Asia Pacific Studies BA (Hons)
This degree allows students to master specialist language skills whilst gaining an introduction to the culture, society, history, economy and politics of the region. The programme brings together expertise in all these different fields to give students a well-rounded understanding and appreciation of the Asia Pacific region, built on a foundation of their specialist language training.
Students will study using the latest industry-standard equipment in professional interpreting suites and gain practical experience during their year abroad. No previous knowledge of the chosen language is required, although a post A Level route is offered for Japanese. With Asia Pacific countries playing an important part in the modern world economy, our students are set apart from other UK graduates with competency in their chosen language as well as transferable skills and a knowledge of the region that will prepare them for work in a multitude of industries in, or engaged with the Asia Pacific.
Key Information
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Duration:
Four years full-time (full-year abroad).
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Level:
Undergraduate
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Delivery:
Campus, Full-time
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Award Type:
BA (Hons)
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Institution Code:
CLANC C30
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UCAS Code:
Various - more information; Short form: BA/APS
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Campus:
Preston (Campus code: U)
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Start Date:
September
- Asian Studies at UCLan is 2nd in the North West and in the UK top 10 for teaching quality - National Student Survey 2019.
- Asian Studies at UCLan is ranked in the UK's top 20 according to the Complete University Guide 2020.
- In April 2019, UCLan International Institute of Korean Studies (IKSU) launched the only Korean Corner in the UK.
- In 2014, UCLan launched the International Institute of Korean Studies.
Course Overview
Year 1
Core Modules
The Shaping of the Asia Pacific Region
In addition to the above core content modules all students must choose a language pathway from Chinese, Japanese, Korean or Russian.
Chinese Pathway:
- Chinese Language 1 and Background to China
Japanese Pathway:
- Japanese Language 1 or Post-A level Japanese Language 1
- Background to Japan
Korean Pathway:
- Ab Initio Korean and Background to Korea
Russian Pathway:
- Ab Initio Russian and Background to Russian Studies
Optional modules:
Students may also take other free elective modules not listed as part of the optional choices on the above programme
- Beginners Chinese Language and Culture (non-Chinese Pathway)
- Beginners Korean Language and Culture (non-Korean Pathway)
- Beginners Japanese Language and Culture (non-Japanese Pathway)
- Beginners Russian Language and Culture (non-Russian Pathway)
- Basic Chinese Conversation (Chinese Pathway)
- Introduction to International Business
- Issues in Sustainability
- Global Politics
- Nationalism and Imperialism in Asia: China, India, Japan and Siam 1850-1945
- Background to China (non-Chinese Pathway)
- Background to Japan (non-Japanese Pathway)
- Background to Korea (non-Korean Pathway)
- Background to Russian Studies (non-Russian Pathway)
Students may also take other free elective modules not listed as part of the optional choices on the above programme
Year 2
Core Modules
Cultural Transformations and Cross-Cultural Encounters in the Asia Pacific
In addition to the above core content modules students on the 4 year programme must choose a language pathway from Chinese, Japanese, Korean or Russian. Those on the 3 year programme may select modules from the list below in accordance with their stage 1 language choice
Chinese Pathway:
- Chinese Language 2A & 2B
- Aspects of Chinese Society
Japanese Pathway:
- Japanese Language 2A & 2B
- Aspects of Japanese Society or Investigating Japan Project
or
- Post-A Level Japanese Studies Language 2A & 2B
- Aspects of Japanese Society or Investigating Japan Project
Korean Pathway:
- Korean Language 2
- Structure, Variation and Change in the Korean Language
Russian Pathway:
- Russian Language 2
- Contemporary Russian Studies
Optional modules:
- Intermediate Business Chinese Conversation (Chinese pathway only)
- Sociology of Religion
- Cold War in Asia: History, Conflict and Society 1945-89
- Contemporary Korean Society and Culture
- Global Environment of Business
- Globalisation: History, Theory and Approaches
- Introduction to Theory and Practice of Translation (Russian Pathway)
Students may also take other free elective modules not listed as part of the optional choices on the above programme
Year 3 and 4
Students on the 4 year programme spend this year abroad. Students on the 3 year programme progress directly to Year 4.
Core Modules
- Development and Change in the Asia Pacific Region
- Asia Pacific International relations
- Dissertation
In addition to the above core content modules students on the 4 year programme must choose a language pathway from Chinese, Japanese, Korean or Russian. Those on the 3 year programme may select modules from the list below in accordance with their stage 1 language choice
Chinese Pathway:
- Chinese Language 3
- Understanding Chinese Economy and Society
Japanese Pathway:
- Japanese Language 3
Korean Pathway:
- Korean Language 3
or
- Advanced Korean Language (for students following the three-year pathway)
Russian Pathway:
- Russian Language
- Russian Literary Identities
Optional modules:
- Korean Language for Academic Purpose (Korean pathway)
- Korean for Academic Purposes (Korean pathway
- Japanese Language and Society (Japanese pathway)
- Interpreting Japan through Literature and Cultural Readings (Japanese pathway)
- Theory and Practice of Translation (Chinese pathway)
- Techniques and Practice of Interpreting (Chinese pathway)
- Divided Korea
- India, Pakistan and Afghanistan since 1947
Students may also take other free elective modules not listed as part of the optional choices on the above programme
Fees 2020/21
Full-time: £9,250* per year (UK/EU). Sandwich year out £1,000 (UK/EU)
Fees for international students
Entry Requirements
Our typical offer is 104 - 112 UCAS Points. We operate a flexible admissions policy and treat everyone as an individual. This means that we will take into consideration your educational achievements and predicted grades (where applicable) together with your application as a whole, including work experience and personal statement. General Studies accepted
BTEC Extended Diploma: Distinction, Merit, Merit
BTEC Diploma: Distinction*, Distinction - Distinction*, Distinction*
Pass Access Course: 106 - 112 UCAS Points
International Baccalaureate: Pass Diploma with 104 - 112 UCAS points from Higher Level Subjects
IELTS: 6.0 with no subscore lower than 5.5
GCSE: 5 at grade C/4 including Maths & English or equivalent and preferred foreign language at C/4 (or good statement).
International Students
Scholarships and Bursaries
The University offers a range of scholarships and bursaries to support you through your studies.
Discover MoreNot got the grades?
If you do not meet the formal entry requirements specified, Foundation Entry offers an alternative route to study for this degree
Foundation Entry RouteCheck your points
Not sure how many points you have? Use our handy calculator and find out.
Points calculatorFurther Information
Why choose to study Asia Pacific Studies at UCLan?
IN 2014, UCLAN LAUNCHED THE INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE OF KOREAN STUDIES
THE KOREAN SOCIETY IS ONE OF THE TOP THREE LARGEST SOCIETIES IN THE UNIVERSITY WITH REGULAR K-POP EVENTS THAT ATTRACT AUDIENCES FROM ACROSS THE UK
FACILITIES
You will have access to the Institute of Korean Studies (IKSU), Northern Institute of Taiwan Studies (NorITS), Centre of Austronesian Studies (COAST), Northern England Policy Centre for the Asia Pacific (NEPCAP). As well as our state-of-the-art learning centre, where interactive video, satellite TV, computers, and other self-study audio and video materials are available to you on an open access basis. You will study using the latest industry-standard equipment in our professional interpreting suites.
Our Confucius Institute is a partnership between UCLan, Beijing International Studies University, and Hanban, promoting Chinese culture and language.
The Worldwise Learning Centre provides access to the latest language-learning and digital technologies including Rosetta Stone. It also offers a varied programme of activities designed to give students global experiences on campus and there may be bursaries available to support short trips abroad during your time with us.
Student Experiences – Hear from Graduates of Asia Pacific Studies!
There are a variety of international funding opportunities for students who wish to pursue postgraduate study after UCLan overseas. For example, the Japanese Government (MEXT) Postgraduate Scholarship, which can be found here.
Listen to our podcast: Ed & Nik on the Asia Pacific
Digital Resources
Trials
- Women and Social Movement Library (expires 10/12/2018)
- Chinese Historical Newspapers Collection
(expires 10/12/2018)
- Bibliography of Asian Studies
(expires 31/12/2018)
Asia Pacific Studies Academic Staff
Asia Pacific
Dr Niki Alsford
Dr Ed Griffith
Dr Lara Momesso
Dr Bill Mihalopoulos
Dr Adina Zemanek
Dr Ti-Han Chang
Russian
Japanese
Korean
Dr Hae-Sung Jeon
Dr Sojin Lim
Dr Xi Chen
Ms Jungmin Lee
Mr Mark Plaice
Dr Jihye Kim
Dr Jeong-Im Hyun
Ms Hyojin An
"UCLan has many leading academics for Asia Pacific Studies which is a true focal point as the professors engage greatly in class discussions, and it’s a true honour to be among them."
Matthew Parker, BA (Hons) Asia Pacific Studies: Korean Pathway
International University Partners
China:
- Beijing International Studies University
- Beijing Language and Culture University
- Beijing Institute of Technology
- Shanghai University of International Business and Economics
- Guandong University of Foreign Studies
- Sun Yat-Sen University
- Shenzhen University
- Hebei University
- Haerbin Institute of Technology
- Sichuan University
- Southwest Jiaotong University
Russia:
Japan:
- Aichi Prefectural University
- Akita International University
- Daito Bunka University
- Hokusei Gakuen University
- The International University Of Kagoshima
- Kanda University of International Studies
- Kanazawa University
- Kinjo Gakuin University
- Kumamoto Gakuen University
- Kurume University
- Meio University
- Mejiro University
- Mie University
- Mukogawa Women’s University
- Nagasaki University of Foreign Studies
- Nagoya University of Foreign Studies
- Nagoya Women’s University
- Oita University
- Osaka International University
- Ryukoku University
- Seinan Gakuin University
- Utsunomiya University
- Wakayama University
- Yamaguchi University
Korea:
- Ewha University
- Hankuk University of Foreign Studies
- Inje University
- Sookmyung Women's University
- Kyung Hee University
- Pusan National University
- Busan University of Foreign Studies
- Chung Ang University
- Dongguk University
- Sungkyunkwan University
- Chonbuk National University
- Keimyung University
- Ajou University
- Soongsil University
- Sejong University
- Kyungpook National University
- Jeju National University
Taiwan:
What is the UCAS code for this course?
There are different codes depending on which language route you would like to take:
- Chinese – T100
- Japanese – 6D49
- Korean – 2R49
- Russian – T301
What is the difference between the 3-year route and the 4-year route?
Simply, on the 4 year route you will spend one year studying abroad. Most of our students take this option but it is not compulsory.
What proportion of the course is language learning?
Approximately half of the course is devoted to studying the language of your choice.
Can I study more than one language?
Yes. However, your second language will be an elective and you will not study it to the same level as your main language.
Unitstats data and ucas codes
The key information statistics for the various pathways on the BA (Hons) Asia Pacific Studies course are listed below. These will open in a new browser window.
- Asia Pacific Studies (Chinese) - T100
- Asia Pacific Studies (Japanese) - 6D49
- Asia Pacific Studies (Korean) - 2R49
- Asia Pacific Studies (Russian) - T301
Learning Environment and Assessment
A 3 year degree qualification typically comprises 360 credits and each 20 credit (a standard module) equates to 200 hours of study, which comprises of a mixture of lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical sessions and independent study. Independent study is an important aspect of your degree course. The exact combination of study time will be detailed within your module descriptors, and will depend on your option choices.
The intensive language programmes are all designed to build up your oral, aural and written competence, combined with a range of modules to give you an all-round knowledge of the language and the country you are studying.
Assessment is by coursework including seminar presentations, essays and in-class tests. There are practical oral tests at chosen points throughout and every year there is an unseen examination for the language modules.
Asia Pacific Highlights
Special guest at UCLan Japan Bunkasai festival
The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) has brought a taste of the Far East to Preston after welcoming a special guest from the Japanese Embassy to campus for a celebratory event.
The First Secretary for Education and Sport from the Japanese Embassy, Hiroshi Itakura, came to UCLan for a Japanese cultural festival known as The Second Nihon Bunkasai 2016 to celebrate the University’s vibrant Japanese language and culture community.
Students shared their academic achievements, language skills and knowledge of Japanese culture with Mr Itakura by holding an exhibition with information on the studying abroad programme, Kabuki face painting, performing a play in Japanese, sharing the history of Japanese Pop, mask art and more. Mr Itakura also gave a talk to students on how his country is coping with an increasingly ageing population. He was then treated to a traditional Sōran-bushi performance by the UCLan Japanese Society, J-Soc; one of the Students’ Union’s largest student societies formed mainly by students of Japanese which is the University’s most studied language at degree level.
Leaders in Residence: Lynn Everson
Lynn Everson from Lifeline Language Services talks about what skills she thinks students need, and how UCLan's Leaders in Residence programme benefits students, businesses and the university.
Click here for the full story on the Asia Pacific Studies Event Page on Facebook
Come and join our Asia Pacific Studies Event Page on Facebook to find out about all of the events that are planned at UCLan.
See our Russian Studies at UCLan Video here
Progression Routes
We offer a wide range of postgraduate taught Masters; our programmes include:
We also offer a number of places to students who wish to pursue research degrees (MA by Research/MPhil/PhD). For more information, please visit Research.
On graduating from this course, you could enter occupations such as translation/interpreting, journalism, travel and tourism, working for international airlines, facilitating business between Asia Pacific and English speaking contacts and working for local governments in promoting Japan, China or South Korea. You could also teach English in Asia Pacific language schools or universities.
You could have the opportunity to gain practical experience during your year abroad as a part-time language assistant, and in translation and interpreting by assisting local businesses in their dealings with Asia Pacific partners. Short-term internships are also offered by the Worldwise Learning Centre, the School’s centre for advancing language learning across the University. You will have the opportunity to engage in cultural activities through various events organised by the Asia Pacific Studies course team, as well as through the Worldwise Learning Centre, the Confucius Institute, the Institute for Korean Studies and the strong community of student societies related to the Asia Pacific including the Korean Society, the Japanese Society and the Chinese Language and Culture Society.
Conference Interpreting Suite and other facilities
Worldwise Learning Centre
Course Enquiries
Telephone us: +44(0)1772 892400
Email us or Book a visit
Related Courses
Important Information
This course is based in the School of Humanities, Language and Global Studies
Course Handbook
For detailed information about studying this course at UCLan, please see the course handbook for your year of entry:
2019 Entry
For information on possible changes to course information, see our Essential and Important Course Information.
Tuition Fees & Finance
*Tuition Fees are per year unless otherwise stated.
For 2019/20 fees please refer to our fees page.
Further Information for students
- Information for international students |
- Accreditation of prior learning |
- Student Support Information
You can find regulations and policies relating to student life at The University of Central Lancashire on our Student Contract page.
Entry Requirements
For changes to 2017 UCAS tariff entry requirements please see our Essential and Important Course Information. UCLan requires all undergraduate applicants to have a minimum attainment of five GCSEs at grade C and above, or equivalent, (including Maths and English). In 2017 and beyond we will view the new Grade 4 as being equivalent to a C grade and will therefore require students to achieve GCSE Grade 4 or above. However, if the subject is relevant to our degree programme and requires a higher GCSE grade (e.g. GCSE B grade), and/or includes a Professional body that governs the entry requirements, Grade 5 or above may be required.