BA East Asian Studies and History of Art

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

In this degree, there is a 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 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 combined degree at SOAS?

• We are ranked 12th in the UK for Modern Languages (QS World University Rankings 2023)
• Ranked 10th in the UK for East Asian Studies (2022 Complete University Guide)

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:

• Accenture
• Amazon
• Bloomberg LP
• Department for Work and Pensions
• European Alliance for Human Rights in North Korea
• European Commission
• Google
• ITN
• Japanese Government
• Korea Trade Centre (KOTRA)
• KPMG
• Mizuho Bank
• Nagahama Board of Education
• Nanjing Museum
• Pinsent Masons LLP
• PwC
• Seoul Metropolitan Government
• Shelterbox
• UNDP

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