MA Korean Studies

Program Overview

The MA Korean Studies program at SOAS provides a comprehensive exploration of Korean history, politics, art, music, and literature. Designed for students with diverse backgrounds, the program offers a range of modules, including language courses, and culminates in a research-based dissertation. Graduates gain valuable skills and knowledge for careers in academia, government, journalism, business, education, and the arts.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• The MA Korean Studies program at SOAS is designed to prepare students for advanced graduate work in Korean-related subjects or serve as a terminal degree.
• The program explores Korean history, politics, art, music, and literature while providing opportunities to study regional languages.
• The program attracts students from various countries and academic backgrounds, including those with prior experience in Korea, individuals seeking to specialize their existing knowledge within the Korean context, and Korean or East Asian students seeking to study Korea from a different cultural and academic perspective.
• SOAS boasts the renowned Centre of Korean Studies, the UK's leading academic center for Korean research since its establishment in 1987.
The center hosts regular open seminars featuring international researchers presenting their work on diverse aspects of Korea.

Outline:

• Program structure:
• 180 credits total
• 60 credits for dissertation
• 15 credits for core module
• 105 credits chosen from other taught modules
• Minimum of 45 credits from List A (Korea-related modules)
• Maximum of 60 credits from List B (including language modules and PGT central options)
• Dissertation: Focuses on a research topic within the student's chosen major, supervised by a faculty member.
Typically written over the summer and submitted in September.
• List A modules: Offer a range of topics focusing on Korea, including literature, society, culture, history, translation, film, contemporary issues, and more.
Each module description provides details on content, learning outcomes, and assessment methods.
• List B modules: Include language courses (Chinese, Japanese), literature, cinema, politics, and other East Asian-related topics.
Module descriptions provide details on content, learning outcomes, and assessment methods.
• Additional modules: Opportunities to expand knowledge in specific areas through options like "Fieldwork methods in language and culture" and "Myths, Legends and Folkways of East Asia."

Assessment:

• Assessment methods vary depending on the chosen modules but may include essays, coursework, examinations, presentations, translation projects, and research-based dissertations.
• Specific assessment criteria and weighting are outlined in individual module descriptions.

Teaching:

• The program utilizes a combination of teaching methods, including:
• Lectures: Engaging experts provide overviews and insights into core topics.
• Seminars: In-depth discussions and analysis of specific topics through student-led presentations and group interactions.
• Language classes: Immersive approach to developing proficiency in Korean or other East Asian languages.
• The program boasts experienced faculty with expertise in various areas of Korean studies, including history, literature, cinema, society, culture, and language.
• SOAS emphasizes independent learning, with students engaging in extensive reading, research, and project work outside of scheduled classes.

Careers:

• Graduates gain valuable skills and knowledge applicable to diverse career paths, including:
• Academia: Further research and teaching opportunities in Korean-related fields.
• Government and international organizations: Policy analysis, diplomacy, cultural exchange, and development work concerning Korea.
• Journalism and media: Reporting, analysis, and communication specializing in Korean affairs.
• Business and finance: Utilizing Korean language and cultural expertise in international trade, investment, and business development.
• Education: Teaching Korean language and culture at various levels.
• Arts and culture: Promoting Korean literature, cinema, arts, or music through translation, curation, events, or research.
• Non-profit organizations: Contributing to social justice and humanitarian work related to Korea.

Other:

• SOAS features its own library, one of the world's leading academic libraries for studying Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.
• The program offers scholarships and awards to support students' academic pursuits.
• Career services at SOAS provide guidance and resources to assist students in career exploration, job search, and professional development.

Home student fees: £12,220 per year Overseas student fees: £25,320 per year Please note that fees go up each year.