Korean Studies

Program Overview

The Korean Studies major at UWA combines Korean language with the study of Korea-related subjects in various disciplines, providing a comprehensive understanding of Korean culture, society, and philosophy. Graduates gain linguistic proficiency, sociocultural knowledge, and career opportunities in diverse fields, including business, government, media, and academia. The program offers a pathway to study in Korea and is suitable for beginners, with options to combine Korean with other majors.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Korean Studies major combines learning the language with the study of Korea-related subjects in various disciplines. It is an interdisciplinary area of research and critical analysis of the culture, society, philosophical thought and language of the Korean peninsula and its diaspora. The course structure includes a strong element of Korean language studies, as well as social sciences study units which give students opportunities to pursue topics they find personally interesting, from literature and popular culture to politics and history. You will also have the choice of undertaking part of your major at a partner institution in Korea.

Outline:

• Level 1:
• Core:
• KORE1401 Korean 1 (6 points)
• KORE1402 Korean 2 (6 points)
• Level 2:
• Core:
• KORE2403 Korean 3 (6 points)
• KORE2404 Korean 4 (6 points)
• KORE2811 Korean Culture from Koryo to K-pop (6 points)
• Level 3:
• Core:
• ASIA3006 Contemporary Korean Society (6 points)
• KORE3405 Korean 5 (6 points)
• KORE3406 Korean 6 (6 points)

Careers:

Korean Studies graduates are increasingly sought-after in many professional and management careers in both business and the public sector, in positions where language and cultural expertise is required. Graduates are also employed by state and federal government departments (including Defence, Home Affairs, and Foreign Affairs and Trade), commercial enterprises investing in Korea (especially in the resources sector), tourism, public sector and cultural organisations, NGOs and the media industry. Graduates can also pursue a career in academia or teaching.

Other:

• This major is suitable for beginners.
• It is possible to combine Korean with a second major from within Arts, Biomedical Science, Commerce or Science.
• Popular combinations include Communication and Media Studies, Business Economics, and Linguistics.
• Current UWA students are eligible to take one of our professional experience units.
These units bridge the gap between university and the workplace by providing opportunities to gain hands-on, practical experience.
• South Korea is one of Australia’s most important trading partners, a cultural juggernaut of popular culture, and a world leader in innovation and research in engineering, technology and medical sciences, so graduates with good Korean linguistic and sociocultural skills are highly sought-after in the local and global job market.
• Gain the linguistic skills to succeed in Korea-related careers after graduation, and a solid understanding of Korean society, culture, history and politics.
• Have the option of studying at one of UWA’s partner institutions in South Korea.