East Asian Studies: East Asian Studies MA

Master of Arts

Program Description

East Asian Studies offers three tracks through its MA program: 1) MA through coursework, 2) MA with Major Research Paper (MRP), and 3) MA with thesis. It is possible to switch between the three tracks as long as all requirements are fulfilled.

Applicants should consult the department's website for details on the MA program, applications, course offerings, and profiles of the graduate faculty.

Minimum Admission Requirements

  • Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Department of East Asian Studies' additional admission requirements stated below.

  • Successful completion of an appropriate bachelor's degree from a recognized university with a major in East Asian studies and at least a B+ standing in the final year.

  • Applicants without a major in East Asian studies may also be considered, provided they demonstrate sufficient scholarly interest and academic preparation in East Asian studies.

  • Statement of approximately 500 words (two pages) setting out the student's main fields of interest and proposed course of study.

  • Two letters of recommendation from scholars who have knowledge of previous academic work.

  • Programs are based on the study of original texts. This presupposes knowledge of the relevant languages.

  • A 10- to 15-page sample of the applicant's academic writing in English.

  • Applicants educated outside Canada whose primary language is not English, and who graduated from a university where the language of instruction and examination was not English, must provide results of an English-language proficiency examination as part of their application. Tests must have been taken within the last 24 months at the time of submission of their application. Applicants taking the Internet-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) must achieve a minimum score of 100/120 and 22/30 on the writing and speaking sections. Comparable scores on similar tests are also acceptable.

Program Requirements

  • The program may be completed through one of three routes:

    • Coursework: students normally complete 4.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) with at least 2.0 FCEs in EAS courses, including the required course EAS2020H Critical Approaches to East Asia (0.5 FCE).

    • Coursework plus Major Research Paper (MRP): the MRP must be written with the guidance of a supervisor after the completion of coursework. Normally 4.0 FCEs as follows:

      • 3.0 FCEs of coursework including at least 1.5 FCEs in EAS courses, including the required course EAS2020H Critical Approaches to East Asia (0.5 FCE)

      • EAS1150Y Major Research Paper (1.0 FCE).

    • Coursework plus thesis: the thesis must be written with the guidance of a supervisor after the completion of coursework. Normally 4.0 FCEs as follows:

      • 3.0 FCEs of coursework including at least 1.5 FCEs in EAS courses, including the required course EAS2020H Critical Approaches to East Asia (0.5 FCE)

      • EAS1250Y MA Thesis (1.0 FCE).

  • Courses are selected in consultation with the Graduate Associate Chair.

  • Students are encouraged to continue with necessary language study, but language courses are not included in the FCEs.

Program Length

3 sessions full-time (typical registration sequence: F/W/S)

Time Limit

3 years full-time