Asia Pacific Studies and International Relations, BA, University of Leeds

Course content

A Joint Honours degree allows you to study the same core topics as students on each Single Honours course, but you'll take fewer options and discovery modules so you can fit in both subjects. You'll also undertake a major research project in either subject in your final year.

Asia Pacific Studies 

In your first year, core modules will introduce you to the history and development of Asia Pacific. You'll choose from a wide range of optional modules on topics such as Chinese history, Japanese politics or East Asian religions. Over the next two years you'll build on this knowledge with core modules on political economy and international relations in the region, as well as further optional modules on topics such as Thai history or Buddhism.

International Relations 

You'll develop your understanding of key concepts, theories and methods in international politics in your first year, while studying different political systems from around the world. From there you'll expand your knowledge in the following year with core modules in security studies and theoretical approaches to international relations. You'll also choose from optional and discovery modules in your second and third years exploring topics as diverse as terrorism, US foreign policy and political psychology.

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

    Studying for a Joint Honours degree allows you to gain an in-depth knowledge of two subjects and demonstrates that you're intellectually versatile. Your degree will equip you with a wide range of skills across different disciplines that employers actively seek.

    You'll have good research skills, and you'll be able to analyse complex information from multiple sources before drawing your own conclusions. You'll then be able to communicate and defend your views clearly, either verbally or in writing. In addition, you'll have strong research and organisational skills and be confident working independently or in a team.

    All of these qualities are very attractive to employers, and graduates have pursued careers reflecting the diversity of their degrees. They've gone on to be successful in education, the media, law, publishing, the civil service, business and finance and the charity sector to name a few. Many others have also pursued postgraduate study.

    To find out more about graduate destinations in your subjects, please see the relevant Single Honours pages.

    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

    Study abroad

    On this course you have the opportunity to apply to spend time abroad, usually as an extra academic year. The University has partnerships with more than 400 universities worldwide and popular destinations for our students include Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Africa and Latin America. 

    Find out more at the Study Abroad website.

    Work placements

    Practical work experience can help you decide on your career and improve your employability. On this course you have the option to apply to take a placement year module with organisations across the public, private and voluntary sectors in the UK, or overseas.

    Find out more about work experience on the Careers website.

  • Related courses

    Asia Pacific Studies and Chinese BA
    Asia Pacific Studies and Japanese BA
    Asia Pacific Studies and Thai Studies BA