Asian Studies
Given Australia's geographic location, and political and economic ties, an understanding of Asia is an advantage to any graduate. The combination of courses in Asian Studies equips students particularly well for careers in business, government or education that depends on an understanding and knowledge of Asian traditions. These include the professions and businesses involved with Asia as well as the public service, teaching, the media, and the arts.
Asian Studies at UNSW
The Asian Studies major at UNSW is an interdisciplinary major providing the opportunity to study and understand the Asian region as well as Australia's
place in it. It is distinguished by its emphasis on both an all-Asia approach and a speciality in one Asian country or society. The major is designed to give you a broad understanding of the region as a whole but enables you to specialize in one country, with the option of learning an Asian language.
The program offers you the opportunity to:
- build knowledge of the different historical, political, economic, social, and cultural developments that have defined the region
- develop your intellectual, creative and analytical skills
- become an Asia-literate graduate, with the skills and knowledge for a successful career
- develop a specialty in at least one Asian country
- develop your communication skills and the ability to apply these effectively in intercultural contexts
- take an Asian language (optional)
Download the Asian Studies Information brochure (PDF) (1 Mb)
Careers
The opportunities for Asian Studies graduates are diverse, with the following roles and organisations representing just a few examples:
Foreign correspondents | Consultants with the Departments of Defence and Immigration or in the civil service | Teachers | Customs officials | Tourism consultants | Diplomatic service | Government (state or federal) | Museums | Libraries | Trans-national businesses | Financial Organisations | Non-government organisations
International Opportunities
Students are encouraged to undertake study abroad for a richer cultural experience. UNSW manages a large and active exchange program with over 180 different student exchange opportunities in 32 countries. Exchanges opportunities available in the Asian region include: China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, India, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam
Program Information
A major or minor in Asian Studies is available in the Bachelor of Arts and other combined degree programs. The major in the BA provides you with the opportunity to take nine courses from the Asian Studies program.
Language Choices
Chinese, Indonesian, Japanese and Korean are available to students interested in studying a language as part of their program. Asian Studies is also available as a stream within the four-year Bachelor of International Studies. Students in International Studies complete a core program of study in International Relations as well as their specialised stream of choice. The degree includes a required one-year Overseas Study Program, which provides invaluable experience of other cultures, language and peoples.
Program Coordinator: Dr. Gregory Evon
Asian Studies sample course structure: here (PDF) (84 Kb)
View Asian Studies options in the UNSW Handbook
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of International Studies
- Bachelor of Media (Communication & Journalism)
- Bachelor of Media (Media Production)
- Bachelor of Media (Screen & Sound)
- Bachelor of Music/Bachelor of Arts
- Combined Programs
2012 Courses
View course descriptions and course outlines.
