Thai Studies BA

Course overview

Thailand has undergone a radical economic, political and social transformation in recent decades. This degree will allow you to develop Thai language skills to an advanced level while discovering the cultural, political and historical context of this unique country. 

Optional modules give you the chance to explore the topics that interest you – covering more elements of Thai culture or exploring other topics across East Asia as a whole. One of the strengths of East Asian Studies at Leeds is that we have expertise which spans the many diverse aspects of this fascinating region, which encompasses Northeast and Southeast Asia. 

You’ll spend your third year studying in Thailand and have many opportunities to immerse yourself in rich and fascinating culture. At the same time, you’ll be able to visit other Southeast Asian countries close by, such as China, Burma, Laos and Cambodia. 

We teach Thai from beginners’ level, but if you already have some knowledge we can normally accommodate you. 

Specialist facilities

Our Language Zone gives you access to free learning resources, including space for personal study, language learning software, and video, audio, books and magazines. You'll also have access to our translation computer labs equipped with specialist software and our interpreter training booths to explore different career options.

With four libraries on campus, you’ll find space for study, group work and research. The world class Brotherton Library holds a wide variety of manuscript, archive and early printed material in its Special Collections – valuable assets for your independent research. You’ll have access to free classes and workshops so you can learn how to use them.

Course details

We introduce you to Thai language and culture from beginners’ level through core modules in your first year, while your choice of optional modules will give you the chance to focus on the areas of life in Thailand and East Asia that interest you and that place Thailand in the broader regional context. This will form the foundation for your second year.

You will study 80 credits in Thai Studies, which gives you 40 credits of discovery modules to take either in other East Asian Studies modules, in School-wide areas such as global politics, history, linguistics, world cinema and world literature, or from other parts of the University, such as business studies, philosophy or psychology.

In your second year, you’ll continue to refine your spoken and written Thai. You’ll look at the emergence of the Thai nation. For your third year, you will study in Thailand. You’ll develop your language skills and immerse yourself in Thai culture to gain first-hand experience of living in Thailand.

In your final year, you’ll study an advanced language module to refine your written and spoken Thai and how Buddhism has shaped society and Thailand’s distinctive media. You can also select additional optional modules to explore East Asian history, religions, politics, political economy and culture in greater depth. You’ll also be able to apply the critical and research skills you’ve developed to produce your Final Year Project – an independently researched project on a topic of your choice. 

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 compulsory modules

• Foundations of East Asia (20 credits) - East Asia is home to approximately 22% of the world’s population, 25% of the world’s GDP, and several of the world’s most significant political hot zones. The module will provide an introduction to the geography of and the cultural, political and social diversity of the countries that comprise East Asia. It will provide an outline of major historical developments, and examine some of the major issues in contemporary East Asia that make it a dynamic and significant region of our world.

Year 1 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)

EITHER

• Basic Thai Language and Culture 1 (20 credits)
• Basic Thai Language and Culture 2 (20 credits)

OR

• Introduction to East Asian Religions and Philosophies (20 credits)
• Basic Thai Language and Culture 2 (20 credits)
• Modern China: History and Culture (20 credits)
• Premodern East Asia (20 credits)
• Modern Japan (20 credits)
• Introduction to East Asian Religions and Philosophies (20 credits)
• Introduction to Audio-Visual Culture (20 credits)
• Language: Structure and Sound (20 credits)
• World Histories (20 credits)
• Intercultural Competence: Theory and Application (20 credits)
• Politics, Culture and Society (20 credits)
• Worlds of Literature (20 credits)
• Discourse, Culture and Identity (20 credits)

Year 2 compulsory modules

• The Making of Modern Thailand (20 credits) - Study how Thai's have constructed their national identity and how the Kingdom of Siam was transformed into the modern Thai nation state. In this module we will examine key contemporary debates on the interpretation of historical processes and events, and through analyses of Thai films and a variety of different texts, the complex processes of the making and sustaining of Thai national identity is explored.
• Intermediate Thai Language and Culture 1 (20 credits) - The module will involve reading and discussing Thai newspaper and magazine articles. It will also involve extensive conversation, comprehension and composition exercise. The module will be delivered principally in Thai.
• Intermediate Thai Language and Culture 2 (20 credits) - The module will be delivered principally in Thai. Students will read and discuss Thai newspaper and magazine articles, and watch Thai-language documentary programmes. It will also involve extensive conversation, comprehension and composition exercises.

Year 2 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)

• Topics in Contemporary East Asian Societies (20 credits)
• China Since 1979 (20 credits)
• Global Korea in Context: Sociocultural and Political Dynamics (20 credits)
• Trauma Narratives in the Contemporary Sinophone World (20 credits)
• Japanese Development Assistance in a Globalising World (20 credits)
• Death in Japanese Society and Culture (20 credits)
• Japanese Cinema in the World (20 credits)
• Reception, Transmission and Translation: The Global Circulation of Literature (20 credits)
• Global Environmental Humanities (20 credits)
• Digital Communication Across Cultures (20 credits)

Year 3 compulsory modules

• LCS Year Abroad (120 credits)

Year 4 compulsory modules

• Buddhism: a Lived Tradition (20 credits) - The module will introduce some fundamental teachings of Buddhism (such as on karma, rebirth, meditation, nirvana and ethics). Making extensive use of temple murals, we will discuss these teachings in the context of the story of the Buddha. Moreover, this module will examine Buddhist monasticism and the magic-animistic elements of Thai Buddhism (e.g. the amulet cult, protective tattoos). Also, we will discuss ongoing public and scholarly debates on the roles of women in Buddhism.
• Advanced Thai Language and Culture (20 credits) - The module, which is built on the level 2 Thai language modules, will completely be held in Thai and involve intensive and extensive reading and discussion of a range of materials in Thai, like TV programmes, films, historical documents, literary texts, newspaper articles and so on. Also, comprehension and composition will be practised intensively.

Final Year Project (40 credits) You will be required to study ONE of the following Final Year Project modules:

• Final Year Project: Dissertation
• Final Year Project: Extended Translation
• Final Year Project: Digital Documentary (Podcast)

Year 4 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)

• Religion in China (20 credits)
• Southeast Asia: Politics and Economy (20 credits)
• Death and Religion in Japan (20 credits)
• Nature, Culture and Technology in Japan (20 credits)
• Modern Japanese History (20 credits)
• Civil Society and the Non-profit Sector in Contemporary China (20 credits)
• Trauma Narratives in the Contemporary Sinophone World 20
• East Asia’s Regional Political Economy (20 credits)
• Japanese Cinema in the World (20 credits)
• Globalising China and the Developing World (20 credits)
• Contemporary World Literature (20 credits)
• Material Cultures and Cultures of Consumption (20 credits)
• Adventures of the Imagination: Crime and the Fantastic Across Continents (20 credits)
• Linguists into Schools (20 credits)
• Decolonial Approaches (20 credits)
• Minoritised Languages, Dialects and Cultures from Past to Present (20 credits)

Learning and teaching

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 ensure inclusive assessment by making sure all our students are assessed in a range of ways. Listening, speaking, writing and reading are all tested, and our range of assessments includes essays, exams, literature reviews, annotated bibliographies, digital projects, poster presentations and translation projects. We offer training and support in these areas as well to equip you with the transferable skills you will need for your future careers – 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.

You’ll regularly receive detailed feedback on your coursework, helping you to keep track of your progress.

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

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 a contextual 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.

If you live in a neighbourhood where there is low participation in higher education, we may be able to give priority to your application.

Find out more about Access to Leeds and contextual admissions.

Typical Access to Leeds offer: BBC at A Level and pass Access to Leeds.

Alternative Entry Scheme for Mature Students

If you are a mature applicant (over 21) and you don’t have the required A Levels or GCSE English and maths qualifications, you can complete our Alternative Entry Scheme (subject to meeting the eligibility criteria for the scheme). As part of this, you may be asked to take tests in English and maths and to write an essay.

Contact the Lifelong Learning Centre for more information. lifelonglearning@leeds.ac.uk

Arts and Humanities with Foundation Year

This course is designed for students whose backgrounds mean they are less likely to attend university (also known as widening participation backgrounds) and who do not currently meet admissions criteria for direct entry to a degree.

The course will give you the opportunity to be taught by academic staff and provides intensive support to enable your development of academic skills and knowledge. On successful completion of your foundation year, you will progress to your chosen degree course. Find out more about the Arts and Humanities with Foundation Year

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 7.0 overall, with no less than 6.5 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: To be confirmed

International: To be confirmed

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 on our living costs and budgeting page.

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 Admissions Policy 2025

This course is taught by

School of Languages, Cultures and Societies

Contact us

School of Languages, Cultures and Societies Undergraduate Admissions

Email: artsadmissions@leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:

Career opportunities

A degree in Thai Studies equips you with the knowledge and skills to pursue a range of careers. Our graduates have gone on to work in the media, translation and interpreting, teaching, business, the non-governmental sector and many other fields. We are committed to helping you achieve your career ambitions. You’ll benefit from bespoke support and opportunities in the School and the University.

Our experts in the award-winning University Careers Centre will support you to make informed decisions about your career path, understand the opportunities available and the steps you need to take to pursue your choices. You’ll be encouraged to attend on-campus events including graduate recruitment fairs, employer networking and information sessions, and meetings with our alumni.

Leeds University Union provides career-related support through the part-time job hub, student societies and other activities throughout the year. Clubs and societies are a great way to get involved in lots of activities and explore your interests. They’re also a great way to develop your skills such as team working and leadership. For example, you could be a key player in an award-winning sports team, or become a committee member and chair society meetings, or you could even project manage a volunteering trip overseas. The Union is home to School Reps who are appointed by students to represent the views and be the voice of students in your School.

At Leeds, you can access support to help you start your own business. Whether you want to learn about enterprise or become an entrepreneur, we offer award-winning specialist support.

Careers support

The School of Languages, Cultures and Societies regularly hosts employability events where you can listen to Leeds alumni talking about their careers and ask them for advice.

As a student with us, you will be guided in your career choices and prepared for life after your degree in a variety of ways. Workshops and events are organised for you by the School throughout the year and focus on networking, understanding the value of your language skills, hearing from alumni about their career experiences and hosting graduate recruiters who want to hire you.

We’ll also keep you informed of other part-time and volunteering opportunities that you can fit around your studies.

This high-level knowledge provides access to many careers, but you’ll also acquire a range of transferable skills that are highly desirable to employers. You’ll be a clear communicator with strong presentation skills, as well as being a critical thinker who draws your own conclusions from the information available to you.

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.

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 about Careers support.

Study abroad and work placements

Study abroad opportunities

You’ll spend your third year in Thailand where you’ll be strengthening your language skills. It’s a fantastic opportunity to learn about another culture, and, when you’re not in your intensive language classes there will be plenty of time to travel and explore. For many of our students, it’s the highlight of their course.

You'll study at our partner university, which has been selected for its high-quality methods of teaching and success in running Thai language courses.

You'll have access to support and advice before, during and after your study abroad year and you’ll be able to network with returning students for first-hand advice about living overseas. You'll also have meetings with the residence abroad tutor and access to online information before you relocate.

We’ll be in touch with you during your year abroad and you’ll have support at your host institution too. On your return, we’ll ask you to share your experiences and help you to make the most of your new and improved skills and experience.