Asia Pacific Studies BA
Year of entry 2023
- UCAS code
- T300
- Start date
- September 2023
- Delivery type
- On campus
- Duration
- 3 years full time
- Work placement
- Optional
- Study abroad
- Optional
- Typical A-level offer
- ABB
- Typical Access to Leeds offer
- BBC at A Level and pass Access to Leeds
Full entry requirements - Contact
- lcsadmissions@leeds.ac.uk
Course overview
Encompassing Northeast Asia (e.g. China and Japan), Southeast Asia (e.g. Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam), Pacific America (e.g. United States) and Oceania (e.g. Australia) the Asia-Pacific region contains huge cultural, political and economic diversity.
This Asia Pacific Studies degree allows you to study the Asia-Pacific nations from historical, economic, political, social and cultural perspectives.
Core modules will lay the foundations of your study, exploring the history, politics and economics of the region. From there, you’ll choose from a wide range of optional modules to suit your interests.
East Asian Studies at Leeds covers topics that stretch across the communities of this fascinating region. You can study East Asian religions, modern Thai history, Chinese society or Japanese cinema or even look at key challenges in the region today, such as economic development.
You can learn Chinese, Japanese or Thai from beginner level and this degree includes an optional year abroad.
Specialist resources
The University Library has impressive collections of resources in English about the Asia Pacific region, its history and culture, backed up by a range of digital materials. You’ll have access to free classes and workshops so you can learn how to use them.
If you choose to study language modules, our Language Zone gives you access to free learning resources, including space for personal study, language learning software, and video, audio, books and magazines.
Course details
This degree 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 the Chinese, Japanese or Thai language from beginner level and you’ll be able to explore topics such as Japanese, Chinese or Thai history, society and culture or religious texts from East Asia.
Over the next two years, 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, 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 your final year, you’ll be able to demonstrate the in-depth knowledge and research and critical skills that you have gained with your Final Year Project, which allows you to focus on a topic of your choice in depth.
Course structure
The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.
Year 1 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| Basic Chinese Language 1 | 20 |
| China in East Asian History | 20 |
| Modern China: History and Culture | 20 |
| Basic Japanese Language (1) | 20 |
| Japanese History and Society | 20 |
| Foundations of East Asia | 20 |
| Introduction to Religious and Philosophical Texts of East Asia | 20 |
| Basic Thai Language and Culture 1 | 20 |
| Beginners Korean | 20 |
| Elementary Korean | 20 |
Year 2 compulsory modules
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| Topics in Contemporary Asia Pacific Societies | 20 |
Year 2 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| Developing Your Professional Identity: Preparing for a Career in Within The Arts, Heritage and Creative Industries | 20 |
| The Making of Modern Thailand | 20 |
| Contemporary East Asian Culture | 20 |
| Cantonese for Mandarin Speakers 2 | 10 |
| Politics in Contemporary Japan | 20 |
| Japanese Development Assistance in a Globalising World | 20 |
| Intermediate Chinese (1) | 20 |
| Religion in China | 20 |
| Women and Family in Chinese Society | 20 |
| Buddhism: A Lived Tradition | 20 |
Year 3 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| China Since 1979 | 20 |
| Classics of Chinese Literature and Thought | 20 |
| Politics in Contemporary Japan | 20 |
| Intermediate Chinese (1) | 20 |
| Civil Society and the Non-Profit Sector in Contemporary China | 20 |
| Women and Family in Chinese Society | 20 |
| Japanese Cinema in the World | 20 |
| Sino-Japanese Relations: Past and Present | 20 |
| Final Year Project: Dissertation | 40 |
Discovery modules
Throughout your degree you will benefit from a range of opportunities to expand your intellectual horizons outside or within your subject area.
This course gives you the opportunity to choose from a range of discovery modules. They’re a great way to tailor your study around your interests or career aspirations and help you stand out from the crowd when you graduate. Find out more about discovery modules on our Broadening webpages.
Learning and teaching
We use a wide range of teaching and learning styles, including lectures, small-group seminars and tutorials, as well as workshops in some cases. Independent learning is also an important part of your degree, since it allows you to build your research skills and think critically about what you find.
On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.
Assessment
We use various types of assessment. Exams and essays are a significant part of this, but in some modules will include group work, participation in seminars, surveys, reports, or presentations. We offer support in these areas as well – for example, we run extra classes on skills such as public speaking, structuring essays and exam technique that you’ll be able to attend throughout your time at Leeds.
Entry requirements
A-level: ABB
Other course specific tests:
Where an applicant is taking the EPQ in a relevant subject this might be considered alongside other Level 3 qualifications and may attract an alternative offer in addition to the standard offer. If you are taking A Levels, this would be BBB at A Level and grade A in the EPQ.
We welcome applications from mature students with Access qualifications, and from students with a wide range of qualifications.
Alternative qualification
Access to HE Diploma
Pass diploma with 60 credits overall, including at least 45 credits at level 3, of which 30 credits must be at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit or higher. An interview and a piece of written work may also be required.
BTEC
DDM
Cambridge Pre-U
M1, M1, M2
International Baccalaureate
34 points overall including 16 at Higher Level.
Irish Leaving Certificate (higher Level)
H2, H2, H2, H3, H3, H3
Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers
BB in Advanced Highers and AABBB in Highers, or B in Advanced Highers and AAABB in Highers, or AABBBB in Highers.
Welsh Baccalaureate
The Welsh Baccalaureate is not typically included in the academic conditions of an offer made to you for this course. If you choose to undertake the Welsh Baccalaureate we would strongly encourage you to draw upon these experiences within your personal statement, as your qualification will then be taken into account both when your application is initially considered by the selection panel and again when reviewed by the admissions tutor at the time your A-level results are passed to us.
Other Qualifications
European Baccalaureate: 75%
Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the School’s Undergraduate Admissions Team.
Alternative entry
We’re committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.
Access to Leeds is an alternative admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.
Find out more about Access to Leeds and alternative admissions.
Typical Access to Leeds offer: BBC at A Level and pass Access to Leeds.
Arts and Humanities with Foundation Year
If you would like to study arts, humanities, and cultures at university, but don't currently meet the typical entry requirements for direct entry to a degree, you might be eligible to apply for the Arts and Humanities with Foundation Year course.
International
We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. Contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for more information.
International Foundation Year
International students who do not meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study may be able to study the University of Leeds International Foundation Year. This gives you the opportunity to study on campus, be taught by University of Leeds academics and progress onto a wide range of Leeds undergraduate courses. Find out more about International Foundation Year programmes.
English language requirements
IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.
Improve your English
If you're an international student and you don't meet the English language requirements for this programme, you may be able to study our undergraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.
Fees
UK: £9,250 (per year)
International: £22,250 (per year)
Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2022/23
For UK full-time undergraduate students starting in 2022/23 the fee will be £9,250. The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation and as permitted by law. Fees for UK undergraduate students are decided by the government and may vary if policy changes.
Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2023/24
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students for 2023/24 have been agreed by the UK Government and will remain at the current fee level of £9,250. The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation and as permitted by law. Fees for UK undergraduate students are decided by the government and may vary if policy changes.
Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2023/24
Tuition fees for international students for 2023/24 should be available on individual course pages from September 2022.
Tuition fees for a study abroad or work placement year
If you take a study abroad or work placement year, you’ll pay a reduced tuition fee during this period. For more information, see Study abroad and work placement tuition fees and loans.
Read more about paying fees and charges.
There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more about additional costs.
Scholarships and financial support
If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.
Applying
Apply to this course through UCAS. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.
Read our guidance about applying.
International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK students. Our network of international representatives can help you with your application. If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.
Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.
Admissions policy
University of Leeds Taught Admissions Policy 2023
This course is taught by
School of Languages, Cultures and Societies
Contact us
School of Languages, Cultures and Societies Undergraduate Admissions
Email: lcsadmissions@leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:
Career opportunities
Asia Pacific Studies 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 from this course 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.
Postgraduate study allows for further specialisation in Asia Pacific Studies, or related fields, which can lead to PhD study and a career in academia or to further your knowledge.
We are committed to helping you achieve your career ambitions. The School of Languages, Cultures and Societies careers and employability support includes promoting internships, providing opportunities to work for the School and employer-led workshops and events.
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
All University of Leeds students can apply to spend a year studying abroad. It’s a great way to gain an insight into another culture, as well as gaining valuable experience that will look great on your CV.
A study abroad year provides an opportunity to gain a deeper knowledge and appreciation of your host country.
As well as these benefits, time spent abroad gaining local knowledge hugely increases your graduate prospects and you’ll have time to explore during the vacation period.
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.