Introduction to the MA Asian Studies Program

The MA Asian Studies program at University College Cork provides a global academic context for understanding the rise of East Asia. This program equips students with a unique set of abilities to engage with the cultural, historic, economic, and political fabric of Asia.

Course Outline

The MA Asian Studies program is offered by the School of Asian Studies at UCC and brings students together from all parts of the world, providing them with a collaborative space to consider the significance of Asia in our contemporary world. The School takes a multidisciplinary approach, which equips graduates with an unparalleled ability to navigate the multi-faceted challenges of the 'Asian Century'.

Program Details

• The MA program may be taken full-time over one year or part-time over two or three years from the date of first registration.
• Students take 90 credits total, including 60 credits of taught modules in Part I and 30 credits in Part II (Dissertation).

Course Objectives

The objectives of the MA Asian Studies program are to:

• Increase understanding of Asia's cultural, economic, and political significance in a connected world.
• Equip students with an appreciation for East Asian history, philosophical thinking, and languages.
• Create the ability to engage the diverse social, environmental, class- and gender-related aspects of Asian modernity.
• Provide the analytical tools for a successful international career in an Asia-related context.

Program Content

Students take a combination of modules, including:

• AS6000 Transcultural Asia: Past, Present, and Future (10 credits)
• AS6009 Intellectual History of Korea: From Mountain Gods to Sages (10 credits)
• AS6215 Translation in Contemporary Japanese Culture and Current Affairs (10 credits)
• AS6300 Film and the Study of Japanese Culture (10 credits)
• AS6400 Translation in Contemporary Korean Culture and Current Affairs (10 credits)
• CH6032 Business, Innovation and Globalisation in China (10 credits)
• CH6207 The Sinosphere: China in Transnational Asian Politics, Culture and Trade (10 credits)
• CH6334 Ethnicity, Class and Gender in China (10 credits)
• GV6010 Contemporary Global Politics (5 credits)
• GV6012 Global Economic Policies and Institutions (5 credits)

Language Modules

In addition to the above, students may opt to take up to 20 credits in language modules at a level appropriate to the student's proficiency, which will be determined by the relevant language tutor. Students may not take two modules in the same language at the same proficiency level. Applicants cannot study their own native Asian language (i.e., Korean, Japanese, Chinese).

Course Practicalities

Lectures in UCC take place from Monday to Friday, from 9am to 6pm. Teaching hours per week vary depending on module choices and language selection.

Why Choose This Course

The MA Asian Studies program offers a high degree of freedom and flexibility in which modules can be studied. With the help of the Asian Studies staff, students can even study modules outside of the Department of Asian Studies.

Requirements

Applicants should hold a Second Class Honours Grade II in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8), or equivalent in one of the following areas: Arts, Humanities, Social Science, History, Business, Science, or Engineering. Applicants may be required to attend an interview prior to selection.

Fees and Costs

The EU fee for this course is Full-time: €8,100 Part-time: €4,700. The Non-EU fee for this course is €18,500.

Skills and Careers Information

Our graduates go on to careers in diplomacy, the public sector, state-funded and international organizations involved in trade and cross-culture communication, multi-national companies based in Ireland, and elsewhere in Europe dealing with Asian partners, Asia-based companies and organizations dealing with Europe, and a range of non-government organizations.

Similar Courses

• MA Teaching Chinese to Speakers of Other Languages
• PhD Asian Studies

Conclusion

The MA Asian Studies program at University College Cork is a unique and interdisciplinary program that provides students with a comprehensive understanding of Asia's cultural, economic, and political significance in a connected world. With its flexible and multidisciplinary approach, this program equips graduates with the skills and knowledge necessary for a successful international career in an Asia-related context.

The program equips students with a unique set of abilities to engage with the cultural, historic, economic, and political fabric of Asia.

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Objectives:

• To increase understanding of Asia’s cultural, economic, and political significance in a connected world.
• To create the ability to engage the diverse social, environmental, class- and gender-related aspects of Asian modernity.

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Program Description:

The MA Asian Studies program is offered by the School of Asian Studies at UCC and brings together students from all parts of the world, providing them with a collaborative space to consider the significance of Asia in our contemporary world. The School takes a multidisciplinary approach, equipping graduates with an unparalleled ability to navigate the multi-faceted challenges of the ‘Asian Century’. The program is designed to meet the different needs of a range of graduates with diverse interests in Asian Studies, Cultural Studies, and International Relations. It offers a range of taught modules in Asian Studies across several disciplines, including politics, history, economics, business, culture, religion, literature, and linguistics. Students also have the option to spend a further study period in Asia. The combination of content modules together with language training taught by diverse and international specialists prepares graduate students for promising careers in international organizations, think tanks, or multinational companies engaged with Asia in a variety of ways.

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Outline:

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Program Structure:

The MA program can be taken full-time over one year or part-time over two or three years from the date of first registration.

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Course Schedule:

• 1 Year (Full-time): 12 months
• Students take 60 credits, normally delivered in Semesters 1 and 2 (September to April), and complete the 30-credit dissertation in Semester 3 (May-September).
• 2 Years (Part-time): 24 months
• Year 1: Students take 25-40 credits in Semesters 1 and/or 2.
• Year 2: Students take the remaining taught credits required (up to 35 credits in Semesters 1 and/or 2) and undertake the 30-credit dissertation in Semesters 2 and 3.
• 3 Years (Part-time): 36 months
• Year 1: Students take 15-30 credits in Semesters 1 and/or 2.
• Year 2: Students take 15-30 credits in Semesters 1 and/or 2.
• Year 3: Students take any remaining credits required in taught courses (up to 30 credits) in Semesters 1 and/or 2 and complete the 30-credit dissertation over the course of this final year.

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Modules:

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Part I (60 Credits):

• Core Module:
• AS6000 Transcultural Asia: Past, Present, and Future (10 credits)
• Optional Modules:
• AS6009 Intellectual History of Korea: From Mountain Gods to Sages (10 credits)
• AS6215 Translation in Contemporary Japanese Culture and Current Affairs (10 credits)
• AS6300 Film and the Study of Japanese Culture (10 Credits)
• AS6400 Translation in Contemporary Korean Culture and Current Affairs (10 credits)
• CH6032 Business, Innovation and Globalisation in China (10 credits)
• CH6207 The Sinosphere: China in Transnational Asian Politics, Culture and Trade (10 credits)
• CH6334 Ethnicity, Class and Gender in China (10 credits)
• GV6010 Contemporary Global Politics (5 credits)
• GV6012 Global Economic Policies and Institutions (5 credits)
• Undergraduate Modules (Optional to the value of 10 credits - subject to approval):
• AS2002 Korea’s Modern History and Economy (10 credits)
• AS2010 History of Japanese Culture (10 credits)
• CH2010 Wars and Revolutions - China in the 19th and 20th Century (10 credits)
• CH2020 State-Society Relations and Economic Reform in China (5 credits)
• LC1101 English for Academic Study (10 credits)
• Language Modules (Optional to the value of 20 credits):
• Students may opt to take up to 20 credits in language modules at a level appropriate to their proficiency, which will be determined by the relevant language tutor.
Students may not take two modules in the same language at the same proficiency level. Applicants cannot study their own native Asian language (ie Korean, Japanese, Chinese). Students will be assessed on entry and directed to the appropriate class.
• Chinese:
• CH1001 Chinese Language (Mandarin) Level 1 (10 credits)
• CH2103 Modern Chinese Business Language - Level 2 (10 credits)
• CH2107 Chinese Language (Mandarin) Level 2 (10 credits)
• CH3021 Chinese Language (Mandarin) Level 2.5 (10 credits)
• CH3017 Chinese Language (Mandarin) Level 3 (15 credits)
• CH3011 Modern Chinese Business Language - Level 3 (15 credits)
• CH3020 Chinese Language (Mandarin) Level 2.5 (5 credits)
• Japanese:
• AS1501 Japanese Language Level 1 (10 credits)
• AS1502 Japanese Language Level 2 (10 credits)
• AS1503 Japanese Language Level 3 (10 credits)
• AS1504 Japanese Language Level 4 (10 credits)
• Korean:
• AS1601 Korean Language Level 1 (10 credits)
• AS1602 Korean Language Level 2 (10 credits)
• AS1603 Korean Language Level 3 (10 credits)
• AS1604 Korean Language Level 4 (10 credits)

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Part II (30 Credits):

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Careers:

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Potential Career Paths:

• Diplomacy
• Public sector
• State-funded and international organizations involved in trade and cross-culture communication
• Multi-national companies based in Ireland and elsewhere in Europe dealing with Asian partners
• Asia-based companies and organizations dealing with Europe
• A range of non-government organizations

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Possible Careers:

• Conference and exhibition managers and organizers
• Diplomacy and foreign affairs
• Intercultural communication and consultancies
• International non-government organizations
• Journalists
• Overseas trade offices
• Policy and research
• Public relations professionals
• Teaching and other educational professionals
• Translators
• University research

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Other:

• Lectures in UCC take place from Monday to Friday, from 9am to 6pm.
Teaching hours per week vary depending on module choices and language selection.
• Each module has a different form of assessment.
• The course also serves as a preparatory course for students wishing to undertake a PhD program in Asian Studies.

University College Cork

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Overview:

University College Cork (UCC) is a public research university located in Cork, Ireland. It is a constituent university of the National University of Ireland (NUI). UCC offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines.

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Services Offered:

Student Support:

UCC provides a range of support services for students, including academic advising, career counseling, and mental health services.

Library:

The Boole Library offers extensive resources, including books, journals, and online databases.

Campus Life:

UCC offers a vibrant campus life with numerous student clubs, societies, and sports teams.

Accommodation:

UCC provides on-campus accommodation options for students.

International Office:

The International Office supports international students with visa applications, cultural adjustment, and other services.

Adult Continuing Education:

UCC offers a variety of programs for adult learners, including evening classes and online courses.

Continuing Professional Development:

UCC provides professional development opportunities for working professionals.

Micro-credentials:

UCC offers micro-credentials in various fields, allowing students to gain specific skills and knowledge.

Scholarships and Prizes:

UCC offers a range of scholarships and prizes to support students financially.

Transition-In Programme:

UCC provides a transition-in program for students who are new to higher education.

Graduate Attributes:

UCC focuses on developing graduate attributes such as critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

UCC offers a vibrant campus experience with a strong sense of community. Students can participate in a wide range of activities, including sports, clubs, societies, and events. The campus is located in a beautiful setting, with easy access to the city of Cork.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

World-class Education:

UCC is renowned for its high-quality education and research.

Strong Academic Programs:

UCC offers a wide range of academic programs across various disciplines.

Vibrant Campus Life:

UCC provides a vibrant campus life with numerous opportunities for students to get involved.

Beautiful Location:

UCC is located in a beautiful setting, with easy access to the city of Cork.

International Reputation:

UCC is a globally recognized university with a strong international reputation.

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Academic Programs:

UCC offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including:

• Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences
• Business and Law
• Engineering and Science
• Medicine and Health Sciences
• Education
• Music

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Other:

• UCC is committed to sustainability and has been recognized as the world's first green campus.
• UCC is a member of the National University of Ireland (NUI).
• UCC has a strong research focus and is home to a number of research centers and institutes.
• UCC is a popular choice for international students, with a large international student population.