Korean Studies
Korea is one of Australia's largest trading partners and the political, cultural and educational dimensions of the relationship are becoming increasingly important.
This development of the South Korean economy and the increasingly close ties with Australia have rapidly expanded opportunities for graduates with Korean language skills and in-depth socio-cultural knowledge.
Korean Studies at UNSW
UNSW offers one of the most active Korean Studies programs in the region. Korean Studies at UNSW provides students with the opportunity to develop a balance of Korean language skills and in-depth knowledge and understanding about Korea. UNSW offers a wide variety of courses for students interested in all facets of Korea and its place in East Asia, including language courses for all levels, professional language studies at advanced level, courses on Korean culture and Korea's relationship with Japan and its place in East Asia, and business-related courses. Classes are structured to maximise individual attention from staff and to allow you ample opportunity for regular interaction in Korean.
Bachelor of Arts Bachelor of Education students can also take Korean from Semester 1, 2010. Korean is also offered as an option for School of Education Graduate Certificate and Master's students.
Download the Korean Studies Information Brochure (PDF) (1 Mb)
Careers
Opportunities for graduates with Korean languages skills and socio-cultural knowledge are diverse. Korean Studies' graduates are found working in fields such as international relations, security, trade, commerce, technology, education, tourism and community services.
International Opportunities
As one of Australia's most international universities UNSW encourages students to spend a session or two overseas studying at one of our partner institutions as part of your degree. UNSW manages a large and active exchange program with over 180 different student exchange opportunities in 32 countries.
Partner universities in Korea include:
- Ewha Womens University
- Hanyang University
- Korea University
- Pohang University of Science and Technology
- Seoul National University
- Yonsei University
Program Information
Do I need previous Korean study?
The program caters for students of all levels, from those who have never studied the language before to students of an advanced level. A flexible entry system allows students to enrol in the language course that will build on their existing language skills. Students with prior knowledge of Korean or background speakers will undergo a placement evaluation available on the website of the School of International Studies in order to gain entry to the appropriate language course.
In which degrees can I study Korean?
Korean Studies can be studied as a major or minor in the Bachelor of Arts or you can combine it with other areas of study, for example:
- Major within the Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Economics or Bachelor of Education
- Stream within the four-year Bachelor of International Studies
- Minor in the Bachelor of Science
- Elective courses for most degrees
Another option is to enrol in the Diploma of Languages which may be taken concurrently with another degree program at UNSW. It offers an ideal opportunity to acquire an additional language for professional purposes. An Honours year and postgraduate programs at Masters and Doctorate levels are also available.
*Starting Semester 1 2010, the School of Education offers Korean Methods courses as part of its Diploma in Education (Secondary). This course prepares student teachers for the teaching of Korean in secondary schools in NSW.
Program Coordinator: Dr. Gi-Hyun Shin
View Korean Studies options in the UNSW Handbook
2012 Courses
View course descriptions and course outlines.
