History and Thai Studies, 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 optional and discovery modules so you can fit in both subjects. You'll study one of our Cornerstone modules in Year 1 to draw your two subjects together, and apply your knowledge and skills to a major research project in either subject in your final year.

History 

In your first year you'll study core modules that introduce you to concepts such as historiography, and develop historical skills like working with primary sources. In the following year, you'll choose from a wide range of optional modules, keeping a balance between earlier and later periods. You could study the Crusades, Imperial Germany or Mao Zedong and China since 1949. In your final year, you'll focus on a specific theme or topic in your special subject and develop your research and critical skills.

Thai Studies 

In your first year intensive core language modules will develop your spoken and written Thai, and choose from optional modules on topics such as development in South East Asia or Japanese cultural history. Then you'll travel to Thailand, where you'll sharpen your language skills and experience Thai culture. When you return you'll spend the next two years in advanced language classes and choose from further optional modules, where you'll learn about recent Thai history and explore the fascinating cultures, societies and politics of countries across East Asia.

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 including A in History, not including General Studies and Critical Thinking.

  • Career opportunities

    Studying for a Joint Honours degree allows you to gain an in-depth knowledge of two subjects, including proficiency in a major world language. As well as demonstrating 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. You will also have a strong understanding of cultural diversity, allowing you to work effectively with people whose backgrounds differ from yours.

    All of these qualities are very attractive to employers, and graduates have pursued careers across the globe that reflect 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, including further training in language-based careers such as translating and interpreting.

    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

    Residence abroad 

    After your first year, you'll spend a year at Chiang Mai University in Thailand to benefit from expert teaching in Thai language and culture. It's a fantastic way to develop your knowledge and language skills. But between classes, you'll have plenty of opportunities to travel and explore the country, getting a real insight into life in Thailand.

    Read more about Residence Abroad in East Asian Studies