Thammasat Institute of Area Studies (TIARA)

Thammasat Institute of Area Studies (TIARA) Thammasat University, Rangsit Center

MASTER OF ARTS IN
ASIA-PACIFIC STUDIES
MASTER OF ARTS IN ASIA-PACIFIC STUDIES

MAPS is an interdisciplinary graduate program that is designed for internationally focused students who wish to obtain an in-depth understanding of this fascinating and occasionally turbulent part of the world through multi-faceted and inter-disciplinary lenses.

The MA program is multidisciplinary in nature with main focus on the Pacific Rim/Indo Pacific Region

Combining four core pillars of subjects namely Politics, International Relations, International economics and international Law and applying them in assessing and to understand different situations in the region. This program is the ideal program for individuals who seek career advancement or seek to upgrade their knowledge as well as those who are on the academic path and fresh graduates.

VISION

“A Premier Centre of Excellence in Area Studies”

MISSION

“To build experts on Area Studies through quality education in multidisciplinary lens”

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

Master of Arts in Asia-Pacific Studies (MAPS) Program is an interdisciplinary graduate program that is designed for internationally – focused students who wish to obtain an in-depth understanding of the Asia-Pacific region through multi-faceted and inter-disciplinary lenses. The program combines three academic disciplines for strategists, namely, international economics, international relations and international security, and international law and apply them to a myriad of situations in this region, with a specific focus on the Pacific Rim.

MAPS is the first graduate program in Thailand which examines the entire Asia-Pacific region in all its complexities. The Asia-Pacific region is one of the most dynamic and diverse regions in the world. It is the home of more than 4.3 billion people and accounts for more than half of global economic activities. Trade and development have given rise to international economic cooperation, ranging from small regional forums to large-scale collaborations such as APEC (Asia- Pacific Economic Cooperation) and ASEAN. Politically, this region is characterized the interplay of regional powers with the overlapping interests of the dominant world superpowers – China, India, and the United States. At all happened in this region will affect Thailand directly in terms of benefits and risks particularly from several economic cooperation framework agreements that Thailand participated in; for example, from AFTA, APEC, AEC, and many more.

Due to the fact that MAPS is an interdisciplinary integrated curriculum, the program provides students with the opportunity to deepen their knowledge not only on the said academic disciplines. Students will also study various contemporary issues related to sustainable development in the region. The program adopts multidisciplinary approach that allows them to integrate study of economics, law, international relations, and public policies to give students an understanding of contemporary regional issues. These issues are directly related to the following Sustainable Development Goals: Goal 2 (Zero hunger), Goal 4 (Quality education), Goal 5 (Gender equality), Goal 8 (Decent work and economic growth), Goal 9 (Industry, innovation and infrastructure), Goal 10 (Reduced inequalities) and Goal 13 (Climate change).

The Asia-Pacific region is also the home of 700 million youth whose ambitions and abilities can contribute to the prosperous, peaceful, and sustainable future of the region. Investing in youth is an investment for the future. Our students will be trained and empowered for a sustainable future that requires a better understanding of their needs, interests, challenges, and potential may it be domestically or internationally.

MAPS is a truly international program with more than 80 per cent of international students. Students at MAPS program come from ASEAN member states and countries in the Asia- Pacific such as Bhutan, Japan, and China. The majority of them works in public and higher education sectors, that is, civil service officers at Ministry of Foreign Affairs and university lecturers. When they graduate, they will go back and become the driving force for sustainable developments in their counties.

MAPS program allows the exchange of first-hand knowledge and experiences from international students particularly from APEC and ASEAN member countries. After graduation, graduates are equipped with knowledge of situations, phenomena, contemporary issues, and sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific region which can be applied to their careers in the public sector, diplomatic service, academic consultancies, international organizations, and sustainable development related career domestically and internationally.

PROGRAM INFORMATION & PROGRAM STRUCTURE
Program Information
Program Length 24 months full-time (4 full semesters and 1 summer semester)
Medium of Instruction English Language
Class Size 20
Campus Most courses are taught at Rangsit Center
Facilities Asia-Pacific Resource Center and MAPS Common Room. Students will be given the access to dedicated research and study space to help foster intellectual exchange and collaboration beyond the classroom
Program Plan
Plan A (แผน ก ฉบับ ก2) Credit Plan B (แผน ข) Credit
Required courses 21 Required courses 21
Elective Courses 6 Elective Courses 12
Thesis 12 Independent Studies 6
Thesis Defense - Written Comprehensive Exam -
Postgraduate International Conference (TU-CAPS) - Postgraduate International Conference (TU-CAPS) -
Total 39 Total 39
Plan A (แผน ก ฉบับ ก2) Credit
Required courses 21
Elective Courses 6
Thesis 12
Thesis Defense -
Postgraduate International Conference (TU-CAPS) -
Total 39
Plan B (แผน ข) Credit
Required courses 21
Elective Courses 12
Independent Studies 6
Written Comprehensive Exam -
Postgraduate International Conference (TU-CAPS) -
Total 39
APPLICANTS QUALIFICATIONS
  • A bachelor’s degree in any field with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 and above from an accredited university. For those who wish to apply for a scholarship, applicants should at least have a cumulative GPA of 3.00 with an above average grade on the relevant subjects.
  • Requirement for English Proficiency
    No. English requirements Minimum score
    1 Paper based TOEFL 500
    2 Computer-based TOEFL 213
    3 Internet-based TOEFL 61
    4 International English language Testing System (IELTS) 6.0
    5 Thammasat University Graduate English Test (TU-GET) 500
    6 Thammasat University Graduate English Test (TU-GET) CBT 61
  • Applicants can be accepted with conditions in the case of
    IELTS TOEFL TU-GETS
    6.0 ≥ 4.5 500 ≥ 400 500 ≥ 400
  • Applicants who cannot meet the minimum score of the above can reply to the program and submit the required score to the university before the registration day. English test results must not exceed 2 years by the time the applicants submit the results to the university.
  • Test results submitted with the admission application are valid evidence for graduation.
  • Please note that Thammasat University requires all students who have not submitted their English Proficiency Test Score to meet the minimum requirement score to submit their Official English Proficiency Test score before the final Thesis defense
  • 4th year bachelor students who expect to graduate may apply by submitting a certified letter of expected date of graduation.
  • Complete applications and submitting all required documents.
  • As one of graduate requirement from Thammasat University, graduate students are required to present their thesis work at the International Conference. 
DOCUMENT REQUIRED
  • Completed Online Application Form (at www.tiara-tu.ac.th)
  • Official Academic Transcript (English version only)
  • Statement of Purpose (as appear in Online Application Form)
  • Proof of English Language Proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, TU-GETS)
  • Two letters of Reference
  • Copy of Passport
  • ID Photo (Passport size)
  • Other additional supporting documents an applicant may want to submit such as certificates of training, letter of employment, etc.
ACADEMIC CALENDAR
Open for Application January – April
Interview & Scholarship Nomination May - June
Announcement of Successful Candidates July – early August
Class begins Mid-August
1st Semester Break (one month) Mid December – mid January
2nd Semester begins Mid-January
2nd Semester ends Mid-May
Summer Semester begins 2nd week of June
Summer Semester ends End of July
3rd Semester begins Mid -August
TU-CAPS International Conference 1st or 2nd week of December
Thesis Defense & Request for Graduation December – 10 January
VISITING PROFESSORS & LECTURERS
  • One unique features of MAPS Program are that, the Program continues to invite renowned professionals, academics, experts and distinguished persons to come, teach and engage with our students
  • By doing so, students have the chance to interact and learn first-hand from the experience of the invited speaker
  • Students also had the chance to build networks and continue networking with the invited guests
EXCHANGE PROGRAM

MAPS program provides opportunities for students to gain experiences overseas. Students can join the exchange program at very reasonable price. Exchange scholarships are also available from time to time. However, exchange scholarship opportunity priority will be given to self-funded students. Credits earned at the host universities can also be transferred back to the program.

Previously, MAPS students have joined a short exchange programs at Kyoto University and a full-time exchange programs at Yokohama City University, Japan.

TUITION FEE
No. List of Items Baht
Semester 1 Semester 2 Summer
Year 1
1 Lecture Course (3,500 Baht/ Credit) 42,000.00 52,500.00 10,500.00
2 Other Fees      
  - Special Fees 10,000.00 10,000.00 10,000.00
  - Enrollment Examination Fee 500.00    
3 Educational Support Fees      
  - TU Registration Fee 1,000.00    
  - University Support Fee 15,000.00 15,000.00 15,000.00
  - Library Fee 4,000.00    
  - Computer Network Facilities 1,600.00    
  - Accident Insurance 110.00    
  - Equipment Fee (500 baht/ Subject) 2,000.00 2,000.00 500.00
Year 2
1 Lecture Course (3,500 Baht/ Credit) 21,000.00 10,500.00  
2 Other Fees      
  - Special Fees 10,000.00 10,000.00  
  - Thesis Fee 20,000.00    
3 Educational Support Fees      
  - University Support Fee 15,000.00 15,000.00  
  - Library Fee 4,000.00    
  - Computer Network Facilities 1,600.00    
  - Accident Insurance 110.00    
  - Equipment Fee (500 baht/ Subject) 1,000.00 500.00  
  - Degree Conferring Fee   1,000.00  
Total Payment 148,920.00 116,500.00 36,000.00
Total Payment for the course (18 months) For International Students 301,420.00

For the rate of tuition fee for Thai students, kindly contact us at maps.thammasat@gmail.com or 02-564-3129, 02-696-6605

SCHOLARSHIP AVAILABLE

There are may types of scholarship available from various sponsors each year. Major sponsors include Thammasat University and Thailand International Cooperation Agencies. The duration of the scholarship coverage is three semesters and one summer semester. Terms & Conditions may apply.

Please note that the amount of the scholarship and the terms & conditions set by the sponsors will differ from one another. The program reserves its right to nominate the scholarship applicant to any sponsors that the program sees appropriate.

For more information on MAPS Program and MAPS Admission, please visit www.maps-tu.ac.th

Any inquiries, please contact

MAPS Program
Thammasat Institute of Area Studies (TIARA)
Dome Administration Building, Thammasat University (Rangsit Campus) 99 Moo 18 Paholyothin Road, Klong Luang, Rangsit, Prathumthani 12121
Tel: 02-564-3129 (TH)/ 02-696-6605 (ENG)
Mobile: 081-487-3334
Email: maps.thammasat@gmail.com