South-East Asian Studies (MSEAS)

Study mode:On campus Study type:Full-time Languages: German English
Deadline: Aug 31, 2024
StudyQA ranking:3520 Duration:4 semestrs
The English-language Master's programme in South-East Asian Studies offers students, who have a good working knowledge of Bahasa Indonesia or Bahasa Malaysia and who are acquainted with the region, the opportunity to pursue advanced studies on the languages, cultures and societies of South-East Asia with a special focus on the Malay World (Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, Singapore and East Timor). The study programme is research-oriented and deepens the ability for reflected handling of data, sources, texts and methods in relation to South-East Asia. The conception of the programme allows students to focus on one of three suggested specialisations: classical philology and history, modern languages and society, or culture and economy.

Educational organisation

The Master's programme comprises four semesters (two years). The programme accounts for a total of 120 Credit Points. 90 Credit Points are earned by coursework in seven modules (a module usually consists of two to three courses) and 30 Credit Points are earned through the MA thesis.
Four core modules:
  • Modern languages and cultures of South-East Asia: Semester 1-2
  • Theories and methods: Semester 1-2
  • Current issues and research: Semester 1-2
  • Media, politics and economy in modern South-East Asia: Semester 1-2
Three elective modules chosen from e.g. the following:
Classical languages and history: Semester 1-2
  • Applied Indonesian/Malay: Semester 1-2
  • Regional expertise: Semester 1-2
  • Introduction to Asian economics and law: Semester 2-3
  • studium generale/free choice studies: Semester 1-3
Additional elective modules will be offered depending on availability. Students with sufficient German language skills may also choose South-East Asia related courses at other departments such as Cultural Anthropology or Islamic Studies.
Master's thesis: Semester 4
Part-time studies are possible.

Study abroad unit(s)

Stays abroad are not an integral part of the programme, but the programme management encourages students to reserve the fourth and last semester of the programme for studies and internships, after having completed all seminars, language courses and lectures which require their presence in Frankfurt.

Forms of assessment

Module "Modern languages and cultures of South-East Asia" (12 CP): term paper and/or presentation
Module "Theories and methods" (15 CP): term paper and/or presentation
Module "Current issues and research" (12 CP): term paper and/or presentation
Module "Media, politics and economy in modern South-East Asia" (15 CP): term paper and/or presentation
Module "Classical languages and history" (12 CP): term paper and/or presentation
Module "Applied Indonesian / Malay" (12 CP): written examination, term paper and/or presentation
Module "Regional expertise" (12 CP): written examination, term paper and/or presentation
Module "Introduction to Asian economics and law" (12 CP): written and/or oral examination and term paper
Studium generale/free choice studies: 12 CP

Course objectives

The Master's degree qualifies for a scientific career, i.e. entering a PhD programme. Due to its focus on methods and language skills, the MA degree prepares students not only for an academic career, but also for a professional career in international enterprises and organisations. Typical job opportunities include high-level positions in:
  • cultural institutions (i.e. libraries, museums)
  • international firms and business organisations with connections to South-East Asia
  • ministries and international organisations

Language requirements

Applicants must provide proof of their English proficiency, by a TOEFL test result of at least 560 (paper-based), 220 (computer-based) or 84 (internet-based), or equivalent results from other officially acknowledged English tests, such as IELTS or the Cambridge English Proficiency Examination.
Applicants must have a good command of Bahasa Indonesia or Bahasa Malaysia (minimum of 200 hours of language instruction at university level or equivalent).

Academic requirements

  • A Bachelor's degree in South-East Asian studies or equivalent
  • BA degrees from other disciplines in the humanities or social sciences may also be accepted if the applicant has a good command of Bahasa Indonesia or Bahasa Malaysia (minimum of 200 hours of language instruction at university level or equivalent) and knowledge of South-East Asia.
  • TOEFL test result of at least 560 (paper), 220 (computer-based) or 84 (internet-based), or equivalent results from other officially recognised tests of English capability, such as IELTS or the Cambridge Proficiency examination
  • A good command of Bahasa Indonesia or Bahasa Malaysia (minimum of 200 hours of language instruction at university level or equivalent) and academic knowledge of South-East Asia
  • A positive letter of recommendation, stating why the candidate is considered suitable for the Master's programme in South-East Asian studies

Enrolment fees

Goethe University charges an administrative fee of approx. 360 EUR per semester (less than 730 EUR per year). This includes a ticket for public transport. The "magic ticket" entitles you to use buses, trams, and the underground in Frankfurt and the surrounding area. You can even use the regional trains to travel to various other cities in Hesse, e.g. Marburg or Giessen.

Costs of living

The cost of living in Frankfurt depends on personal requirements and lifestyle. However, students should expect minimum expenses of approx. 940 EUR per month. This calculation is based on the following items: 800 EUR for rent, food, clothing, and study materials, around 81 EUR for compulsory but almost comprehensive health insurance, and approx. 59 EUR for the administrative fee (including free public transport).

Job opportunities

In Frankfurt, 44,000 companies and organisations have approx. 464,000 employees on their payrolls. In addition, Frankfurt is the financial centre of Germany, with 350 banks, including the European Central Bank, 150 foreign banks, and the fourth-largest stock exchange in the world. Furthermore, Frankfurt is home to various cultural and research institutions. These are key players in a flourishing economy, offering students and graduates interesting jobs and internships. During your studies, there are plenty of job opportunities either at Goethe University itself (e.g. as a tutor or research assistant) or you may look for jobs and internships elsewhere in the greater Frankfurt area. Job opportunities are particularly interesting for students from abroad, e.g. at the airport and the trade fair. The "Studentenwerk" as well as the Career Services at Goethe University can help you to find a suitable offer. After you graduate, it is comparatively easy to find a job in the greater Frankfurt area, since it is one of the strongest employment regions in Germany. Furthermore, due to new laws, students from non-EU countries may also receive a work permit after graduation.

Arrival support

Internationaler Studientreff (IST)
A project for international and German students. Consultation hours, "get-together", international bar evenings, excursions in and around Frankfurt, and a buddy programme!
Check the website for more information:
http://www.uni-frankfurt.de/IST

Erasmus Student Network (ESN)
The ESN is also present in Frankfurt and helps international students to get accustomed to life in Frankfurt and Germany. They also organise several "get-together" events like parties, pub crawls, quiz nights, and many more.
Check the website for more Information:
http://unifrankfurt.esngermany.org/

International "Stammtisch"
Each semester, an international "Stammtisch" (a regular group meeting, usually at a bar or restaurant) will be offered to ERASMUS/DAAD/SOCRATES scholars and German students planning to go or returning from abroad. In a pleasant atmosphere, students can exchange experiences and tips on studying abroad, dealing with student life in Frankfurt, and making new friends.

Services and support for international students

The International Office of Goethe University offers a comprehensive range of advice and services on issues of visa/immigration, financing your studies, social life, and personal matters.
See: http://www.uni-frankfurt.de/38294574?

At the International Study Center (ISZ) at Goethe University, ongoing German language support is available. ISZ offers several options to improve your language proficiency, such as a tandem project (language exchange, e.g. Spanish-German), German language courses (preparatory and continuous), and language training during your academic programme.
Check the website for more information:
http://www.uni-frankfurt.de/43662305

The student union ("AStA", http://asta-frankfurt.de/) provides advice and entertainment. Faith-based organisations offer opportunities for worship and intercultural exchange.
See: http://www.esg-frankfurt.de/
See: http://www.khg-frankfurt.de/

Accommodation

Frankfurt am Main offers a wide variety of accommodation, from university dorms to privately rented apartments. The biggest providers of dorms are the "Studentenwerk" (student services, http://www.studentenwerkfrankfurt.de) and churches.
The 19 dormitories offer more than 1,700 different accommodation units starting from 120 EUR per month for a single room to up to 450 EUR for a family apartment of 45m².
For further information, see: http://www.studentenwerkfrankfurt.de/en/consulting-service/international-students/accommodation/.
We strongly recommend that students contact such organisations as soon as they receive their letter of acceptance to the programme, as these rooms are in high demand.
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Study mode:On campus Languages: English
Foreign:$ 2.71 k / Semester(s)
Deadline: Mar 31, 2024 42 place StudyQA ranking: 3534