Faculty of Philosophy South Asian Studies – Bachelor 50%
Degree programmes in South Asian studies at Heidelberg University offer students in Europe a unique opportunity to study geographical, social and economic aspects of South Asian culture, in combination with historical and philological aspects. Alongside the linguistic and cultural traditions of South Asia, degree programmes consider a broad field of contemporary, modern regional studies.
Facts & Formalities
| Degree | Bachelor of Arts |
| Type of programme | Undergraduate |
| Start of programme | Winter semester only |
| Standard period of study | 6 semesters |
| Language(s) of instruction | German, English, possibly south asian languages |
| Fees and contributions | 151.05 € / Semester |
| Application procedure | Subjects with no admission restrictions |
| Application deadlines | Information about deadlines can be obtained after you have put together a degree program. |
| Part-time option | Yes |
Course Content
South Asian studies focusses on the historical, current political and economic developments, events, languages and media, religions and geographical processes which characterise and influence countries in South Asia. Countries considered include Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka as well as Tibet and the Indian Himalayan region.
From the very start of the degree programme, students are encouraged to develop multi- and interdisciplinary working methods which will enable them to work effectively in multilingual and multicultural environments. Students must therefore select an area of specialisation and learn a Southern Asian language. Intensive language courses ensure that students are able to understand and methodically process texts written in their chosen language. In addition to this,
students are able to attend introductory and advanced language courses offered as part of the Institute’s Summer School programme.
Course Structure
The major subject with a weighting of 50% consists in four course elements:
- The compulsory element consists in a one-year lecture series entitled, “An Introduction to South Asia”, and a lecture or seminar focusing on a specific, but freely chosen region of South Asia, as well as a final oral examination which is taken in the sixth semester.
- A second compulsory elective element requires that students study a language. Students attend intensive language courses in one of the languages offered.
- An additional compulsory elective element necessitates that students select a further area of specialisation from the subjects on offer. In total, students must complete three subject modules.
- The fourth course element equips students with generic competences which are not specific to South Asian studies. Completion of the course, “Academic Working Methods” in the first semester is compulsory. Students may select additional courses in this area from those offered by the University.
If South Asian studies is taken as a first major subject with a weighting of 50%, students must also produce a Bachelor’s thesis in the sixth semester.
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