Program Overview

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.