Program Overview

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East Asian Studies BA

The East Asian Studies BA course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the culture, society, and history of East Asia, with a focus on China, Japan, and Korea. The course covers topics such as politics, culture, and history, and is taught by expert researchers and native speakers.

Course Description

The course develops students' understanding of contemporary East Asia, covering topics including politics, culture, and history. Students will have the opportunity to study the languages of East Asia, including Chinese, Japanese, and Korean, and will be taught by native speakers in regular small group classes using custom-made course material.

Modules

The course includes a range of modules, such as:

• Key Questions in East Asian Studies
• Arts, History and Culture in China, Japan and Korea
• Politics, Economy and Society in China, Japan and Korea
• Beginner Korean A, B, and C
• Beginner Japanese A, B, and C
• Beginner Chinese A, B, and C
• Chinese Language Advanced Pathway A, B, and C
• Inventing East Asian Traditions
• Thinking Cross-culturally in East Asian studies

Learning and Assessment

The course is taught through a combination of lectures, seminars, and tutorials. Students will be assessed through a combination of coursework, formal examinations, and creative or digital outputs.

Entry Requirements

The standard entry requirements for the course are:

• A Levels: ABB
• International Baccalaureate: 33
• BTEC Extended Diploma: DDD
• 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
• English language requirements: GCSE English Language at grade 4/C; IELTS grade of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component

Graduate Careers

Graduates of the course have gone on to work in a range of fields, including government and diplomacy, media and the arts, non-government organisations, and international business.

Fees and Funding

The tuition fees for the course are:

• Home students: £9,535 (2025 annual tuition fee)
• Overseas students: £26,820 (2025 annual tuition fee)
• Additional costs: The annual fee for the course includes a number of items in addition to tuition. On the year abroad, students will need to budget around £500 to £900 a month for living expenses.

Study Abroad

The course provides the opportunity to spend a year studying abroad, either at one of the university's prestigious partner universities in China, Japan, and Korea, or at one of over 250 university partners worldwide.

University Rankings

The University of Sheffield is a world top-100 university, ranked 92nd in the QS World University Rankings 2026. It is also ranked number one in the Russell Group for student experience, and has a number one Students' Union in the UK.

Student Profiles

Students on the course have praised the lecturers for their passion and expertise, and have appreciated the opportunity to study a range of topics related to East Asia.

Department

The School of Languages, Arts and Societies is located in the Jessop West building, right in the heart of campus. The school has a range of facilities, including a language lab and a library, and offers a range of support services to students.

Research Areas

The school has a range of research areas, including East Asian studies, languages, and cultures. The school's research is interdisciplinary, and draws on a range of disciplines, including history, politics, sociology, and anthropology.

Extra Information

The course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of East Asia, and to equip them with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in a range of careers. The course is taught by expert researchers and native speakers, and provides opportunities for students to study abroad and to develop their language skills.