South Аsian Studiеs

Degree programs 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 programs consider a broad field of contemporary, modern regional studies.

South Asian Studies focus on the historical, current political, and economic developments, events, languages and media, religions, and geographical processes that characterize and influence countries in South Asia. Countries considered include Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, as well as Tibet and the Indian Himalayan region.

From the very start of the degree program, students are encouraged to develop multi- and interdisciplinary working methods which will enable them to work effectively in multilingual and multicultural environments. Students therefore select an area of specialism and combine this with specialist modules from other disciplines, they learn at least one language spoken in South Asia and can specialize in a specific region where they might spend a semester.

Intensive language courses ensure that students can understand and methodically process texts written in their chosen regional language. Students can attend introductory and advanced language courses offered as part of the Institute’s Summer School program.