International Master's Programme in Political Science with Specialization in Global Asian Studies
The Master’s Programme in Global Asian Studies offers an in-depth and multidisciplinary exploration of one of the world’s most dynamic regions. It provides a broad understanding of Asia’s politics, societies, economies, histories, and cultures, and examines how interactions between Asia and the wider world are mutually influential. Combining empirical study, with theoretical and critical analysis, the programme prepares students for professional work and academic research in fields related to Asia’s global significance.
Photo: Kristian Pohl/Stockholm University © May 28, 2024
The programme imparts students with deep knowledge of this important region of the world, preparing them for specialized work and doctoral studies. Through fieldwork, exchange studies and internship it primes students to become practitioners in the public, private or nongovernmental sectors of the job market. The programme provides a two-year master's degree in Global Asian Studies and is given by Stockholm Center for Global Asia at the Department of Political Science, in collaboration with the Department of Social Anthropology and teachers from the Department of Law.
Global Asian Studies is a multidisciplinary academic field that examines the politics, societies, economies, histories, and cultures of Asia. The programme places particular emphasis on contemporary developments, exploring how historical trajectories and transnational processes, and domestic developments, both shape and are shaped by the actions of states, institutions, and social actors within Asia. Students engage with pressing themes such as autocratization and democratization, social movements, migration and labour, law and governance, and conflicts and international politics. The programme deepens understanding of how local, regional, and global forces interact in producing political and social change across Asia.
A central feature of the programme is its focus on critical analysis, fostering the ability to approach complex issues from multiple perspectives through analytical and theoretically informed reasoning. This approach equips students with the qualified analytical skills required for advanced professional practice and research.
Programme structure
The two-year Master’s Programme combines academic depth with methodological training and empirical learning.
The first course offers a broad introduction to politics, political economies, and key international conflicts in East and Southeast Asia (15 credits). This course serves as a foundation for the four subsequent thematic courses (7.5 credits each), which dives more in-depth into key issues such as development, international politics, democracy, authoritarianism and human rights, social movements, migration and labour, and law. The second semester concludes with a method course (15 credits), where students choose between qualitative and quantitative methods. This develops both methodological proficiency and transferable analytical skills.
In the third semester, students conduct independent research and write their master’s thesis, applying the theoretical and methodological skills they have developed. The final semester
offers flexibility through elective courses, exchange studies, or an internship with a relevant organization abroad or in Sweden. All teaching is conducted in English.
Knowledge and skills developed
The programme provides students with a multidisciplinary understanding of Asia’s diverse and dynamic societies, economies, and political systems. It cultivates strong analytical and methodological abilities preparing graduates for careers in policy analysis, diplomacy, journalism, development cooperation, or for
further doctoral studies.
Through opportunities to do fieldwork, exchange studies, or internships, students gain practical experience and professional competence, enabling them to apply
academic insights in real-world contexts. Graduates are well prepared for positions across the public, private, and non-governmental sectors, both in Sweden and
internationally.
Year 1
Semester 1
The courses below are also open for registration for students in the department's other master's programs.
Period A-B
Global Asia: economy and politics in East and Southeast Asia, 15 credits (Subject: Political Science).
Period C
Law, Culture and Society in Asia, 7.5 credits (Subject: Political Science and Law)
Period D
International Relations and Security in East and Southeast Asia, 7,5 credits (Subject: Political Science).
Semester 2
Period A
Transnational Migration and Labour in Asia, 7,5 credits (Subject: Social Anthropology).
Period B
Autocracy, democracy, and development in East and Southeast Asia, 7,5 credits (Subject: Political Science).
Period C-D
Political Science Methods, 15 credits (Subject: Political Science).
Year 2
Semester 3
Master's Thesis in Political Science with a Specialisation in Global Asia, 30 credits (Subject: Political Science).
Semester 4
Internship, Exchange studies or Elective courses
Admission to the International Master's Programme in Political Science is done once a year, for the autumn semester. All applications are to be submitted electronically through universityadmissions.se (English) or antagning.se (Swedish).
Please note that all parts of the application must be submitted directly to universityadmissions.se or antagning.se. No documentation should be sent to the department.
Applications are open during the national admissions round from March 16 through April 15 for the Fall semester 2026.
The general requirement to study a Master's programme in Sweden is a Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher learning, corresponding to at least 180 credits in the European Credit Transfer System.
The specific requirement for the International Master's Programme in Political Science with specialization in Global Asian Studies is a Bachelor's degree in a social science subject along with Swedish upper secondary school course English B, or equivalent.
We make a selection among the eligable applicants. The selection of students is based on grades of academic courses.
Please also observe that applications to this programme should not include your Bachelor's Thesis, a statement of relevant work and/or research experience, or a motivation letter.
If you have questions about the admissions process or the general eligability, please contact University Admissions, or the Admissions Office at Stockholm University (study@su.se).
If you have questions about the specific requirements, the selection process or the programme, please contact master@statsvet.su.se.
Kindly note: If the university where you gained your Bachelor’s degree does not implement the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS), alongside your academic transcript you will need to submit a statement detailing how the credit system from the university in question corresponds to the ECTS. The statement should contain the following information:
- Your personal information
- The name of your degree
- How many credits within your university’s system equals 1, 7.5 and 30 ECTS
- If applicable, how many credits a semester of full-time studies entail at the university which issued your Bachelor’s degree, stated both in credits of the original system, and in ECTS
The statement should be signed and stamped by an official person at your degree issuing university, such as a study counsellor, administrator, Director of Studies etc.
Stockholm Center for Global Asia
The programme is hosted by Stockholm Center for Global Asia, which serves as its academic home and hub for teaching, research, and intellectual exchange. The Center’s research focus spans social science disciplines, and research interest, in issues of democratization, autocratization, human rights, development studies, international politics, and studies of migration.
Students benefit from the academic environment, with seminars, workshops and conferences featuring both international scholars and Stockholm University researchers. Master’s students are encouraged to participate in these activities, gaining access to a research community that bridges teaching, scholarship, and professional practice.
Meet our teachers
Our teachers include experts in a wide range of topics within the field, who continually update their knowledge in their areas of specialization in order to share their expertise with you as a student. Learn more
A master’s degree in Political Science with a specialization in Global Asian Studies opens doors to a wide range of career paths. Former students now work as politicians, policy analysts, and strategic advisors and more.
Examples of workplaces for former students of this programme include the Swedish Parliament (Riksdagen), Swedish embassies in Asia, with Asia-related issues at the Swedish Department of Foreign Affairs (UD), the EU, the UN, regional and municipal authorities, and government agencies.
Common titles for political scientists are policy officer or research analyst—professionals who collect and analyse data to inform legislative changes, for example. Another common title is case officer, working with applying laws and regulations to various types of matters. Other political scientists specialise in specific areas and work as analysts or subject-matter experts, using their expertise to assess complex policy issues. A degree from this programme renders specialized knowledge specifically suitable for work within these areas geared towards issues concerning Asia and global issues in connection to them.
Most policy officers, case officers, analysts, and experts work within public administration at the national, regional, or local level, both in Sweden and in other nations.
Political scientists also work as diplomats, or politicians. Their work often involves representing organisations, advocating for interests, and negotiating. Typical employers include political parties, trade unions, and international organisations such as Greenpeace and UNICEF.
In the private sector, political science graduates are employed as project managers, business developers, and strategic analysts. They may be responsible for establishing new operations, providing consultancy services, or conducting market and policy monitoring. Common workplaces include PR agencies, banks, and insurance companies.
Many opinion leaders, journalists, and public commentators have studied political science. Examples of employers include media outlets, think tanks, and research.
It is also possible to pursue further studies to become a teacher in social sciences or to continue towards a research career in political science.
Upon completion of the programme you will also be eligible for PhD programmes in Political Science, International Relations and others, should you decide to continue your studies.
Student counsellor
master@statsvet.su.se
Student office
studentexpedition@statsvet.su.se
