BA East Asian Studies

Program Overview

The BA East Asian Studies combines the study of both East Asian languages and East Asia-related subjects in various disciplines.

In this degree, there is a far greater emphasis on gaining a broader understanding of East Asia as a region, across a wide range of disciplines, than in our region-based degrees.

In addition to the disciplinary modules, you will be also able to study a Chinese, Japanese or Korean language module each year. The flexible structure of the degree allows you to study a different language each year or to progress through a sequence of levels in just one language. We can accommodate complete beginners or more experienced learners.

Progression through a total of four levels of language (up to approximately C1 in the CEFR) 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.

Why study East Asian Studies at SOAS?

Program Outline

Students take 120 credits per year composed of core, compulsory and guided modules.

Important notice

The information on the website reflects the intended programme structure against the given academic session. The modules are indicative options of the content students can expect and are/have been previously taught as part of these programmes. However, this information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability is subject to change.

Year 1

Core modules

Year 1

Compulsory module

Year 1

Language modules

Students 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.

Year 1

Guided options

Students will take 15-45 credits from the Year 1 options list below

Note

Students may take the 60-credit language module in year 1 to enable them to transfer to the BA Chinese/BA Japanese/BA Korean (single and joint honours) in accordance with the language studied intensively. This will enable students to go on a year abroad in year 3. Students need to submit a degree transfer request by the appropriate deadline as published on the website to be eligible to go abroad.

Students are not permitted to take two ab initio language modules at the same time.

Year 2

Compulsory modules

And

30-45 credits from the list below:

Year 2

Language modules

Students will take modules to the value of 30 credits from the language list below

Year 2

Guided options

Students choose 30 credits of language from the list below

And

Either

30 credits of another language from the list below

Or

Up to 30 credits from List A or the Central Options bank

Note

Students are not permitted to take two ab initio language modules at the same time.

Year 3

Compulsory modules

Year 3

Language modules

Students will take modules to the value of 30 credits from the language list below

Year 3

Guided options

Students should choose 30 credits of language from the list below

And

Up to 45 credits from List B and/or the language list below.

Note

Students are not permitted to take two ab initio language modules at the same time.

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

Some modules below may have a language requirement.

Language modules

All full-time undergraduate programmes consist of

120 credits per year

Contact hours

As a rough guide, 1 credit equals approximately 10 hours of work. Most of this will be independent study. 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.

Year abroad

The BA East Asian Studies does not include a year abroad.

SOAS Library

SOAS Library

Graduates from the Department of East Asian Languages and Cultures develop competencies in intercultural awareness, analysis and communication. Demand for specialists with advanced proficiency in the languages of China, Japan and Korea has significantly increased in recent years, and graduates with these skills are highly sought after by employers.

Recent graduates have been hired by organisations including:

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