Programme description

New programme in 2026/27 academic year

Asian Studies is a specialist degree programme offered by the Institute of the Middle and Far East at Jagiellonian University, focused on understanding contemporary Asian societies—their cultural and religious-philosophical traditions as well as dynamic social and cultural transformations. The programme has a regional focus and develops students’ ability to study Asia independently: to collect data, formulate their own analyses, and produce academic and expert-level texts.

A key component of the programme is intensive instruction in one of the regional languages: Arabic, Chinese, Japanese or Korean, which enables students to work with primary sources. Students are strongly encouraged to undertake international mobility, including at least one semester at a partner university in Asia or within the Erasmus+ programme. In addition to academic coursework, the programme includes expert lectures and opportunities for optional internships, helping students translate their knowledge of Asia into professional competences applicable in Poland, Europe and Asian countries.

Information regarding Faculty

The Faculty of International and Political Studies is the most international and interdisciplinary unit at the Jagiellonian University. It offers unique programmes conducted in English, many of which are delivered under agreements with foreign universities. The Faculty provides students with an opportunity to study in a nationally and culturally diverse environment, both in Polish and foreign languages. This creates the space for getting to know each other and supports students' development during their studies and in their professional careers. The Faculty’s complex structure reflects the diversity of scientific research conducted in this unit. Therefore, students have an opportunity to study among specialists dealing with matters from almost every corner of the globe.

Asian Studies are conducted by the Institute of the Middle and Far East in a newly renovated building at ul. Oleandry 2a. The Institute is surrounded by green areas like Błonia Park and Jordan Park, near the Jagiellonian Library. It has modern teaching equipment with comfortable conditions. The Institute of the Middle and Far East is the leading Polish centre for studies on contemporary societies. The Institute operates the first and largest Confucius Institute in Poland, as well as the Taiwan Research Centre.

👉  Few reasons why you should choose the Faculty of International and Political Studies

Rankings, distinctions, accreditations

• Scientific category B+ in the main discipline of "Culture and Religion Studies" awarded to the Jagiellonian University in Kraków by the decision of the Minister of Education and Science

Curriculum overview

In the programme curriculum, you may find information about the subjects you will attend while studying this programme. The programme indicates which subjects are scheduled for each semester of the studies, which are mandatory, which belong to the group of elective subjects (so-called optional subjects), which of them end with an exam, and which do not. Each subject in such a programme curriculum has its syllabus, which is a description of what students learn within the scope of that subject.

Student’s life

Time spent at the university is not all about education and class participation; it is also an excellent opportunity to develop hobbies and interests. Many research societies and student organizations operate at the Jagiellonian University, including faculty- and university-wide ones. These societies allow students to spend their free time actively, gain knowledge, develop their talents, participate in engaging, unconventional projects, go on research and team-building trips, participate in conferences, and meet fellow students outside the lecture halls. There are many student associations at the Faculty of International and Political Studies.

Students interested in the international dimension of studying can participate in a wide variety of exchange programmes, such as Erasmus+, CEEPUS, Utrecht Network, bilateral exchange programmes, European university Una Europa, or the domestic mobility programme called MOST.

More than just studies

• Student associations at the Institute of the Middle and Far East
• Student associations at the Faculty of International and Political Studies
• Student Government of the Faculty of International and Political Studies

Admission to studies

Admission to study programmes at the Jagiellonian University is conducted electronically in the Online Application System: irk.uj.edu.pl. If you have any questions related to admission, please contact the Admissions Office directly or visit the websites: welcome.uj.edu.pl and irk.uj.edu.pl.

Detailed information about admission to this study programme, including information on the method of calculating the result, qualification criteria, fees, deadlines, and a list of required documents are available on the Online Application System (IRK): irk.uj.edu.pl

Transfer from other university or study programme

Transfer from another university, including a foreign one, or change of study programme within the University is possible with the dean's consent after completing the first year of studies and fulfilling additional requirements established by the Faculty Council. For inquiries regarding transfer, please contact the unit responsible for the specific study programme directly.

Graduates

A graduate of Asian Studies possesses in-depth knowledge of contemporary Asia and its regions. They understand historical contexts (including conquests, migration and colonialism), cultural identities, and key social and cultural phenomena, such as issues of multiethnicity, the situation of women and minorities, as well as religious, ethnic and ideological conflicts. They are able to critically analyse socio-cultural phenomena and prepare specialist studies and recommendations, both independently and as part of a team. Graduates have strong intercultural and communication competences, essential for working in an international environment and for building intercultural dialogue. They also possess advanced proficiency in a regional language at the B2+ level, which enables them to work with source materials in Asian languages and supports professional activities related to the region.

As a result, graduates are prepared for employment in, among others, cultural institutions and cultural diplomacy, local and regional government bodies, foundations and organisations implementing intercultural projects, as well as in companies cooperating with Asian markets or employing staff from Asia (e.g. in advisory roles).

Further education possibilities

• Doctoral School, f.e. Doctoral School of Social Sciences
• Post diploma programmes
• Second-cycle programmes

Contact

The study programme is conducted at the Institute of the Middle and Far East, a unit of the Faculty of International and Political Studies. The Institute is located in the new building, close to the Jagiellonian Library, Jordan Park, and Błonia Park. For more information, please contact:

sekretariat-orient@uj.edu.pl

ul. Oleandry 2a
30-063 Kraków, Poland
Phone: (+48) 12 663 26 05

orient.uj.edu.pl
wsmip.uj.edu.pl

Other programmes that may interest you

• Strategic Studies: Asia and Africa (Faculty of International and Political Studies) – programme in Polish
• Studies on China (Faculty of International and Political Studies) – programme in Polish
• Studies on Japan (Faculty of International and Political Studies) – programme in Polish
• Studies on Korea (Faculty of International and Political Studies) – programme in Polish
• Korean Studies (Faculty of International and Political Studies)
• Eurasian Studies (Faculty of International and Political Studies) – programme in Polish