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
Entry requirements
- No prior knowledge of the language or the region is required.
- Subjects Preferred: A foreign language at A level, or equivalent, is preferred
- Interview Policy: Mature students, candidates with non-standard qualifications, Korean nationals, and heritage speakers (i.e., Korean raised abroad) who meet the academic requirements may be invited for interview.
- A Levels:
- AAB - ABB
- A Level language preferred
- IB:
- 35 (6/6/5)
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:
- 4 years
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.
Year 1
Core Module
This module must be passed in order to progress into the following year of study.
Choose one of the following modules:
Compulsory Modules
Students take all the modules below:
Year 3
Year 2
Compulsory Modules
Students must take the modules below
Guided Option
Choose a module from Year 2 - List A to the value of 15 credits.
AND
Choose modules from Year 2 - List A or Central options (at the relevant FHEQ level for your academic year of study) to the value of 30 credits.
Year 4
Compulsory Modules
Students must take the modules below
Guided Module
Choose a module(s) from Year 4 - List A to the value of 30 credits.
AND
Guided Options
Choose modules from Year 4 - List A/List B or Central options to the value of 30 credits.
Year 2 - List A Guided option modules
FHEQ Level 5
Year 4 - List A Guided option modules
FHEQ Level 5
List C
Programme Specification
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.
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
A Student's Perspective
Being a city girl, I thought life in London wouldn’t be too much of a culture shock but it actually was! London is very different from cities like New York or Tokyo. It really is one of a kind.
Hannah Kang, Georgetown University