The Graduate Diploma in Asian Studies (GDAS) is a one-of-a-kind diploma tailored for students conducting their graduate research in Asia and Asian Diasporas. With support from a large number of experts in Asian and the Diaspora, the Diploma provides academic and professional exposure to students who can enrich their graduate training and strengthen their credentials in Asian Studies.
Currently, the GDAS is not a stand alone program. You must be a registered graduate student at York University. The Diploma will be awarded with your degree.
Students are encouraged to indicate their interest to the GDAS Administrator early in their program to ensure the requirements are completed. However, there is no set deadline by which one must enroll.
Please complete the enrollment form.
York University students enrolled in a masters or doctoral program do not need to pay any additional fees for enrolling in the GDAS.
Yes, you can take courses appropriate to your degree. However, there is one core course that you must take to meet the GDAS requirements.
There is no pre-set deadline to complete the program. Rather, it depends on the student’s program structure and requirements. However, the requirements for the Diploma must be completed before you graduate with your degree.
Attending YCAR events is not obligatory, however, students are strongly encouraged to attend and participate in events and activities of interest that YCAR offers.
The selected language should be relevant to your research area.
The decision on the level of language acquisition required will be made in consultation with the Diploma Coordinator. An oral or written examination to test your language proficiency may be required in some circumstances. There is no cost if an examination is required.
A period of 12 weeks is the norm. The content of the fieldwork and/or other experience will be discussed with the Diploma Coordinator prior to your fieldwork to meet individual circumstances. Exceptions can be made for field experience prior to entering graduate school, subject to conditions that can be discussed with the Diploma Coordinator.
Prospective students can contact the Diploma Administrator at gdas[at]yorku.ca or the Diploma Coordinator at gdascoor[at]yorku.ca.