Asia Pacific Studies (International), BA

Course content

This course offers you the flexibility to focus on the topics and countries that interest you from your first year. You'll have the option to learn Chinese, Japanese or Thai from beginner level and you'll be able to explore topics such as Japanese or Chinese history, society and culture or religious texts from East Asia. You'll also have the opportunity to transfer to one of our Joint Honours programmes if you want to focus more on building advanced language skills.

Over the rest of the course, you'll continue to deepen your knowledge and enhance your research and critical skills with a range of more advanced modules. You can continue with language study, examine complex issues such as the international politics of Asia-Pacific or energy security, learn about the impact of major religions like Buddhism or explore facets of the culture and history of specific countries. Each module gives you the scope to focus on the topics, themes and countries that suit your own interests.

In Year 3, you'll attend one of our partner universities in the Asia-Pacific region, where you'll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture. If you are learning a language, this will enable you to develop your skills, but you can attend one of the many institutions where your course is taught in English.

In your final year, you'll be able to demonstrate the in-depth knowledge and research and critical skills that you have gained with an independent research project, which allows you to focus on a topic of your choice in depth.

Course structure

These are typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

Year 1

Compulsory modules

• Entry requirements, fees and applying

  Entry requirements

  A-level: ABB

  • Career opportunities

    Asia Pacific Studies is a demanding degree which incorporates a wide range of disciplines. That means that as well as giving you deep understanding of the cultures and communities in one of the world's fastest-growing regions, it equips you with a range of skills that are very valuable to employers.

    You'll be an independent learner, who can use your research skills to find information from a range of sources and think critically about what you find. You'll then be able to draw conclusions, communicate and defend them. Teamwork and presentation skills are also highly desirable for employers.

    Graduates have begun careers in areas such as business and finance, teaching and publishing. East Asian studies graduates have progressed to careers in law, the civil service and foreign governments, finance, tourism, translation, interpreting, PR, journalism, publishing and research.

    Careers support

    We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That's one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

    Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.

    The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website.

  • Study abroad and work placements

    This course includes the opportunity to spend a year at one of our partner institutions arranged through the study abroad office.

    Find more about Study Abroad

  • Related courses

    Asia Pacific Studies BA
    Asia Pacific Studies and Chinese BA
    Asia Pacific Studies and History BA
    Asia Pacific Studies and Japanese BA
    East Asian Religions and Cultures BA