A wide discipline that examines multiple aspects of the culture and history of Asian civilizations, past and present, Asian studies often require a specialization with regard to the region or country studied, and possibly focusing on a specific area like literature, language, history, business or politics.

Should an individual decide to gain additional certification that they are qualified in a field of study, they may decide to gain a postgraduate diploma. This type of diploma is attained after one has first completed a master's degree.