East Asian Studies and Politics

The BA East Asian Studies combined degree programme blends the study of both East Asian languages and East Asia-related subjects in various disciplines. Compared to the existing single-subject BA East Asian Studies degree, there is less emphasis on language learning. There is no year abroad included.

Through the course of the three years, students take modules in modern East Asian languages at the appropriate level. They can start as complete beginners, or they can start from higher levels. Progression through a total of four levels is offered, whereas for those who exceed the highest level, language-based courses in literature and film, as well as a language-based dissertation, are available. The programme also offers courses in regional languages.

The joint BA Politics and … offers students the ability to combine their training in politics with another subject taught at SOAS. This combination will allow students to learn about political phenomena or regions of their interest from multiple disciplinary angles. Alternatively, students can also combine Politics with a language which opens up the possibility of deep engagement with one of the regions or countries they are interested in, including a Year Abroad for language studies.

At the end of this joint degree, students will have developed the ability to analyze domestic political questions and current affairs across the world in their various dimensions. For the Politics component of the joint degree, students will take the core module in Political Analysis in their first year together with Political Theory or Comparative Politics. In year 2 and 3, they will have the opportunity to choose from a wide range of regional and disciplinary modules and open options.