Program Overview

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Thai Studies BA

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.

Course Details and Modules

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.

• 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.
• Year 1 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
  • Basic Thai Language and Culture 1 (20 credits)
  • Basic Thai Language and Culture 2 (20 credits)
  • Introduction to East Asian Religions and Philosophies (20 credits)
  • Modern China: History and Culture (20 credits)
  • Premodern East Asia (20 credits)
  • Modern Japan (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.
• Intermediate Thai Language and Culture 1 (20 credits) - The module will involve reading and discussing Thai newspaper and magazine articles.
• Intermediate Thai Language and Culture 2 (20 credits) - The module will be delivered principally in Thai.

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.
• 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.

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 credits)
• 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

You'll enjoy a variety of teaching and learning styles. Your lecturers are all experts in their fields, so you'll be able to benefit from their knowledge in lectures, workshops, small-group seminars and tutorials.

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.

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.
• 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.
• 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 or AAABB in Highers or AABBBB in Highers
• European Baccalaureate: 75%
• WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales: The WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales is accepted in place of a third A-level subject at the same grade.

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.
• 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).
• 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.

Fees

UK: £9,790 International: £26,500 (per year) 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.

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.

• Scholarships for International students
• Scholarships for UK students

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.

Study Abroad

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.

Related Courses

• Arts and Humanities with Foundation Year BA
• Chinese (Modern) BA
• Japanese BA
• East Asian Studies BA