Master of Asian and Pacific Studies | School of Culture, History & Language

2 Years

96 Units

In Person

Why study this program?

Are you curious about your place in a dynamic region? The Master of Asian and Pacific Studies (2 years full-time, or part-time equivalent) immerses you in a nuanced understanding of national and transnational developments regarding people, technologies, languages and ideas. The program allows you to develop in-depth knowledge by specialising in particular Asian and Pacific regions, disciplines, or thematic areas such as politics and international affairs, history and culture, the environment, gender, or translation.

The Australian National University (ANU) College of Asia and the Pacific has the largest concentration of Asia-Pacific researchers and scholars outside of Asia. We teach the broadest range of Asian and Pacific languages and are recognised as a world leader in teaching and research on the region.

The Master of Asian and Pacific Studies encourages deep, critical and specialised knowledge of the region. For those who wish to design an independent project, this degree provides an opportunity to pursue advanced research through a thesis, offering further opportunities for higher degree research (PhD).

The successful completion of this degree offers an ideal pathway into a profession where deep knowledge of Asia and the Pacific, advanced research and writing skills, and high levels of independent project management are required. This program is also one of the few postgraduate programs at ANU that allows and encourages language learning.

Career opportunities

The Master of Asian and Pacific Studies offers an ideal pathway into a profession where a deep understanding and appreciation of the cultures and languages of the Asian region, advanced research and writing skills, and high levels of independent project management are required. Our graduates have pursued diverse and exciting careers across the world, including in:

Business
Diplomacy and foreign affairs
Non-government organisations
Research
Consultancies
Government and public service
Intergovernmental agencies

International relations and trade
Development and aid
Communications, journalism and media
Education
Multinational corporations
Private not-for-profit organisations

The learning experience

This 96-unit degree will build your unique regional expertise in Asian and Pacific Studies through deep knowledge and innovative research. Embedded in ANU College of Asia and the Pacific - home to one of the greatest collections of region-specific expertise and specialist academic programs in the English-speaking world - the Master of Asian and Pacific Studies will give you the opportunity to develop long-term networks with leading experts in regional affairs.

This program offers a broad variety of courses with an Asian and Pacific focus, allowing you to follow regional specialisations or disciplines drawing on regional case studies. You can tailor your studies to your interests by selecting courses in fields including development studies, history and culture, gender in Asia and the Pacific, linguistics, and politics and international affairs. You will be taught by some of the most eminent scholars of Asia and the Pacific in the world.

We offer world-class language training and provide notable opportunities for in-country experiences. As part of your study in the Master of Asian and Pacific Affairs you can develop your language skills by studying one or more of the following languages: Burmese, Cantonese, Literary Chinese, Mandarin, Hindi, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Mongolian, Sanskrit, Taiwanese, Tetum, Thai, Tibetan, Tok Pisin or Vietnamese.

View the complete course list

Scholarships

The Australian National University (ANU) offers a wide range of scholarships to students to Assist with the cost of their studies

Eligibility to apply for ANU scholarships varies depending on the specifics of the scholarship and can be categorised by the type of student you are. Specific scholarship application process information is included in the relevant scholarship listing.

Whether you are looking for financial support to start your studies at ANU or help to move away from home for the first time, we have scholarship opportunities for you and your situation.

Explore all ANU scholarships

Graduate Certificates

For those unable to commit to the full 2-year (full-time) program, the Graduate Certificate of Engaging Asia and the Graduate Certificate of Engaging the Pacific are both pathway options for this degree. These 24-unit (6 months, full-time) certificates provide an introduction to the immersive Master’s experience, as well as an option for early exit.

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