Leiden University · Faculty of Humanities

Thesis Supervision

Resources and guidance for thesis students supervised by Dr. Steven Denney

MAAS — Asian Studies

MA

The MA thesis in Asian Studies is a substantial research project demonstrating advanced knowledge of your field and the capacity for independent scholarly work. As a master’s thesis, it requires deeper engagement with theory, more sophisticated methods, and a stronger original contribution than an undergraduate thesis.

The content below is adapted from the MA Asian Studies thesis protocol for students. Always confirm details with your supervisor and check the MAAS e-guide for the most current information.

Download: MAAS Thesis Protocol (PDF)

Key Requirements

Requirement Details
Word count 12,000–15,000 words, including footnotes and references, excluding appendices
Citation style An established format according to the standards of your discipline, used consistently (e.g., Journal of Asian Studies for social science, American Historical Review for history)
Language English
Asian-language sources Encouraged, and required for some specializations (see below)
Final deadline July 1, 2026 (fall entry)

Timeline and Deadlines

The thesis process begins with the assignment of a supervisor, which follows from the thesis distribution form you submit early in your program.

Milestone Fall entry Spring entry
Thesis distribution form due September 24 Mid-February
Thesis methodology sessions During Introduction to Asian Studies First 3 weeks
First meeting with supervisor November March
Thesis proposal draft due January 5 June 1
Supervisor feedback on proposal By January 20 By June 20
Final thesis proposal due January 31 July 1
First thesis submission May 15 November 1
Supervisor feedback on draft Within 10 working days Within 10 working days
Final thesis deadline July 1 December 15

Important: Students who submit a thesis or part thereof by the first submission deadline have the right to receive feedback within 10 working days. Students who miss the first deadline forfeit the right to further feedback but may still submit by the final deadline.

Thesis Proposal

The thesis proposal is a required component of the Introduction to Asian Studies course and is graded pass/fail.

Requirements:

  • Approximately 1,500 words including bibliography
  • Must state a clear research question, relevant literature, and methodology
  • Submit by email to your supervisor

Process:

  1. Submit a draft proposal by the draft deadline
  2. Receive written feedback from your supervisor
  3. Revise and submit the final proposal by the final deadline
  4. If your proposal does not pass, you may resubmit a revised version (from April 1 for January submissions)

Writing and Submission

After your proposal is approved, you will write draft chapters in consultation with your supervisor, meeting at least twice during the writing phase.

Submission procedure: Email the final thesis to your supervisor, second reader, and to MAthesis@hum.leidenuniv.nl by the final deadline.

Formatting:

  • 12,000–15,000 words including footnotes and references, excluding appendices
  • Consistent citation style throughout
  • Consult your supervisor about their preferences for layout (font, spacing, footnotes vs. endnotes, etc.)

Assessment Criteria

Your thesis is assessed by your supervisor (first reader) and a second reader. Both complete independent assessments, followed by a joint grade. The assessment covers five criteria:

Knowledge and Insight — The research question reflects insight into key discussions and methods of the field; clarity and relevance of the problem; embedding in existing literature; originality.

Application of Knowledge — Critical analysis of primary sources; use of complex concepts and effective research methods; description and justification of methodology; application of knowledge in broader contexts.

Reaching Conclusions — Logical and consistent reasoning; well-founded conclusions; degree to which the research question is answered; connection to other and future research; consideration of social and ethical aspects.

Communication — Language competence; readability, style, grammar, and terminology; structure and layout; correct use of citations and bibliography.

Learning Skills (Process) — Degree of independence; planning and time management; handling of supervisor feedback.

Supervisors and second readers have a maximum of 6 weeks from the final submission deadline to complete the assessment.

See Assessment Standards for grade descriptors and the full assessment framework.

Specialization Requirements

In addition to the general criteria above, your thesis must meet the requirements of your specialization:

East Asian Studies (MA60): Broad knowledge of East Asia; knowledge of the history, development, and current trends in East Asian Studies; the ability to locate, assess, and use original sources in modern or classical Chinese, Japanese, or Korean.

South Asian Studies (MA60): Broad knowledge of South Asia; knowledge of the history, development, and current trends in South Asian Studies. Students who have completed intermediate or advanced language electives should demonstrate the ability to use original sources in Hindi, Sanskrit, or Classical Tibetan.

Southeast Asian Studies (MA60): Broad knowledge of Southeast Asia; knowledge of the history, development, and current trends in Southeast Asian Studies. Students who have completed intermediate or advanced language electives should demonstrate the ability to use original sources in Malay/Indonesian.

History, Arts and Culture (MA60): Broad knowledge of one or more regions in Asia; knowledge of history, development, and current trends in the study of the history, art, or culture of these regions; familiarity with relevant disciplinary theories and methods.

Politics, Society, and Economy (MA60): Broad knowledge of one or more regions in Asia; knowledge of history, development, and current trends in the study of politics, society, or economy of these regions; familiarity with relevant disciplinary theories and methods.

Chinese, Japanese, or Korean Studies (MA120): All of the above for your region, plus excellent command of Chinese, Japanese, or Korean that enables you to use the language for academic and professional purposes; ability to independently design, conduct, and complete original research.

Resubmission

Students who do not pass the first assessment, or who did not complete the thesis by the final deadline, may submit a new draft by the resit deadline and a final version by the resit final deadline, under the guidance of the same supervisor.

  Fall entry Spring entry
Resit draft November 1 May 15
Resit final December 15 July 1