
Master's in
Asia Pacific Studies (APS)
MASTER'S PROGRAM OVERVIEW - ASIA PACIFIC STUDIES (APS)
The master's program in Asia Pacific Studies aims to educate and transform students into competent leaders ready to handle challenges facing the Asia Pacific region. Individuals embarking on this program should possess a keen interest in research pertaining to one of two specializations, International Relations or Society and Culture. The broad range of issues addressed in these specializations are supported by four pillars: analytical foundation courses, core courses on the Asia Pacific region, division-specific courses and research-oriented intensive seminar courses. Under the supervision of their chosen faculty advisors, students will formulate and conduct research that systematically reflects knowledge gained through coursework as well as ideally through fieldwork in the Asia Pacific region.
Degree | Master of Science in Asia Pacific Studies |
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Divisions | International Relations (IR) Society and Culture (SC) |
Program Duration | 2 years / 1.5 or one year (accelerated program) |
Yearly Intake | 15 students |
Enrollment Semesters | April, September |
COURSE STRUCTURE AND CONTENT
A broad range of issues are addressed in the two divisions: International Relations and Society and Culture. The courses taught under this program consist of four pillars: analytical foundation courses, core courses on the Asia Pacific region, division specific courses and intensive research-oriented seminar courses. Most courses are run on a quarterly basis, each lasting approximately two months. This program nurtures students' research skills, including the ability to formulate frameworks for analyses, collect and analyze data and test arguments and hypotheses.
Students are expected to conduct research under a specific theme in a systematic manner throughout their studies. At the end of the program, students must submit a thesis or report on a theme of their choice, which they have developed under personal guidance from their supervisors in the seminar courses run throughout the duration of the program.
During this process, students are encouraged to conduct field surveys in the Asia Pacific region. Students can apply for financial support for these field surveys through the graduate school. In addition, APU organizes numerous seminars and conferences and invites prominent scholars and researchers to share on their fields of expertise. Students are encouraged to develop their research by taking advantage of these opportunities.
“The International Relations division at APU provides a range of opportunities for students to deepen their knowledge of current international issues and develop the research skills necessary to have a strong impact on the global stage. Students who take advantage of the opportunities available here will find that careers in international organizations, academia, diplomacy, corporate leadership, government services, media, and many other fields will become open to them.”