Explore ANU College of Asia & Pacific research activities

Asian and Pacific Studies

To understand the modern world, one needs to understand Asia and the Pacific.

Introduction

Are you curious about your place in a dynamic region?

The Master of Asian and Pacific Studies 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 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.

Why study the Master of Asian and Pacific Studies?

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). 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

With a deep understanding and appreciation of the cultures and languages of the Asian region, 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

Study experience

This 96-unit (2 years full-time, or part-time equivalent) degree will build your unique regional expertise in Asian and Pacific Studies through deep knowledge and innovative research. Embedded in the 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. We offer world-class language training and provide notable opportunities for in-country experiences.

Alternative entry pathways

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.

Languages

Whether you are at a beginner, intermediate or advanced level, you can develop your language skills by choosing one or more of the following languages

Burmese
Cantonese
Literary Chinese
Mandarin
Hindi
Indonesian
Japanese
Korean
Mongolian
Sanskrit
Taiwanese
Tetum
Thai
Tibetan
Tok Pisin
Vietnamese

Ready to apply?

Apply for this program at:

https://programsandcourses.anu.edu.au/2021/program/MANPS

Want to know more?

Email us at education.chl@anu.edu.au to organise a time to talk with current students, program advisers, or the academics who teach this program, or enquire now to hear more from ANU.