The region known as "Pacific Asia" can be defined in various ways, but the "core" countries are China, Japan, Korea and the ASEAN nations (Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar and the Philippines). Together, they make up one of the most diverse and important regions in the world.

SOAS has more expertise in this part of the world than any other institution in Western Europe; indeed there are very few places anywhere in the world that can boast the same range of expertise.

This degree is a way of bringing together the large number of modules on Pacific Asia currently on offer in SOAS Masters programmes for Chinese Studies, Japanese Studies, South East Asian Studies, and Korean Studies.

The modules chosen must cover all of the four regions of China and Taiwan, Japan, Korea, Southeast Asia.

Venue: Russell Square: College Buildings

Start of programme: September intake only

Mode of Attendance: Full-time or Part-time

Students take 180 credits, 60 of which are a dissertation and a 120 from taught modules. A maximum of 60 credits can be taken from one discipline and a minimum of three disciplines must be covered. For students opting to take two language acquisition modules, only one of these can be from an introductory level.  The modules chosen must cover all of the four regions of China and Taiwan, Japan, Korea, Southeast Asia.

Dissertation

Taught Component

A maximum of 60 credits can be taken from one discipline and a minimum of three disciplines must be covered. For students opting to take two language acquisition modules, only one of these can be from an introductory level. The modules chosen must cover all of the four regions of China and Taiwan, Japan, Korea, Southeast Asia.

Core Modules

Students will take 30 credits from the major options in the list below

Compulsory Modules

Students will take 60 credits from the minor options in the list below

Guided Options

Students will take a final 30 credits from the list below

List of modules (subject to availability)

Anthropology

Art and Archaeology

Cinema

Economics

Available as a minor only with the permission of the module convenor.

History

International Studies and Diplomacy

Language (one language option as a minor only)

Law (minor only)

Literature

Appropriate language skills are required.

Available as a minor only with the permission of the module convenor.

Literature

No language requirement.

Available as a minor only with the permission of the module convenor.

Music

Available as a minor only with the permission of the module convenor.

Politics

Religions and Philosophies

Programme Specification

• MA Pacific Asian Studies Programme Specification (pdf; 176kb)

Important notice

Teaching & Learning

Contact Hours

One-year Masters programmes consist of 180 credits. 120 credits are taught in modules of 30 credits (taught over 20 weeks) or 15 credits (taught over 10 weeks); the dissertation makes up the remaining 60 units. The programme structure shows which modules are compulsory and which optional.

As a rough guide, 1 credit equals approximately 10 hours of work. Most of this will be independent study, including reading and research, preparing coursework and revising for examinations. 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. At SOAS, most postgraduate modules have a one hour lecture and a one hour seminar every week, but this does vary.

More information is on the page for each module.

Knowledge

• How to locate and evaluate data from a variety of sources.
• Knowledge of aspects of the region, such as its history, politics, economics, arts, religions etc.
• Subject specific skills, such as an awareness of current critical thinking in a specific field, or the acquisition of language skills.

Intellectual (thinking) skills

• Development of precision and caution in assessing evidence.
• Development of critical awareness and independence of thought.
• Sensitivity to the existence of non-Eurocentric views and an awareness of the limitations of purely Eurocentric interpretations.
• (for students of language) Awareness of the value of a South East Asian language in understanding the culture of a specific country within the region.

Subject-based practical skills

• Development of written communication skills.
• Development of oral communication skills.
• Development of research skills.
• Development of language skills.

Transferrable skills

• Effective oral and written communication skills
• Ability to access and assess information from both traditional and electronic sources
• Ability to work to deadlines
• (for students of language) Ability to interact with native speakers of the language at an appropriate level.

Tuition Fees

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

This is a Band 1 tuition fee.

Fees for 2020/21 entrants. The fees below are per academic year. Fees go up each year, therefore, your tuition fee in your second & subsequent years of study will be higher. Our continuing students, on the same degree programme, are protected from annual increases higher than 5%.

Scholarships

For further details and information on external scholarships visit the Scholarships section

As a student specialising in Pacific Asia, you will gain competency in language skills and intercultural awareness and understanding. Familiarity with the region will have been developed through a combination of the study of language, literature and culture (which can include literature, film, music, art and religion) of various parts of Pacific Asia.

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 in both business and 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.

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