Overview

The more research-oriented Master's program in Korean Studies / East Asian Studies deepens and broadens the knowledge gained during the bachelor's degree in Korean Studies / East Asian Studies or a comparable Korea-specific basic acquired knowledge in the field of Korean and East Asian Research. The focus of the Master’s Program in Korean Studies / East Asian Studies is the sociological analysis of the study of Korea within the East Asian context. The goal of the Master's program in Korean Studies / East Asian Studies is the acquisition and the deepening of scientific and professional Korea and Asia related scientific knowledge and skills.
A master's degree in Korean Studies / East Asian Studies equips students to analyze institutions, actors and processes in the politics, economy and society of Korea and to interpret and classify them in their respective contexts. The issues are also presented with a special focus on the regional context of Korea in East Asia. Moreover, students will be trained to develop capabilities for analyzing gender relations in various social, political and historical contexts. The students will acquire the ability for independent scientific research in the field of social science research about Korea.

Admission Requirements

In order to qualify for the master's degree program, applicants must fulfill the following requirements:

• Bachelor's degree with a study portion of Korean Studies / East Asian Studies similar in nature and scope to the Bachelor’s in Korean Studies / East Asian Studies at the Free University of Berlin (90 CP or 60 CP) or other equivalent degree

• Language proficiency in English (level B2 CEFR), if English is not native language and the degree has not been attained at an educational institution where English is the language of instruction.

The program is restricted admission.

Applicants whose native language is not German and who have a degree from a foreign university or equivalent institution must provide proof of language skills required for the degree program or an equivalent level of knowledge according to the standards for the German language examination for university admission of foreign candidates (DSH) provided at the Free University of Berlin.

For more information about the statutes governing the allocation of places for the Master's program in Korean Studies / East Asian Studies, see here (pdf file).

Application

For more information about the (centrally controlled) application procedure for master's courses at the Free University of Berlin, you can check HERE. The (online) application form can be found HERE.

Course of Study

The structure and course of study are regulated by the study regulations. They contain detailed descriptions of the content and skills objectives of each module, and an example study schedule. The test procedure regulations define the nature and requirements of the examination of the modules, as well as the Master's examination. In the regulations, the credit points (CP) are specified for each module or each event and also the amount of work time in hours for the entire course of study.

The academic spectrum is further extended through the completion of two interdisciplinary and/or trans-regional modules. Module proposals can be found in the study regulations.

The master thesis demonstrates that students are able to work independently on a research mission with scientific methods and able to present their work. Upon successful completion of the study program, the higher-level degree of Master of Arts (MA) is awarded.

Modules within the Course of Study
Module	Korean Technical Language I
Module	Korean Technical Language II
Module	Sociological Korea Research I
Module	Sociological Korea Research II
Module	Theories and Discourse of Korean Studies or Theories and Discourse of Japanese Studies or Present-day China
Module	Korean Studies Methods or Research Techniques of Japanese Studies or Research Study and Paradigms of Chinese Studies
One of the following modules can be chosen (1 of 6)
Module	Korea in East Asia
Module	Transdisciplinary Sociological Japanese Studies
Module	China: Economy, Politics and Society I
Module	Transdisciplinary Module China: Economy, Politics and Society I
Module	Transdisciplinary Module China: History and Culture I
Module	Transdisciplinary Module China: History and Culture II
Interdisciplinary and Trans-regional Field

Fees

The students are not required to pay any participation fee, but are required to cover general semester fees and contributions.

Characteristics

Enrollment for 1st Semester	Internal Enrollment Restriction
Enrollment for later Semesters	No Enrollment
Application Deadlines	Application Information
Beginning of Studies	Winter Semester
Language(s) of Instruction	German, English
Degree Awarded	Master of Arts (M.A.)
Length of Study	4 Semesters

Professional Qualifications

Graduates will have gained advanced scientific knowledge and advanced professional qualification skills.

With the research skills acquired in the study of Korea and East Asian Studies, students gain the ability to communicate effectively in intercultural contexts in East Asia. A master’s degree in Korean Studies / East Asian Studies provides the knowledge and skills to be able to take on particular functions in demanding professions both within and outside the university, and to prepare students for careers in:

International Relations (Foreign Service, international organizations, NGOs), education (universities, scientific institutions, adult education), communication (press and media, publishing, public relations, archives and libraries), companies (international trade relations, corporate representative office in Korea, human resources and management training), working as a consultant or advisor, working as a translator, or work at other foundations and associations.