BA Korean

Programme Code: T415 BA/K

Mode of Attendance: Full-time

In recent years Korean studies has developed into a viable and multi-faceted scholarly discipline. SOAS is committed to ensuring that, as the major centre for African and Asian studies in the UK, it provides an environment in which the full range of Korean studies can be consolidated and encouraged to expand further.

Degree Profile

The single-subject Korean degree is designed to provide a comprehensive overview and understanding of Korea and Korean culture by combining instruction in language, literature, and history. At the completion of their studies, students should have a strong command of both spoken and written forms of Korean. In addition to thorough training in the language, the degree aims to impart to its students knowledge of pre-modern traditions and the tools with which to interpret modern Korean society.

The degree offers a wide range of modules that include language modules (including mixed script Korean, composition, conversation, and translation), literature, pre-modern history, and modern culture and society. Students also have access to other Korea-related modules offered in other departments including art history and music.

All students on the BA Korean spend year two in South Korea at Korea University or Sogang University, both in Seoul. 

In the first year, students concentrate on language study complemented by introductory modules on Korean history and culture. They are required to spend their second year at Korea University or Sogang University in Seoul, where they focus on intensive language training which is essential to any further study of the subject. The third and fourth years are devoted to applying and furthering their language skills through modules that involve reading and analysing advanced texts and literary works, through which they gain a deeper understanding of Korean culture and society.

Single subject students need to take a minimum of 360 credits in Korean.

Year 1: Single-subject students take 90 credits of Korean modules (60 credits in language modules and 30 credits in culture and society modules) and, 30 credits from the approved list or an open option in another department.

Year 2: This is a compulsory year abroad at Korea University or Sogang University in Seoul. (BA Chinese/Japanese and Korean students spend their year abroad in China and Japan respectively, not in Korea.)

Year 3: Single-subject students choose at least 60 credits of Korean language modules from the approved list. The remaining credits are made up from other modules available from the list of non language options and/or open option.

Year 4: Single-subject students take the Independent Study Project (ISP) in Korean Language and Culture (30 credits) and choose at least 30 credits of Korean language-use module from the approved list. The remaining credits are made up from other modules available from the list of non language options and/or 30 credits in an open option module.

Students must take a total of 120 credits each year.

Year 1

Compulsory Modules

Optional Modules

Choose 30 credits from the following list or an open option module from another department.

Year 2: Year Abroad

For information on the year abroad in Korea, please see the Teaching & Learning tab.

Year 3

Compulsory Language Modules (List A)

Choose 60 credits from the following list.

Non Language Options (List C)

Choose 60 credits from the list below or an open option.

Year 4

Compulsory Module

Compulsory Language Modules (List B)

Choose at least 30 credits from the list below. You may take more.

Non Language Options (List C)

Choose modules to the value of 60 credits from the list below and/or from List B or an open option.

Programme Specification

• BA Korean Specifications 2013/14 (msword; 121kb)

Disclaimer

Year abroad

Year abroad
Compulsory Language Year Abroad in Korea

Students will be required to enrol in the Korean Regular Course each term for three terms (Fall, Winter, and Spring quarter sessions), fulfil coursework requirements and sit the local examinations at the Korean partner university. Students will also be required to write and submit a Year Abroad Project (an essay of approximately 5,000-10,000 words) upon their return, but no later than 1 September. The project can be on any topic related to Korea, and students can consult different subject tutors for reading suggestions and advice if so required.

(NB: BA Chinese/Japanese and Korean students spend their year abroad in China and Japan respectively, not in Korea.)

Language Year Abroad participants pay reduced tuition fees to SOAS, not to the host universities. Students are advised to pay their SOAS tuition fees before going to Korea.  All queries related to SOAS fees should be addressed to the Registry. However, some host universities require a deposit that all students need to pay in order to register for the Korean language course. This will be returned when students meet the minimum requirement of 80% attendance with a passing grade of 70%.

Average expenses/cost of living is approximately KRW1,200,000~2,000,000 per month. The actual costs can differ depending on the student’s lifestyle. Also, the living expenses indicated on the Certificate of Admission or required by each Korean Embassy for visa issuance could differ from this amount, depending on the requirements of the individual embassy.

Currently, the Korean embassy in London allows an exemption from a proof of financial affordability for student visa applicants who are undertaking their Year Abroad in certain universities including the SOAS partner universities (Korea University, Seoul National University, Sogang University). Students are advised to check the most up to date information about visa issuance at http://gbr.mofa.go.kr/engli sh/eu/gbr/visa/issuance/index. jsp. 

Teaching & Learning

Most modules are taught in small classes. Modern language teaching involves classroom work and independent study. A few non-language modules are taught by formal lecture. The single and combined degree programmes are examined through oral and written examinations and coursework or reports.

SOAS Library

SOAS Library is one of the world's most important academic libraries for the study of Africa, Asia and the Middle East, attracting scholars from all over the world. The Library houses over 1.2 million volumes, together with significant archival holdings, special collections and a growing network of electronic resources

Tuition Fees

Full details of undergraduate tuition fees can be found on the Registry's Undergraduate Tuition Fees page.

Fees for 2017/18 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 Korean, 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. 

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

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