East Asian StudiesBA
Source: https://sheffield.ac.uk/undergraduate/courses/2027/east-asian-studies-ba Parent: https://sheffield.ac.uk/undergraduate/courses/2027
2027-28 entry View 2026-27 entry
East Asian Studies BA
School of Languages, Arts and Societies
This degree allows you to shape your studies across China, Japan, and Korea while developing practical analytical and intercultural skills valued by employers. You will also have the opportunity to spend a year abroad which will prepare you to engage with a region central to global affairs.
- A Levels \ ABB
- UCAS code \ T300
- Duration \ 3 years / 4 years
- Start date \ September
-
Attendance \ Full-time
- Funding available
- Foreign language study
- Optional placement year
- Pathway programme
- Study abroad option
- FY Foundation year entry for mature students
Hide
Register for updates Chat to a student
Explore this course:
Course description
Why study this course?
Top 10 in the UK for Asian Studies
Complete University Guide 2026
A long history of teaching across the region
Sheffield is the only major university outside London with expertise in all three countries. We have more than 60 years of experience researching and teaching about East Asia
You have flexibility and choice
Two distinctive pathways available; the Language Specialist Pathway and the Cultural Studies Specialist Pathway. This creates greater flexibility in your language learning journey, while also allowing you to explore the subjects you're passionate about.
Year abroad in East Asia
The year abroad in East Asia is a life changing experience where you will be able to utilise your language skills while immersed in a completely new environment and develop genuine intercultural confidence, curiosity and adaptability.
Explore the rich and intertwined cultures of Japan, Korea and China at the School of Languages, Arts and Societies. Our academics use their expertise of the individual countries and the wider region in both their teaching and research across East Asia.
East Asian studies offers you a wide range of modules taught by lecturers who do cutting-edge research on the region. You could study Chinese, Japanese and Korean language through our rigorous language specialist pathway, follow a non-specialist programme, or focus on critical studies work in disciplines such as anthropology, history, film, sound and media studies, literature and politics. A number of modules link theory with practice and use real-world case studies to help you apply your learning and enhance your employability.
Taking a transnational approach, the course prepares you to engage with global issues in a variety of professional contexts. In your final year, you'll bring your training together to research and write a dissertation project on a topic of your choice, supported by world-leading researchers.
Modules
We're revising the curriculum of the course for this year of entry. Your first year modules are confirmed. For other years of study, the information here gives you an idea of the areas we expect the course to cover, although there may be changes before you begin. As you progress through your course, we’ll confirm additional details for the core and optional modules available to you.
Title: East Asian Studies BA course structure\ UCAS code: T300\ Years: 2026, 2027
First year
Second year
Third year
Fourth year
First year
In your first year, you will take core modules in East Asian studiesto enable you to understand the regional context and the links - geographical, historical, cultural, social and political - between the East Asian states.
You will also have the opportunity to tailor your degree to your interests by selecting one of the following pathways, where you can learn about the contemporary challenges of East Asia and understand the different approaches taken to the region by historians, political scientists and sociologists, among others.
- Specialist Pathway (in Korean, Japanese or Chinese)
- Cultural Specialist Pathway
- Advanced Specialist Chinese Pathway
- Cross Cultural Specialist Pathway
Core modules:
Key Questions in East Asian Studies : East Asia has been studied in Western universities for hundreds of years and is an active area of research today. This year-long module introduces students to the academic study of East Asia and how it has changed over time. We will look at key questions and debates that have shaped research about East Asia as a whole as well as China, Japan and Korea, in particular. Along the way, you will also learn about how academic knowledge is produced and employed. Through these explorations, you will learn to develop your own academic voice in both writing and speech.
**20 credits**
Arts, History and Culture in East Asia : This module introduces the study of the humanities in East Asia. We will explore thousands of years of writing traditions across China, Japan and Korea, through genres such as historical sagas, philosophy, poetry, modern novels, and more. Through this, you will learn the broad history of East Asia and how to understand it through key texts. You will develop strong reading and interpretative skills across many genres, preparing you for success in the course and beyond.
**20 credits**
Politics, Economy and Society in East Asia : Since 1945, East Asian societies have experienced rapid social, economic and political changes. This module introduces students to contemporary developments that have shaped China, Japan and Korea. You will explore how societies were rebuilt, how development re-shaped everyday life, and how issues such as sustainability, human rights, inequality, and population growth have presented new challenges. Through this module, you will learn about the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals and how we can understand them across East Asia.
**20 credits**
Specialist Pathways include the following:
Korean Intensive 1c : This module teaches speaking and listening skills in Korean for students in the Korean Intensive pathway. This module will prepare you for speaking in a variety of natural contexts with native speakers. Through a variety of games, pair-work and media viewing, you will learn how to talk about yourself, hold a conversation on everyday topics, and understand native speech. Together with Korean Intensive 1a and 1b, you will achieve the equivalent of CEFR A2 or TOPIK Level 2 by the end of your first year.
**20 credits**
Korean Intensive 1a : This module teaches the foundations of Korean language for students in the Korean Intensive pathway. Through a high-contact and interactive classroom experience, you will gain core knowledge in Korean reading, writing, vocabulary, and grammar. By the end of the semester, you will be able to, read in the Korean alphabet, Hangul, use grammar and vocabulary to write about everyday topics, and translate passages between Korean and English. Through a tandem language partner programme and real-world media in the classroom, you will develop grounded cultural awareness of contemporary South Korean society. Together with Korean Intensive 1b and 1c, you will achieve the equivalent of CEFR A2 or TOPIK Level 2 by the end of your first year.
**20 credits**
Korean Intensive 1b : This module continues teaching the foundations of Korean language for students in the Korean Intensive Pathway. Through a high-contact and interactive classroom experience, you will continue to build your knowledge in Korean reading, writing, vocabulary, and grammar. By the end of the semester, you will have a a solid foundation of Korean grammar, a working vocabulary of around 1000 words, and the ability to read and write more complex passages. You will also develop skills such as linguistic and cultural awareness regarding the differences between Korean and your first language, resilience through intensive learning, and the ability to self-reflect on your own learning process. Together with Korean Intensive 1a and 1c, you will achieve the equivalent of CEFR A2 or TOPIK Level 2 by the end of your first year.
**20 credits**
Japanese Intensive 1c : This module teaches speaking and listening skills in Japanese for students in the Japanese Intensive pathway. This module will prepare you for speaking in a variety of natural contexts with native speakers. Through a variety of games, pair-work and role-playing exercises, you will learn to talk about yourself, hold a conversation on everyday topics, ask questions each other in order to gather the information you need, and give a short presentation. Together with Japanese Intensive 1a and 1b, you will achieve the equivalent of CEFR A2 or JLPT N4 by the end of your first year.
**20 credits**
Japanese Intensive 1a : This module teaches the foundations of Japanese language for students in the Japanese Intensive Pathway. Through a high-contact and interactive classroom experience, you will gain core knowledge in Japanese reading, writing, vocabulary, and grammar. By the end of the semester, you will be able to read and write in the three main writing systems in Japanese (hiragana, katakana, and kanji), read simple stories and explain them in English,and translate simple passages to English. In your first semester, you will begin to develop cultural awareness of both Japanese and your own culture and identify your own learning style for language acquisition at the university level. Together with Japanese Intensive 1b and 1c, you will achieve the equivalent of CEFR A2 or JLPT N4 by the end of your first year.
**20 credits**
Japanese Intensive 1b : This module continues teaching the foundations of Japanese language for students in the Japanese Intensive Pathway. Through a high-contact and interactive classroom experience, you will continue to build your knowledge in Japanese reading, writing, vocabulary, and grammar. By the end of the semester, you will have developed a solid foundation of Japanese grammar for the next level, increased your vocabulary and kanji base, have learned how to express your opinions in Japanese. You will also continue to develop skills such as linguistic and cultural awareness regarding the differences between Japanese and your first language, resilience through intensive learning, and the ability to self-reflect on your own learning process. Together with Japanese Intensive 1a and 1c, you will achieve the equivalent of CEFR A2 or JLPT N4 by the end of your first year.
**20 credits**
Chinese Intensive 1c : This module teaches core speaking and listening skills in Chinese for students in the Chinese Intensive pathway. This module will prepare you for speaking in a variety of natural contexts with native speakers. Through different types activities such as role-plays and dialogues, you will learn to communicate in a variety of everyday contexts as well as express your own ideas and opinions. Together with Chinese Intensive 1a and 1b, you will achieve the equivalent of CEFR A2 or HSK 3 qualification by the end of your first year.
**20 credits**
Chinese Intensive 1a : This module introduces the foundations of Chinese for students in the Chinese Intensive Pathway. Through a high-contact and interactive classroom experience, you will gain core knowledge in Chinese reading, writing, vocabulary, and grammar. By the end of the semester, you will be able to read and write hundreds of Chinese characters, as well as compose short passages of your own. In your first semester, you will develop time management strategies for university-level language acquisition and hone your independent learning skills utilising the university's wide resources on Chinese and China. Together with Chinese Intensive 1b and 1c, you will achieve the equivalent of CEFR A2 or HSK 3 by the end of your first year.
**20 credits**
Chinese Intensive 1b : This module continues teaching the foundations of Chinese language for students in the Chinese Intensive Pathway. Through a high-contact and interactive classroom experience, you will continue to build your knowledge in Chinese reading, writing, vocabulary, and grammar. By the end of the semester, you will have an active vocabulary of almost a thousand words and phrases for written communication. You will be able to utilise that vocabulary to compose longer paragraphs. You will also be able to translate more complex concepts between Chinese and English. As part of broader skills development, you will hone your intercultural competence. Together with Chinese Intensive 1a and 1c, you will achieve the equivalent of CEFR A2 or HSK 3 qualification by the end of your first year.
**20 credits**
The Advanced Specialist Pathways include the following:
Chinese Intensive Accelerated 1a : This module teaches intermediate Chinese language students in the Chinese Intensive Accelerated Pathway. Through a high-contact and interactive classroom experience, you will enhance your knowledge in Chinese reading, writing, vocabulary, and grammar. By the end of the semester, you will be able to comprehend authentic language materials drawn from various social and everyday contexts, demonstrate command of lower-intermediate Chinese grammar and a broader range of discourse styles, and use the language with increasing accuracy in written communication. You will begin to develop the skills for your Year Abroad programme. Together with Chinese Intensive Accelerated 1b and 1c, you will achieve the equivalent of HSK 4 by the end of the academic year.
**20 credits**
Chinese Intensive Accelerated 1b : This module continues intermediate Chinese language for students in the Chinese Intensive Accelerated Pathway. Through a high-contact and interactive classroom experience, you will further enhance your intermediate knowledge in Chinese reading, writing, vocabulary, and grammar through formal and informal discourse covering a more complex and wider range of topics, advanced grammar, and media. You will also refine the skills needed for your Year Abroad programme. Together with Chinese Intensive Accelerated 1a and 1c, you will achieve the equivalent of HSK 4 by the end of the academic year.
**20 credits**
Chinese Intensive Accelerated 1c : This module teaches intermediate speaking and listening skills in Chinese for students in the Chinese Intensive Accelerated pathway. This module will prepare you for speaking in a variety of natural contexts with native speakers. Through different types activities, you will learn to communicate effectively on everyday topics in a variety of authentic, real-life situations. You will also learn to articulate your own thoughts and opinions with increasing complexity. You will be able to synthesize and present relevant information on modern China. Together with Chinese Intensive Accelerated 1a and 1b, you will achieve the equivalent of HSK 4 by the end of the academic year.
**20 credits**
The Cultural Specialist Pathway includes one core module:
Inventing Traditions in China, Japan and Korea : This module will introduce you to the critical study of East Asian traditions. While the region is often touted for its ancient cultures, practices, and heritage, many of these have been carefully represented, invented, or repackaged in contemporary times for a variety of purposes. You will learn to critically examine the histories and representations of famous traditions in modern media such as Japanese samurai, Korean politeness, and Chinese philosophy. You will also develop your own multimedia project working with as a group through which you will build digital media skills.
**20 credits**
For the Cross Cultural Specialist Pathway - 40 credits for the following list of optional modules
Korean 1 : Korean is a unique and increasingly influential language. This module introduces the basics of the Korean language to students with no prior experience. You will achieve an understanding of the fundamentals of reading, writing, listening, and speaking in Korean, including the alphabet Hangul. By the end of the module, you will be able to introduce yourself, understand simple passages, and engage in conversations about everyday topics. Alongside language skills, you will learn about aspects about contemporary Korean society and culture, building your intercultural knowledge and understanding.
**20 credits**
Japanese 1 : Japanese is one of the world's most popular, but unique languages. This module introduces the basics of the Japanese language to students with no prior experience. You will achieve an understanding of the major features of Japanese language including reading, writing, speaking, and listening. By the end of the module you will be able to talk and writie about yourself, read and understand simple information, such as an event, in Japanese, and hold a basic conversation. Through the module you will also learn about Japanese culture and society.
**20 credits**
Chinese 1 : Chinese is the world's most spoken language. This module introduces the basics of the Chinese language to students with no prior experience. You will achieve an understanding of the major features of Chinese language including reading, writing, speaking, and listening. By the end of the module you will be able to read and write Chinese characters, hold basic conversations in Chinese, and give short presentations. On top of language skills for real-life communication, you will also gain a structured understanding of the Chinese language.
**20 credits**
Thinking Cross-culturally : East Asia is home to diverse cultural traditions, ethnic groups, and languages. It also has a long history of migration, exchange, and cultural influence across the region. This year-long module introduces students to ways of studying cultural groups, transnational exchanges, and the influence of dominant cultures. Through the module, you will learn to conduct independent research early in your academic journey, developing strong knowledge of the region's diversity and how to approach it.
**20 credits**
Second year
In your second year, you’ll continue to build your fundamental knowledge of East Asian studies, looking in depth at materials and developing your language skills.
Example core modules:
- Continued study of your chosen language
- Global Citizenship and East Asia: Confronting contemporary challenges
You’ll also have the opportunity to enhance your knowledge through a range of optional modules, such as: Analysing Film, Television, and Screen Cultures in East Asia, 20th century in East Asian History: Dynamism, Destruction and Dissent, East Asian International relations: Power Identity and Security in a Changing world and Everyday East Asia: Ethnographic Approaches.
Third year
In your third year, if you have selected the Specialist Korean, Japanese, Chinese or Cultural Studies you will spend the year abroad in an East Asian country.
If you have selected the Advanced Specialist Chinese Pathway, you will study contemporary challenges in China with optional modules.
Fourth year
In your final year, you’ll hone your skills and work towards becoming an expert in East Asian studies, putting what you’ve learnt into practice with your final project.
Example core modules:
- East Asian dissertation
You’ll also have the opportunity to enhance your knowledge through a range of optional modules, such as: Researching Arts, Music and Literature in China, Japan, and Korea, Advanced and non-specialised study of your chosen language, History and Memory in China, Japan, and Korea, East Asian futures: Sustainability, Transformation and the Digital.
The content of our courses is reviewed annually to make sure it's up-to-date and relevant. Individual modules are occasionally updated or withdrawn. This is in response to discoveries through our world-leading research; funding changes; professional accreditation requirements; student or employer feedback; outcomes of reviews; and variations in staff or student numbers. In the event of any change we will inform students and take reasonable steps to minimise disruption.
Learning and assessment
Learning
You'll study modules covering East Asian languages, history, politics, society, business, literature and culture. You’ll be taught in a wide variety of ways: lectures, where you engage with key themes, theories and debates; seminars, where you discuss ideas in small groups and learn from each other; and workshops, which offer practical activities that emulate real-world project work, helping you apply ideas and develop professional skills in analysis, communication and collaboration. Language classes build your proficiency in grammar, writing and conversation in Chinese, Japanese or Korean.
We invest to create the right environment for you. That means outstanding facilities, study spaces and support, including 24/7 access to our online library service.
Study spaces and computers are available to offer you choice and flexibility for your study. Our five library sites give you access to over one million books and periodicals. You can access your library account and our rich digital collections from anywhere on or off campus. Other library services include study skills training to improve your grades, and tailored advice from experts in your subject.
Learning support facilities and library opening hours
We have more than 60 years’ experience of researching contemporary East Asia and pioneering new methods for teaching East Asian languages.
Our staff, all of whom are fluent in at least one East Asian language, are internationally renowned specialists in the interdisciplinary field of East Asian Studies, and bring their expertise in various fields such as history, culture and politics, to the wide range of modules on offer.
Right from the start, you'll be working with expert researchers and native speakers, who will help you to reach your potential.
Assessment
You will be assessed through a combination of coursework such as writing essays, developing a portfolio, taking part in group projects and presentations, formal examinations and creative or digital outputs.
If you are learning a language you will be taught by native speakers in Chinese, Japanese and Korean in regular small group classes using custom made course material. You will be assessed on the core skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing.
Entry requirements
With Access Sheffield, you could qualify for additional consideration or an alternative offer - find out if you're eligible.
- Standard offer
- Access Sheffield offer
Standard offer
The A Level entry requirements for this course are:\ ABB
A Levels + a fourth Level 3 qualification : BBB + B in a relevant EPQ
International Baccalaureate : 33; 32, with B in a Global Politics or Environmental Systems & Societies based extended essay
BTEC Extended Diploma : DDD
BTEC Diploma : DD + B at A Level
T Level : Distinction in the Management and Administration T Level, including grade A in the core component
Scottish Highers : AAABB
Welsh Baccalaureate + 2 A Levels : B + AB
Access to HE Diploma : Award of the Access to HE Diploma, with 45 credits at Level 3, including 30 at Distinction and 15 at Merit
Other requirements
- Evidence of interest in East Asia (China, Japan, Korea) demonstrated through the personal statement is also required
Access Sheffield offer
The A Level entry requirements for this course are:\ BBB
A Levels + a fourth Level 3 qualification : BBB + B in a relevant EPQ
International Baccalaureate : 32
BTEC Extended Diploma : DDM
BTEC Diploma : DD + B at A Level
T Level : Distinction in the Management and Administration T Level, including grade B in the core component
Scottish Highers : AABBB
Welsh Baccalaureate + 2 A Levels : B + BB
Access to HE Diploma : Award of the Access to HE Diploma, with 45 credits at Level 3, including 24 at Distinction and 21 at Merit
Other requirements
- Evidence of interest in East Asia (China, Japan, Korea) demonstrated through the personal statement is also required
English language requirements |
You must demonstrate that your English is good enough for you to successfully complete your course. For this course we require: GCSE English Language at grade 4/C; IELTS grade of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component; or an alternative acceptable English language qualification
Equivalent English language qualifications
Visa and immigration requirements
Other qualifications | UK and EU/international
Pathway programme for international students
If you're an international student who does not meet the entry requirements for this course, you have the opportunity to apply for an International Foundation Year in Business, Social Sciences and Humanities at the University of Sheffield International College. This course is designed to develop your English language and academic skills. Upon successful completion, you can progress to degree level study at the University of Sheffield.
If you have any questions about entry requirements, please contact the school.
Graduate careers
School of Languages, Arts and Societies
Studying China, Japan or Korea prepares you for a career in the world's most dynamic region. By engaging deeply with China, Japan and Korea, you develop transferable skills including critical analysis, cross-cultural communication, language proficiency and global awareness. These are highly valued by employers in the UK, Europe and around the world, across fields from business and policy to media and the non-profit sector.
Our graduates work in government and diplomacy, media and the arts, non-government organisations and international business, in professions as diverse as management consultancy, education, journalism, marketing, research, language teaching and translation.
School of Languages, Arts and Societies
60+ years' experience
in teaching and researching East Asia
Our courses are designed to immerse you in the languages and cultures of East Asian countries. You will be taught by native speakers in Chinese, Japanese and Korean in regular small group classes using custom-made course material.
Our courses are based on world-leading research and taught by experts whose work influences policy and informs public debate. Our staff publish in their specialist field and many of them have written books for major publishers such as Oxford University Press, Routledge and Macmillan.
The School of Languages, Arts and Societies is located in the Jessop West building, right in the heart of campus and close to the University of Sheffield tram stop. You'll visit the school to meet with your tutors and gain any support you need. Your lectures, seminars and language classes will take place in various locations across the University of Sheffield campus.
School of Languages, Arts and Societies
University rankings
A world top-100 university\ QS World University Rankings 2026 (92nd)
Number one in the Russell Group (based on aggregate responses)\ National Student Survey 2025
92 per cent of our research is rated as world-leading or internationally excellent\ Research Excellence Framework 2021
University of the Year for Student Experience\ The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026
Number one Students' Union in the UK\ Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2024, 2023, 2022, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017
Number one for Students' Union\ StudentCrowd 2025 University Awards
20th in the UK targeted by the largest number of Top 100 Employers in 2025-26\ High Fliers 2026
Student profiles
[All the lecturers are clearly passionate about their subjects and are more than willing to help students
Luke Wakeman
Undergraduate student, \ East Asian Studies BA](https://sheffield.ac.uk/las/undergraduate/student-profiles/luke)
Fees and funding
Fees
Additional costs
The annual fee for your course includes a number of items in addition to your tuition. If an item or activity is classed as a compulsory element for your course, it will normally be included in your tuition fee. There are also other costs which you may need to consider.
Examples of what’s included and excluded
Funding your study
Depending on your circumstances, you may qualify for a bursary, scholarship or loan to help fund your study and enhance your learning experience.
Use our Student Funding Calculator to work out what you’re eligible for.
£2,500 per year scholarships for international students
We're offering automatic scholarships worth up to £10,000 to overseas fee-paying students starting their studies in September 2026 - no additional application required.
Additional funding
Funding and support for your year abroad
Study abroad
The year abroad is available on an optional basis for students on all pathways through the East Asian studies degree.
Spending time abroad during your degree is a great way to explore different cultures, gain a new perspective and experience a life-changing opportunity that you will never forget.
This course provides the opportunity to spend a year studying abroad, either at one of our prestigious partner universities in China, Japan and Korea; or at one of over 250 university partners worldwide, including destinations in Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, Singapore and Hong Kong.
Find out more on the Year Abroad webpage.
Visit
University open days
We host five open days each year, usually in June, July, September, October and November. You can talk to staff and students, tour the campus and see inside the accommodation.
Online events
Join our weekly Sheffield Live online sessions to find out more about different aspects of University life.
Subject tasters
If you’re considering your post-16 options, our interactive subject tasters are for you. There are a wide range of subjects to choose from and you can attend sessions online or on campus.
Offer holder days
If you've received an offer to study with us, we'll invite you to one of our offer holder days, which take place between February and April. These open days have a strong department focus and give you the chance to really explore student life here, even if you've visited us before.
Campus tours
Our weekly guided tours show you what Sheffield has to offer - both on campus and beyond. You can extend your visit with tours of our city, accommodation or sport facilities.
Events for mature students
Mature students can apply directly to our courses. We also offer degrees with a foundation year for mature students who are returning to education. We'd love to meet you at one of our events, open days, taster workshops or other events.
Lifelong learning events for mature students
Apply
Make sure you've done everything you need to do before you apply.
How to apply When you're ready to apply, see the UCAS website:\ www.ucas.com
Not ready to apply yet? You can also register your interest in this course.
Contact us
Start a conversation with us – you can get in touch by email, telephone or online chat.
Contacts for prospective students
School of Languages, Arts and Societies
The awarding body for this course is the University of Sheffield.
Recognition of professional qualifications: from 1 January 2021, in order to have any UK professional qualifications recognised for work in an EU country across a number of regulated and other professions you need to apply to the host country for recognition. Read information from the UK government and the EU Regulated Professions Database.
Any supervisors and research areas listed are indicative and may change before the start of the course.
Terms and Conditions upon Acceptance of an Offer
2027-2028
Make sure you've done everything you need to do before you apply.
How to apply When you're ready to apply, see the UCAS website:\ www.ucas.com
Not ready to apply yet? You can also register your interest in this course.
This degree allows you to shape your studies across China, Japan, and Korea while developing practical analytical and intercultural skills valued by employers. You will also have the opportunity to spend a year abroad which will prepare you to engage with a region central to global affairs.
No No Yes No Course description Modules Learning and assessment Entry requirements Graduate careers Department University rankings Student profiles Fees and funding Placements and study abroad Extra info box