Please note that this BA programme will undergo a structural reform for 2019/20. Although the overall scope and learning outcomes will remain mostly unchanged, there may be minor changes to the core module and the selection of guided options. These changes are designed to improve the student experience and engagement with the subject matter, based on feedback from current and previous students.

From the study of pre-modern Korean literature and history, to contemporary Korean cinema and TV. The BA Korean programme provides students with the highest level of competence in all aspects of the written and spoken language, as well as an introduction to both classical and modern Korean culture, and is suitable for both absolute beginners as well as those with some knowledge of the Korean language. Students will spend the second year of study in Korea furthering language proficiency and understanding of the local business practices and culture.

Why study Korean at SOAS?

• we are home to the largest concentration of Korean specialists in Europe
• you will not only learn the essential language skills but also an in depth understanding of the region’s culture covering subjects from literature, history, cinema, and politics
• you will spend your second year in Korea furthering language and cultural proficiency
• you will be able to flexibly structure your programme using our Open Options modules to take advantage of the expertise of our other departments
• we are specialists in the delivery of more that forty African and Asian languages. Your command of a language will set you apart from graduates of other universities

Apply now via UCAS or visit our upcoming Open Day.

Find out more about how to apply.

Programme Code: T415 BA/K

Start of programme: September

Mode of Attendance: Full-time

Students take 120 credits per year composed of core and optional modules, which allows for students to design their own intellectual journey while maintaining a strong grasp of the fundamentals. Students must take a minimum of 360 credits in core Korean modules.

In the first year, students concentrate on language study complemented by introductory modules on Korean history and culture. This includes 90 credits of Korean modules and 30 credits from an Open Option in another department.

You will then be required to spend your 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.

Programme Specification

• BA Korean Programme Specification (pdf; 407kb)

Important notice

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.

Further Information

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

Year Abroad (LYA)

Students will be required to enrol in the Korean Regular Course for three terms, sit and pass the local examinations at the Korean partner university. Students will also be required to complete a particular level by the end of the LYA.

Learning Resources

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.

Studying this programme will provide students with competency in language skills as well as intercultural awareness and understanding.

Skills gained include:

• you will have gained competency in language skill
• intercultural familiarity with the region will have been developed through a study of literature, development studies, economics, geography, history, history of art and archaeology, law, linguistics, music, politics, social anthropology or religion
• communication and presentation skills
• analytical skills
• the ability to research, amass and order information from a variety of sources

Graduates from the Department leave SOAS not only with language 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.

Find out more about Languages and Cultures of Japan and Korea Destinations.

Graduates have gone on to work for a range of organisations including:

• Bloomberg L.P
• British High Commission
• British Council Seoul
• Deloitte Management Consulting Ltd.
• Foreign & Commonwealth Office
• Korea Trade Organisation
• Korea Broadcasting Corporation
• Oxford University
• The British Embassy
• The British Museum
• Wall Street Associates

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

• Financial Analyst
• Head of Production
• US Marketing Executive
• Senior Research Executive
• Director of Development and Alumni Relations
• Project Leader, Strategic Planning
• Solicitor
• Architect
• Interactive Designer
• Freelance Korean Translator