Overview

Objectives

Interest in Asian Studies amongst scholars is a growing phenomenon as political developments in the region take a new turn and the economic strength of Asia grows.

With a focus on comparative politics, international relations and economics, the MSc (Asian Studies) programme is designed to help students:

Obtain the necessary empirical knowledge and analytical perspectives required to become leaders in various professions related to Asian affairs
Develop an in-depth understanding of the dynamic changes and new trends in Asia, using approaches rooted in the disciplines of history, comparative politics, international relations, and economics
Acquire various analytical tools and historical perspectives to facilitate development of expertise on emerging Asian political, economic and security issues on multiple levels

Relevance

On the political front, many Asian states are experiencing profound historical transitions, accompanied by numerous uncertainties. Economically, the vast majority of countries in the region continue to experience phenomenal growth, creating numerous profitable business opportunities and transforming the region into a new economic powerhouse. In the security arena, many potential regional flashpoints remain, including the Korean Peninsula, the Taiwan issue, the South China Sea dispute, regional arms races, resource scarcity, environmental degradation, and the rising influence of religious fundamentalism.

At the heart of the region lie the concerns associated with the rise of China as an economic and military powerhouse, the emergence of India, a more proactive Japan and the evolving role of the United States. The rise of ASEAN as an international organisation plays a crucial role in shaping the relationships among major powers and in cultivating East Asian regionalism. All these issues will have profound global implications, and are of unquestionable relevance to many professions with interests that intersect developments in Asia.

Benefits

Under this programme, students are instantly connected and attuned to the latest developments in the region with ample opportunities to meet diplomats, policymakers and prominent Asian specialists from think tanks, non-profit organisations and universities throughout the world. Students will also have the opportunity to acquire new linguistic skills by taking Bahasa Indonesia, Mandarin, Korean or Japanese language classes. The cutting edge knowledge and skills offered in this programme will benefit students in their professional careers in the private or public sector.

Content

The MSc (Asian Studies) programme is empirically driven and area-centric. The programme places strong emphasis on a range of issues, including:

Political developments in the region
Economic development in the region
Traditional security issues in the region
Non-traditional security issues in the region
Foreign policymaking in individual countries in the region

The programme is tailored to the interests of individual students who may choose to focus on specific countries or sub regions, or develop extensive expertise in a certain area of interest.

Career Advancement

MSc (Asian Studies) graduates may pursue careers in public relations or business development, with MNCs who are looking to break into lucrative Asian markets or already have a presence in Asia.

Other options include public sector jobs in policy-making or foreign affairs and positions in the tourism industry, including cultural and historical landmarks (e.g. museums). Opportunities in research and academia also await students who complete this course.

Certificate in Contemporary China Studies (CCCS)

MSc (Asian Studies) students may opt for a specialized track that would lead to the conferment of a special Certificate in Contemporary China Studies (CCCS) from the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS). Students should sign up for the CCCS at the start of the academic year (first six weeks of trimester 1).

In order to obtain the CCCS Certificate, MSc (Asian Studies) students must fulfil the following compulsory requirements:

Coursework Track
Enrol in 4 CCCS Courses
Dissertation Track
Enrol in 2 CCCS courses and write a dissertation on a topic related to contemporary China

Optional requirement:
One week field trip to China: self-funded

List of CCCS courses:

AS6001 Comparative Politics of Asia
SR6045 The Wars for East Asia [cross-listed with AS]
AS6013 State, Society and Politics in China
IP6008 A Globalizing China in World Economy
IR6046 China’s Foreign and Security Policy [cross-listed with AS]
AS6044 Chinese Political Institutions
AS6009 China and Ethic Chinese in Southeast Asia

Note: not all the courses may be offered in the academic year

Certificate in Global Southeast Asia (CGSEA)

MSc (Asian Studies and International Relations) students may opt for a specialized track that would lead to the conferment of a special Certificate in Global Southeast Asia (CGSEA) from the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS).

In order to obtain the CGSEA, MSc (Asian Studies and International Relations) students must fulfil the following compulsory requirements:

Coursework Track
Enrol in 4 CGSEA Courses
Dissertation Track
Enrol in 2 CGSEA courses and write a dissertation on a topic related to Southeast Asia

List of CGSEA courses:

AS6020: Islam, State and Society in Southeast Asia
AS6034: The Anthropology of Southeast Asia
AS6007: Government and Politics of Southeast Asia
AS6009: China and Ethnic Chinese in Southeast Asia
AS6010: Indonesia Rising: Politics, Society & Strategic Thought
AS6011: State, Society and Politics in Malaysia
AS6027: State, Society and Politics in the Philippines
AS6029: Governance and Security in Myanmar [cross listed with IR]
AS6031: State, Society and Politics in Singapore
IR6040: Indonesia’s Foreign Policy [cross listed with AS]
IR6045: Singapore’s Foreign Policy [cross listed with AS]
IR6011: Foreign Policy and Security Issues in Southeast Asia
IR6042: ASEAN and the Security Architecture in Asia
SR6022: The Military, State and Society in Southeast Asia
SR6028: Countering Religiously Motivated Terrorism in Southeast Asia: Issues and Challenges
IP6026: Introduction to the Political Economy of Southeast Asia
IP6022: Indonesian Economy

Note: not all the courses may be offered in the academic year