Studies, you do not need proficiency in German to successfully complete the study programme. All modules can be completed in English. However, not all courses are held in English and if you want to enjoy the full variety of courses, the university's student services, and your stay in Germany, you should acquire at least a passive knowledge of German. Evidence of German language proficiency can be provided in the form of a Goethe-Institut or DSH certificate.
Students will be assisted in identifying suitable language courses provided by private institutions, Heidelberg University, and/or South Asian-based German institutions and private tutors. We also arrange a "tandem" language exchange for new students in which you are paired with a German student for a mutually beneficial language learning experience.

Academic requirements

Applicants are required to have a Bachelor's degree (at least three years) in one of the following disciplines: development economics, anthropology, geography, history, art history, cultural studies, or political science. Other disciplines are welcome if the applicant can provide detailed information showing that major parts of his/her study programme included knowledge of the mentioned disciplines, the South Asia region, or South Asian languages.

Note: According to the rules set by the Central Office for Foreign Education, applicants with a degree from a South Asian University need at least four years of university education.

Want to improve your English level for admission?
Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

Flexible study schedule
Experienced teachers
Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Enrolment fees

Students must pay a registration fee every semester (approx. 140 EUR). Most of this money helps the university to provide subsidised services, e.g. student accommodation, student meals, public transport, etc. Neither Heidelberg University nor the South Asia Institute charges admission or tuition fees for the Master of Arts in South Asian Studies.

Costs of living

Expect to spend at least 700 EUR per month for general living expenses, accommodation, health insurance, public transport, etc. For example:

Medical insurance premiums are currently approx. 70 EUR per month.
At present, the monthly rent for a room or a small flat is approx. 250 to 500 EUR.
The semester ticket, which allows students to use almost all forms of public transport in the Heidelberg area free of charge during the semester, costs 155 EUR.

Job opportunities

Students from EU countries enjoy the same rights as German students. They are permitted to work a maximum of 20 hours per week during the lecture period as well as full-time during the semester breaks. Students from outside the EU have to inquire at the foreigners' registration office; up to 120 work days per year may be granted.