BA South and Southeast Asian Studies

South and Southeast Asia is one of the world’s most dynamic and diverse areas. Interested in speaking one of its major languages, and understanding its history, culture, and current affairs? Then this is the programme for you!

Why study South and Southeast Asian Studies

In the South and Southeast Asian Studies programme you gain a thorough understanding of the history, cultures, and politics of a region which is home to almost a third of the world’s population (including two-thirds of its Muslims) and to some of the world’s fastest-growing economies. Relevant contemporary issues such as ethnic and religious conflicts, inequality and development, the surge in cultural and political movements and the tensions between modernity and tradition are addressed in lectures and seminars.

Why South and Southeast Asian Studies at Leiden University?

• The Leiden University programme is  unique : the only bachelor’s in the Netherlands where you can study languages and cultures of the region at a multidisciplinary, academic level.
• Language is the key to knowing and understanding a culture. This is why  language acquisition  is an important part of the programme. You will learn either Hindi, Sanskrit, Tibetan, or Indonesian.
• There is plenty of room to  tailor  the programme according to your interests. You can choose to specialise on (part of) a region or on the South and Southeast Asian region as a whole. Also, you can opt to focus either on modern society or on the classical cultures of the area.
• You will have access to the  world-renowned Asian Library  at Leiden University Library, as well as to the Royal Netherlands Institute of Southeast Asian and Caribbean Studies (KITLV) and the International Institute of Asian Studies (IIAS).
• In the third year you will study a semester at an  international university . Those studying the Indonesian language will go to Gadjah Mada University in Yogyakarta, students of Hindi to the University of Hyderabad, and those studying Sanskrit or Tibetan to a European University.

Is this programme for you?

In this programme you gain the academic, language, and practical skills essential to research, analyse, understand, and formulate creative answers to the tough questions arising from this dynamic region. Are you/do you:

• Fascinated by the historical context and emerging possibilities of this region?
• Want to specialise in one country or area, diving deep into specific issues?
• Want to learn from the top academics and lecturers in the field?
• Looking to broaden your perspectives by studying with international students?

Academic fields

Leiden has faculties in the fields of:

• Archaeology
• Governance and Global Affairs
• Humanities
• Medicine
• Law
• Science
• Social and Behavioural Sciences

Student support

International student advisers

The international student advisers are a good place to go when you need assistance during your stay in the Netherlands. Students in both locations of Leiden University have access to these specialised advisers. In many cases they will be able to provide the information you need, or will refer you to the relevant services. You can consult the advisers on a variety of matters, ranging from financial concerns, settling down issues, academic issues and health insurance to dealing with external housing agents or finding a family doctor.

Student counsellors

We have a number of specialised student counsellors available. They can help in legal and financial matters, but can also assist you in developing study-related skills. The skills package that is offered involves individual counselling and workshops designed to support you in your academic performance. Topics covered include thesis writing, time management, stress management and planning. Additionally, our counsellors are available to help resolve study and personal problems, should this be needed.

Departmental study advisers and coordinators

Each department has its own study advisers/coordinators who can answer questions about matters that are related to the study programme of your choice. You can consult the study adviser/coordinator on issues such as timetables, exam grades, choice of subjects and application for graduation.