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.

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

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. 

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:

Types of roles that graduates have gone on to do include:

For more information about Graduate Destinations from this department, please visit the Careers Service website.

• How to Apply
• UCAS website
• Request a prospectus
• Got a question - use our enquiry form (opens a new window)
• Funding options
• English language requirements
• Tuition Fees
• Admissions Contacts