Japan and Korea section, China and Inner Asia Section & School of Languages, Cultures and Linguistics

B
A
E
a
s
t
A
s
i
a
n
S
t
u
d
i
e
s
a
n
d
.
.
.

K
e
y
i
n
f
o
r
m
a
t
i
o
n

Duration
3 years
Start of programme
September 2025
Attendance mode
Full-time
Location
Campus
Fees

Home: £9,535
International: £22,870

Entry requirements

AAA-ABB

For joint degrees, the offer is based on the subject with the higher entry requirements.

Contextual: AAB-BBB

See undergraduate entry requirements and English language requirements for international and alternative entry requirements.

C
o
u
r
s
e
o
v
e
r
v
i
e
w

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)

Use our combined courses tool to see a breakdown of course structure

K
e
y
i
n
f
o
r
m
a
t
i
o
n
s
e
t
d
a
t
a

T
e
a
c
h
i
n
g
a
n
d
l
e
a
r
n
i
n
g

All full-time undergraduate programmes consist of 120 credits per year , in modules of 60, 30 or 15 credits. They are taught over 10 or 20 weeks. The programme structure shows which modules are taught over one term or the full year. It also shows which modules are compulsory and which are optional.

Contact hours

As a rough guide, 1 credit equals approximately 10 hours of work. Most of this will be independent study. It will also include class time, which may include lectures, seminars and other classes.

Some subjects, such as learning a language, have more class time than others.

Year abroad

The BA East Asian Studies and... (combined) degree programme does not have a year abroad.

SOAS Library

SOAS Library is one of the world's most important academic libraries for the study of Africa, Asia and the Middle East, attracting scholars from all over the world. The Library houses over 1.2 million volumes, together with significant archival holdings, special collections and a growing network of electronic resources.

F
e
e
s
a
n
d
f
u
n
d
i
n
g

Fees for 2025/26 entrants per academic year

ProgrammeFull-time
Home studentsOverseas students
BA, BSc, LLB£9,535£22,870
BA/BSc Language year abroad£1,385£11,430

E
m
p
l
o
y
m
e
n
t

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

Find out about our Careers Service.