All modules can be completed in English.
Interdisciplinary. Research-Oriented. Global.
The MASAS is a dynamic two-year degree programme designed for students who wish to engage deeply with one of the world’s most diverse and rapidly changing regions. By combining a wide range of disciplines, the programme explores historical and current societal, political, and economic developments, as well as the complex interactions between environment and society across Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
Choose Your Academic Focus
At the time of application, students select a primary disciplinary focus. This ensures advanced academic expertise while allowing for interdisciplinary exchange in small, international class formats. Our focus disciplines include:
Excellence in Research & Academic Writing
The curriculum places a high emphasis on academic writing, rigorous academic working techniques, and intercultural interaction. Students are encouraged to engage with critical perspectives, including themes of gender and difference, to foster a self-reflective approach to their research. Rather than teaching abstract methods, each focus discipline provides students with specialised practical skills and methodological expertise tailored to their specific field of study. This academic journey culminates in a research colloquium, where students develop their own research proposals as a foundation for their final Master’s thesis.
A Unique Academic Ecosystem
Our programme offers resources that are unparalleled in Europe. Students benefit from a research-focused campus that houses the most outstanding collection of South Asian books and journals on the continent.
A hallmark of the MASAS programme is the presence of four guest professorships sponsored by the governments of Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. These chairs, alongside regular guest lectures by international scholars, writers, and activists, provide students with direct access to current debates and diverse perspectives from the region.
Specialised Language Integration
For those looking to gain linguistic expertise, the MASAS major can be flexibly combined with language-focused minor programmes. You can choose to study any of the following ten languages at various levels: Bengali, Classical Tamil, Classical Tibetan, Hindi, Nepali, Pali, Sanskrit, Sinhala, Tamil, and Urdu.
These minors are designed to complement your major, providing the cultural and philological depth necessary for high-level regional expertise.
The curriculum is structured into a coursework phase followed by a final examination phase, totalling 120 ECTS credits. The programme is designed to guide students from foundational disciplinary knowledge to independent research.
Coursework and Individual Profiling (90 ECTS)
During the first three semesters, students complete 90 ECTS credits. This phase is designed to allow students to tailor their studies to their individual interests and career goals.
Semesters 1 & 2: Students select modules from their primary focus discipline to build deep expertise. In addition, they complement these with modules from other disciplines and various thematic areas. This flexibility allows students to create a customised curriculum that aligns perfectly with their academic curiosity and future professional plans.
Semester 3: This semester offers high flexibility. Students may use this time for a stay abroad at a partner university in South Asia, Europe, or in another world region. Simultaneously, students begin preparing their research proposal in a specialised Research Colloquium, where they refine their methodology and theoretical framework for the final stage.
Final Examination Phase (30 ECTS)
The fourth semester concludes the programme with two main components totalling 30 ECTS credits:
Oral Examination: Held before the thesis phase, this examination focuses on the student's chosen focus discipline. Students are expected to demonstrate their ability to connect learned knowledge across various topics and contexts, showing high levels of critical analysis and contextualisation within their field.
Master’s Thesis: An independent piece of scholarly research in the focus discipline, representing the culmination of the programme.
Teaching Formats and Learning Methods
The MASAS programme utilises diverse academic formats to ensure high levels of engagement:
Seminars: The primary teaching format, emphasising small-group discussions, the critical reading of sources, and student-led presentations.
Lectures: Providing broad theoretical and regional overviews of historical, political, economical, environmental, and social developments.
Practical Courses: These focus on the application of learned methods. Depending on the focus discipline, students engage in the analysis of historical sources or contemporary media, conduct statistical analyses, or work with satellite and radar data to evaluate human-environment interactions and the impacts of climate change.
Research Colloquia: Interactive forums designed for advanced students to present their research designs and receive peer and faculty feedback.
Through a wide array of exchange programmes offered by the university and the SAI, motivated students can expand their global perspective by spending a semester at one of our many international partner institutions.
Approx. 161 EUR
Heidelberg University estimates that the average cost of living and studying in Heidelberg is around 1000 EUR per month. This figure can vary depending on your lifestyle. Visit the following website for a breakdown of potential monthly expenses:
Funding opportunities within and in cooperation with the university
Admission typically requires an above-average Bachelor’s degree in the chosen focus discipline or a closely related field. We also welcome applications from candidates who demonstrate equivalent proficiency through relevant professional experience or significant extracurricular engagement.
Enrolled students are generally permitted to work up to a maximum of 20 hours per week during the lecture period. This limitation does not apply during semester breaks. Students who are not citizens of EU member states may be subject to additional restrictions and should consult the local foreigners' registration office for specific information.
Once you have submitted your application for one of our degree programmes online, please also immediately apply for residence hall accommodation or start looking for a room/apartment on the private housing market (general information about how to find accommodation in Heidelberg). An admission letter is not required when registering for a place in a residence hall. You can submit an admission letter at a later stage.
The university offers a comprehensive career planning service.
To ensure a smooth transition, Heidelberg University hosts central on-boarding events to help students navigate university life across various locations throughout the city. Complementing this, the SAI organises its own welcome event at the start of the semester, allowing students to connect directly with their specific faculty and peers.
Language support is highly prioritised: both the university and the SAI offer free German courses for enrolled students (beginner to advanced). Students can also join the "Tandem" programme for informal practice with German speakers. Furthermore, the SAI provides guidance on external language providers and specialised tutors. Upon arrival, the SAI’s IT service ensures seamless access to all digital university services and research platforms.
Heidelberg University is committed to providing an accessible learning environment. Students with disabilities or chronic illnesses can access specialised advisory services for support with academic adjustments. The university offers guidance on campus accessibility, technical aids, and individual study organisation to ensure equal opportunities for all students throughout their academic journey.
Heidelberg University is committed to supporting students with family responsibilities. We provide tailored advice and resources for pregnant students and student parents, including guidance on pregnancy registration, academic adjustments (compensation for disadvantages), and study organisation to help balance family life with academic requirements.
Heidelberg University offers dedicated support and guidance for refugees interested in pursuing a degree. Information regarding admission requirements, language preparation, and advisory services can be found here: https://www.uni-heidelberg.de/en/study/advisory-services/refugee-prospective-students-frequently-asked-questions.
The South Asia Institute is Europe’s premier interdisciplinary hub for research and teaching on South Asia. For over 60 years, the SAI has stood out for its unparalleled breadth of expertise, housing seven dedicated departments: Anthropology, Development Economics, Geography, History, Political Science, Classical Indology, and Modern South Asian Languages and Literatures. This academic core is further enriched by affiliated professorships in Islamic Studies, Art History, Buddhist Studies, and Media Anthropology, providing students with a truly holistic and multifaceted understanding of the region.
The SAI’s unique profile is further distinguished by four prestigious sponsored professorships dedicated to India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. These chairs, supported by the respective countries, complement the institute's disciplinary spectrum and foster deep academic ties with the region. Additionally, the federal state of Baden-Württemberg promotes high-level academic exchange through a dedicated fellowship programme for professors and post-doctoral researchers from South Asia, ensuring a constant influx of contemporary expertise and international research collaborations.
Studying at the SAI means accessing world-class resources. The institute’s library is one of the most significant collections for South Asian Studies globally, serving as a vital archive for researchers worldwide. To bridge the gap between academic theory and practical experience, the SAI maintains two branch offices, one in Kathmandu and one in New Delhi, which facilitate direct exchange and field research. Furthermore, the institute regularly offers instruction in ten South Asian languages and collaborates with international summer schools in both Europe and India, providing students with the essential tools for impactful global careers.
Founded in 1386, Heidelberg University is one of Europe’s oldest and most prestigious academic institutions. As a comprehensive university, it offers a vibrant environment where the natural and social sciences intersect with the humanities to address the complex challenges of our globalised world. With a diverse community of approximately 30,000 students from over 130 countries, the university provides a truly international atmosphere that fosters cross-cultural dialogue and academic excellence.
The university is uniquely integrated into the city of Heidelberg, with its various institutes and facilities woven into the historic and scenic urban landscape rather than being confined to a single closed campus. Often cited as one of Germany’s most beautiful cities, Heidelberg offers an exceptional quality of life. Students benefit from a rich cultural scene, a picturesque setting along the Neckar river, and a historic atmosphere that has inspired scholars and poets for centuries. Choosing Heidelberg means becoming part of a world-class research community in a city that perfectly balances tradition with a modern, international lifestyle.
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