This programme combines the study of East Asian languages with the study of East Asia-related subjects in various disciplines. Compared to the existing single-subject BA Chinese, BA Korean and BA Japanese degrees, there is less emphasis on language learning. Compared to the existing 2-degree BA Chinese/Japanese/Korean and… degrees, there is more space to study East Asia-related courses in a range of disciplines. The programme also differs from the existing offerings in that there is no year abroad included.
Through the course of the three years, students take units in modern Chinese, Japanese and Korean at the appropriate level. They can start as complete beginners, or they can start from higher levels. Progression through a total of four levels is offered, whereas for those who exceed the highest level, language-based modules in literature and film, as well as a language-based dissertation, are available. The programme also offers courses in regional languages.
The programme will be attractive both to students who wish to study East Asia-related subjects without a strong emphasis on language, and to students who wish to work at an advanced language level within a more traditional framework, as it is offered at most other universities.
Venue: Russell Square: College Buildings
Start of programme: September
Mode of Attendance: Full-time
Who is this programme for?:
This programme is for applicants who are looking for a programme where they can acquire East Asia-related knowledge across disciplines while working with the language at a suitable level, from ab initio to advanced. This programme does not have a year abroad and is suitable for students who require a shorter programme.
Entry requirements
- Interview Policy: Candidates with ‘non-standard’ qualifications may be invited for interview.
- A Levels:
- AAB-ABB
- IB:
- 35 (665 at HL)
View alternative entry requirements
BTEC: DDM
Access to HE: Minimum of 30 Level 3 Credits at Distinction
Scottish Highers: AAABB
Scottish Advanced Highers: AAB
Irish LC: 340 points from 5 Higher level subjects at grade C1 or above
Advanced Placement: 4 4 5 (Two semesters - UCAS Group A) plus US HSGD with GPA 3.0
Euro Bacc: 80%
French Bacc: 14/20
German Abitur: 2.0
Italy DES: 80/100
Austria Mat: 2.0
Polish Mat: Overall 75% including 3 extended level subjects
- duration:
- 3 years
Fees 2021/22
- UK fees:
- £9,250
- Overseas fees:
- £19,560
Fees for 2021/22 entrants. The fees are per academic year. Please note that fees go up each year. Further details can be found in the Fees and Funding tab on this page or in the Registry Undergraduate Tuition Fees page
Year 1
Year 1: Core Module
AND
Year 1: Compulsory Module
AND
Language Modules
Sudents will take 30-60 credits of Language Modules form the list below.
Students may take the 60 credit language in year 1 only. This will enable them to transfer to the language programme and go on a year abroad.
AND
Guided Options
Students will take 15-45 credits from the Year 1 Options list below
Year 2
Year 2: Compulsory Modules
Students will take the following compulsory modules
AND
Year 2: Language Modules
Students will take modules to the value of 30 credits from the Language List below
AND
Year 2: Guided Option Module
Students will take a 15 credit module from either the Guided Options List A, Central Options or the Language lists below
Year 3
Year 3: Compulsory Modules
Students will take the following compulsory modules
AND
Year 3: Language Modules
Students will take modules to the value of 30 credits from the Language List below
AND
Year 3: Guided Option Modules
Students will take a 15 credit module from List B below
Year 1 Guided option modules
List A Guided option modules
Please note: Introduction to Pre-Modern Japanese; Classical and Literary Chinese 1; and Introduction to Hanja can only be taken with the relevant modern language component (and permission).
List B Guided option modules
Language Modules
Important notice
The information on the programme page reflects the intended programme structure against the given academic session. If you are a current student you can find structure information on the previous year link at the top of the page or through your Department. Please read the important notice regarding changes to programmes and modules.
Year abroad
This programme does not have a year abroad.
Teaching & Learning
Contact Hours
All full-time undergraduate programmes consist of 120 credits per year, in modules of 60, 45, 30 or 15 credits. They are taught over 10 or 20 weeks. The programme structure shows which modules are taught over one term or the full year. It also shows which modules are compulsory and which are optional.
As a rough guide, 1 credit equals approximately 10 hours of work. Most of this will be independent study (see Approaches to teaching and learning at SOAS). It will also include class time, which may include lectures, seminars and other classes. Some subjects, such as learning a language, have more class time than others.
More information is on the page for each module.
Tuition Fees
Full details of undergraduate tuition fees can be found on the Registry's Undergraduate Tuition Fees page.
Fees for 2021/22 entrants. The fees below are per academic year. Please note that fees go up each year.
Programme |
Full-Time |
UK Students |
Overseas Students |
BA, BSc, LLB |
£9,250 |
£19,560 |
BA/BSc Language Year Abroad |
£1,385 |
£9,780 |
Scholarships
For further details and information on external scholarships visit the Scholarships section
As a graduate who specialised in East Asia, you will have gained competency in language skills and intercultural awareness and understanding. Familiarity with the region will have been developed through a study of language in combination with literature, development studies, economics, geography, history, history of art and archaeology, law, linguistics, music, politics, social anthropology or religion.
Graduates leave SOAS not only with linguistic and cultural expertise, but also with a portfolio of widely transferable skills which employers seek in many professional and management careers, both in business and in the public sector. These include written and oral communication skills, attention to detail,analytical and problem-solving skills, and the ability to research, amass and order information from a variety of sources.
Graduates have gone on to work for a range of organisations including:
Allen and Overy LLP BBC China-Eu School of Law ChinaContact Consulting Chinese University of Hong Kong Dah Sing Financial Holdings Ltd. Embassy of Belgium Foreign & Commonwealth Office German Embassy Tokyo Goldman Sachs International |
Halo Associates (Asia) Ltd Independent Power Corporation PLC Oxford University Press SiChuan WenJun Spirits Company the International Herald Tribune The University of Hong Kong United Nations Population Fund University of Cambridge Washington State House of Representatives |
Types of roles that graduates have gone on to do include:
Editor and Translator Under Secretary Director of Corporate Social Responsibility Solicitor Medical Secretary Press Attache Regional Chief of Photography Project Manager Economic Counsellor Lecturer |
Professional Translator Director of Research for China Social Worker Head, Asia Programme Photographer Professorial Research Associate Senior Lecturer in Chinese Archaeology Energy Consultant Independent Columnist and Reporter Art Curator |
For more information about Graduate Destinations from this department, please visit the Careers Service website.
A Student's Perspective
When I heard about SOAS I immediately knew it was the school for me. An institution like SOAS is the ideal platform for students who want to learn a language and gain insight into a culture. It is also a leading school in Tibetan studies.
Beatriz Cifuentes