About the programme

The Asian and African Studies programme, established in 2014, is an intellectually rigorous interdisciplinary 4-year programme designed to provide students with advanced knowledge and understanding of specific regions of Asia and Africa via variety of courses in both humanities and social sciences. The programme includes two educational tracks: East Asian and Southeast Asian Studies (Chinese, Korean, Japanese and Vietnamese languages) and Middle Eastern Studies (Arabic, Turkish, Farsi and Hebrew languages). It combines intensive training in 2 or 3 regional languages, multidisciplinary area studies and disciplinary concentrations. Students learn the methodology of the humanities and social sciences and gain experience in conducting independent research. The programme is designed to be flexible, allowing students to tailor studies to their particular interests and career goals with an opportunity to choose a block of elective disciplines (International Relations of Asia and Africa; Culture and Visual Arts of Asia and Africa) and a minor (International economics, International business, International relations) during the third year of studies. Moreover, students have an opportunity to go for a research stay and to attend an intensive language programme (up to 10 months) in the country of their focus at the partner universities of the Higher School of Economics.

EDUCATIONAL TRACKS

• East Asian and Southeast Asian Studies (Chinese, Korean, Japanese and Vietnamese languages)
• Middle Eastern Studies (Arabic, Turkish, Farsi and Hebrew languages)

Students of both majors learn 2-3 regional languages.

European languages – English, German and French

Two blocks of elective disciplines:

• International Relations of Asia and Africa
• Culture and Visual Arts of Asia and Africa

MINORS

During the third year of studies students start one of the following minors:

• International economics
• International business
• International relations

INTERNSHIPS AND STAYS ABROAD

Internships are an integral part of the programme, as they allow students to gain valuable work experience and receive specialized training. Students enrolled in the programme are encouraged to apply for internships at research institutions, governmental agencies, such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, cultural organizations including museums and libraries, mass media, business and trade associations that focus on Asia or Africa. The programme also provides students with an opportunity to go for a research stay and to attend an intensive language programme (up to 10 months) in the country of their focus at the partner universities of the Higher School of Economics.