MASTER OF ARTS (SOUTHEAST ASIAN STUDIES)



Programme Overview

The Master of Southeast Asian Studies coursework and dissertation programme caters primarily to suitably-qualified working adults who, for professional or personal development, would benefit from a deeper and more focused academic understanding of the historical, political, economic, social, cultural and other related issues pertaining to the Southeast Asian region. 


By exposing students to some of the best works which scholars of Southeast Asian have produced as well as relevant theoretical and methodological debates on the region, students can be better equipped with knowledge base and analytical skills to explore their own areas of interests with greater competence and confidence.


Full-Time Duration: 3 Semesters (Mixed-Mode)


Programme Structure

Core Courses (6 Credits)
  1. Research Methodology
  2. Comperative Development of Southeast Asia


Elective Courses (9 Credits) - 3 Only

  1. Maratime Trade in Southeast Asia,
  2. Ethnography and Belief Systems in Southeast Asia,
  3. Politics and Governance in Southeast Asia,
  4. Multiculturalism in Southeast Asia,
  5. Labour and Employement in Southeast Asia,
  6. Arts and Culture in Southeast Asia,
  7. Southeast Asian Regionalism,
  8. Economy and Development in Southeast Asia,
  9. Environment and Development in Southeast Asia    


Research Courses (35 Credits)

  1. Dissertation                                                                                                  

                                                                     

Career Prospects

Southeast Asian Studies Researcher, University Lecturer in Southeast Asian Studies, Regional Policy Advisor, Cultural Heritage Consultant, Government Advisor on Southeast Asian Affairs, International Development Specialist, Cultural and Political Analyst, Maritime Trade Consultant, Ethnographer specializing in Southeast Asia, Regional Economic Analyst, Arts and Culture Curator (Southeast Asia), Environmental Policy Advisor, Multiculturalism Specialist, Diplomatic Officer with Southeast Asian focus, Research Director in Southeast Asian Regionalism.

          

Tuition Fee

Local

RM14,900

International

RM30,000

Intake

Semester 2 (March) Intake, Academic Session 2025/2026

Entry Requirement

General Entry Requirements
  • For applicants with a CGPA of not less than 3.00:
    • Possess a Bachelor’s Degree with a CGPA of not less than 3.00; or
  • For applicants with a CGPA of 2.50 – 2.99 (must fulfill at least one of the following): 
    • Graduate from Universiti Malaya; or
    • Accumulate at least one (1) year of work experience in related fields; or
    • Produce publications in related field; or
    • Receive a scholarship; or
    • Serve as a staff member of a government agency; or
    • Pass an interview conducted by the Faculty; or
    • Pass a special evaluation by the Faculty
Specific Entry Requirements
  • General University Requirements: Fulfill the General University Requirements
  • Bachelor’s Degree Qualification: Possess a Bachelor's Degree
  • Equivalent Qualification: 
    1. Possessed Professional qualification from a recognized professional body; or
    2. Possessed Professional qualification approved by Senate from time to time; or
    3. APEL (A) qualification; or
    4. APEL (Q) qualification
  • Related fields: Bachelor’s Degree in any fields.
  • Special Requirements: N/A
English Requirements
  • Malaysia University English Test (MUET): Band 4.0; or
  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic: Band 6.0; or
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) – Paper-Based Test (PBT): Not applicable; or
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) – Internet-Based Test (IBT) (Centre-Based): Score 60; or
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) – Computer-Based Test (CBT): Not applicable; or
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) – Essential Online: Score 8.5; or
  • Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic: Score 59; or
  • Cambridge English Qualifications and Tests – Linguaskill Online: Not applicable; or
  • Cambridge English – B1 Preliminary, B2 First, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency: Score 169; or
  • Cambridge English – B2 Business Vantage, C1 Business Higher: Not applicable; or
  • Occupational English Test (OET) (Conventional / Online): Not applicable; or
  • Cambridge English: First (FCE): Not applicable; or
  • Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): Not applicable; or
  • Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE): Not applicable