Korean Studies with Japanese BA

2024-25 entry
School of East Asian Studies

Learn Korean and Japanese language from scratch, complemented by modules about Korean society such as history, culture or politics. You'll also spend part of your degree studying in Korea, immersing yourself in Korean society.

Key details

Explore this course:

    Course description

    A photo of the Seoul cityscape

    Develop a critical understanding of Korea, its history and growing influence on the world, while gaining advanced Korean and Japanese language skills.

    You’ll be immersed in East Asian culture, language and society on this four-year course, ready for a huge range of careers. You'll learn Korean and Japanese language from scratch with our expert language teams, complemented by modules exploring Korean politics, history, music and society. You’ll have the opportunity to explore Japanese and East Asian society in more detail through optional modules in the later years of your degree, tailoring your degree to what interests you.

    You’ll spend a year at one of our partner universities in South Korea, putting what you've learned into practice and gaining life-changing experience abroad.

    In your final year you’ll refine your language skills while deepening your understanding through research-led modules. You also have the option to complete a dissertation project of your choice, supervised by world-leading researchers.

    Throughout your time with us, you’ll be supported by our experienced teaching staff in our newly formed Centre for Korean Studies.

    Study with us, and you’ll develop an unparalleled knowledge of your subject, gain valuable lived experience, and contribute to world-leading research in the field.

    Why study this course?

    • Voted number one - ranked 1st in the National Student Survey (NSS) results 2023 across Asian studies in the UK, our staff are UK leaders in supporting your studies and career goals.
    • A centre of leading Korean studies research - our new Centre for Korean Studies promotes a thriving research culture, with unparalleled opportunities to tap into national and international experiences.
    • Life-changing year abroad - apply your rapidly developing language skills in the real world, refine your critical understanding – and experience a life-changing trip.
    • Strong emphasis on skills development, careers and employability - right from the start, you’ll be encouraged to develop and track the skills you’ll need to turn your degree into a career.

    Dual and combined honours degrees

    korean language class

    Modules

    A selection of modules are available each year - some examples are below. There may be changes before you start your course. From May of the year of entry, formal programme regulations will be available in our Programme Regulations Finder.

    Choose a year to see modules for a level of study:

    Title: Korean Studies with Japanese BA course structure
    UCAS code: T4T2
    Years: 2022, 2023, 2024
    First year

    In your first year you will begin your language learning by focusing on reading, writing, listening and speaking, working with qualified native-speaker language teachers, using specially designed course material. 

    Through our Exploring East Asia module you will be provided with essential knowledge of the East Asia region, its history, politics, geography and culture. This will give you a greater understanding of Korea and Japan, what shaped them and how they may develop in the future.

    Core modules:

    Exploring East Asia

    This module introduces students to the study of modern East Asia. Beginning by encouraging consideration of what the subject of East Asian Studies is, it then introduces the following key topics: East Asian Geography and Environment, History, Culture and Media, Economics and Business, and Political Relations. In parallel with this content, the module also introduces core academic skills as follows: independent, lecture and seminar study; reflective practice; critical information, digital and visual literacy; evidence and argument in academic writing, and appropriate examination techniques. These two elements provide a firm foundation of knowledge and abilities for higher level study. 

    20 credits
    Korean Language 1A

    This module is focusing on receptive activities and written productive activities in Korean language. It aims to enable students to acquire basic competence in grammar, reading, writing and translation both from and into Korean. Every week carefully designed grammar structures and vocabulary will be introduced so that students will be able to do something practical in Korean. The target level at the end of this level is roughly equivalent to TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean) beginners level/L1 or CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) A1. 

    20 credits
    Korean Language 1B

    This module is focusing on interactive activities in Korean. It aims to enable students to acquire basic competence in speaking and listening skills. Every week carefully designed grammar structures and vocabulary will be introduced so that students will be able to communicate in Korean through a variety of activities. The target level at the end of this level is roughly equivalent to TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean) beginners level/L1 or CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) A1. 

    10 credits
    Japanese for Non-Specialists 1

    This module aims to enable students with no prior knowledge of Japanese to acquire basic practical language skills, in listening, reading, speaking and writing. Japanese scripts will be introduced at the start and used throughout. On successful completion of the module students will; have a vocabulary of about 300 words related to daily life, understand simple sentences and classroom expressions related to daily activities, be able to obtain specific information from written and audio materials, be able to hold simple conversations; and be able to write about the topics covered in class in simple sentences or forms. 

    10 credits
    Korean Language 2A

    This module is focusing on receptive activities and written productive activities in Korean language. This module builds on the achievement of EAS1043 and introduces further grammatical structures of the Korean language with a view to further developing reading, writing and translation skills. Every week carefully designed grammar structures and vocabulary will be introduced so that students will be able to do something practical in Korean. At the end of this level students should complete the beginner's level which is roughly equivalent to TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean) upper beginners level/L2 or CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) A2.

    20 credits
    Korean Language 2B

    This module is focusing on interactive activities in Korean. This module is built on the achievement of EAS1044 and develop speaking and listening skills further to provide the grounding necessary for intermediate study. Every week carefully designed grammar structures and vocabulary will be introduced so that students will be able to communicate in Korean through a variety of activities. At the end of this level students should complete the beginner's level which is roughly equivalent to TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean) upper beginners level/L2 or CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) A2.

    10 credits
    Japanese for Non-Specialists 2

    This module aims to enable students with some elementary knowledge of Japanese to acquire further practical language skills, in listening, reading, speaking and writing. On successful completion of the module students will; have a further vocabulary of about 400 words related to daily life; understand and use the written forms of all the introduced core grammar patterns; and understand selected simple spoken and written structures and be able to use them as spoken and written communication. . 

    10 credits

    Approved modules:
    You will take one of the following Korea focused modules. Each module has a humanities or social sciences focus and will look at a core text, which has played a significant role in developing an intricate, understanding of Korea. The content of these modules change regularly to ensure they are topical and make the best use of our staff expertise.

    History and Culture in Korea

    This module explores what it means to study Korea at university level, and considers how 'area studies' research on Korea fits within disciplines such as history and cultural studies. We will consider how histories and cultural understandings of Korea are built with the following in mind: how researchers use primary evidence such as texts, documents and/or images to understand social change; and how to navigate key debates in a field and evaluate competing arguments. You will finish this module with a deeper understanding of our core topic and the disciplinary approaches that frame it, and a foundation in critical research and writing skills that you can apply and develop in further study. We will work on a combination of new and established research to explore one core topic.

    20 credits
    Politics, Economy and Society in Korea

    .This module explores what it means to study Korea at university level, and considers how 'area studies' research on Korea fits within disciplines such as political economy, international relations, anthropology, sociology and geography. We will work on a combination of new and established research to explore core topics in contemporary Korea: including how Korean society has changed; how researchers use different conceptual frameworks and types of primary evidence to understand change and its wider impact; and, how to use the different types of work published in the field and evaluate competing arguments in key debates. You will finish this module with a deeper understanding of our core topic and the disciplinary approaches that frame it, and a foundation in critical research and writing skills that you can apply and develop in further study. We will work on a combination of new and established research to explore one core topic

    20 credits

    The content of our courses is reviewed annually to make sure it's up-to-date and relevant. Individual modules are occasionally updated or withdrawn. This is in response to discoveries through our world-leading research; funding changes; professional accreditation requirements; student or employer feedback; outcomes of reviews; and variations in staff or student numbers. In the event of any change we'll consult and inform students in good time and take reasonable steps to minimise disruption.

    Learning and assessment

    Learning

    You will undertake intensive Korean language training in small group classes making use of specially designed learning materials. To complement your language learning and ensure you gain a comprehensive understand of Korea, you will also learn about Korean culture and society through, what we call, studies modules which are taught via lectures, seminars and workshops.

    You will get the chance to learn about Korean politics, history, media and popular culture among other topics that complement the current expertise and research interests of our staff.

    You will also take Japanese language classes with native speaking tutors at a less intense pace to your Korean language study and have the opportunity to take some Japanese culture and society modules in the second and final year.

    We invest to create the right environment for you. That means outstanding facilities, study spaces and support, including 24/7 online access to our online library service.

    Study spaces and computers are available to offer you choice and flexibility for your study. Our five library sites give you access to over 1.3 million books and periodicals. You can access your library account and our rich digital collections from anywhere on or off campus. Other library services include study skills training to improve your grades, and tailored advice from experts in your subject.

    Learning support facilities and library opening hours

    The School of East Asian Studies has over 50 years' experience of researching contemporary East Asia and pioneering new methods for teaching East Asian Languages.

    SEAS staff, many of whom are fluent in at least one East Asian language, are internationally-renowned specialists in East Asia, and bring their expertise in various fields such as history, culture and politics, to the wide range of courses on offer at SEAS. Right from the start, you'll be working with expert researchers and native speakers, who will help you to reach your potential.

    Assessment

    We use a range of assessment methods during your course. In the language programme you will be given regular homework assignments and take exams at the end of each semester. You will be assessed on the core skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing.

    Our assessment methods vary across our studies modules and could include taking exams, developing a portfolio, writing essays, taking part in group projects and presentations.

    Programme specification

    This tells you the aims and learning outcomes of this course and how these will be achieved and assessed.

    Find programme specification for this course

    Entry requirements

    With Access Sheffield, you could qualify for additional consideration or an alternative offer - find out if you're eligible.

    Standard offer

    The A Level entry requirements for this course are:
    ABB

    A Levels + a fourth Level 3 qualification
    BBB + B in a relevant EPQ
    International Baccalaureate
    33
    BTEC Extended Diploma
    DDD in a relevant subject
    BTEC Diploma
    DD + B at A Level
    Scottish Highers
    AAABB
    Welsh Baccalaureate + 2 A Levels
    B + AB
    Access to HE Diploma
    Award of Access to HE Diploma, with 45 credits at Level 3, including 30 at Distinction and 15 at Merit
    Other requirements
    • No prior knowledge of Korean or Japanese is required (up to GCSE Japanese is acceptable)

    • Evidence of interest in East Asia (China, Japan, Korea) demonstrated through the personal statement is also required

    Access Sheffield offer

    The A Level entry requirements for this course are:
    BBB

    A Levels + a fourth Level 3 qualification
    BBB + B in a relevant EPQ
    International Baccalaureate
    32
    BTEC Extended Diploma
    DDM in a relevant subject
    BTEC Diploma
    DD + B at A Level
    Scottish Highers
    AABBB
    Welsh Baccalaureate + 2 A Levels
    B + BB
    Access to HE Diploma
    Award of Access to HE Diploma, with 45 credits at Level 3, including 24 at Distinction and 21 at Merit
    Other requirements
    • No prior knowledge of Korean or Japanese is required (up to GCSE Japanese is acceptable)

    • Evidence of interest in East Asia (China, Japan, Korea) demonstrated through the personal statement is also required

    English language requirements

    You must demonstrate that your English is good enough for you to successfully complete your course. For this course we require: GCSE English Language at grade 4/C; IELTS grade of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component; or an alternative acceptable English language qualification

    Pathway programme for international students

    If you're an international student who does not meet the entry requirements for this course, you have the opportunity to apply for an International Foundation Year in Business, Social Sciences and Humanities at the University of Sheffield International College. This course is designed to develop your English language and academic skills. Upon successful completion, you can progress to degree level study at the University of Sheffield.

    If you have any questions about entry requirements, please contact the department.

    Graduate careers

    School of East Asian Studies

    Studying China, Japan or Korea prepares you for a career in the world's most dynamic region. There are also many opportunities across Europe for people with skills in Asian languages and cultures.

    Our graduates work in government and diplomacy, media and the arts, non-government organisations and international business - in professions as diverse as management consultancy, accountancy, marketing, research, language teaching and translation.

    Blank

    My exchange year in Korea at Yonsei University was such an experience for a country boy like me

    Patrick Ellen Korean Studies BA graduate

    Patrick picked up skills during his degree which he still uses every day in his work at Unilever.

    School of East Asian Studies

    Our courses are designed to immerse you in the languages and cultures of East Asian countries. You will be taught by native speakers in Chinese, Japanese and Korean in regular small group classes using custom-made course material.

    Our courses are based on world-leading research and taught by experts whose work influences policy and informs public debate. Most of our staff publish in their specialist field and many of them have written books for major publishers such as Oxford University Press, Routledge and Macmillan.

    The School of East Asian Studies is located in the Jessop West building, right in the heart of campus and close to the University of Sheffield tram stop. You'll visit the department to meet with your tutors and gain any support you need. Your lectures, seminars and language classes will take place in various locations across the University of Sheffield campus.

    School of East Asian Studies

    Why choose Sheffield?

    The University of Sheffield

      Number one in the Russell Group
    National Student Survey 2023 (based on aggregate responses)

      92 per cent of our research is rated as world-leading or internationally excellent
    Research Excellence Framework 2021

      Top 50 in the most international universities rankings
    Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023

      Number one Students' Union in the UK
    Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023, 2022, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017

      Number one for teaching quality, Students' Union and clubs/societies
    StudentCrowd 2023 University Awards

      A top 20 university targeted by employers
    The Graduate Market in 2023, High Fliers report


    School of East Asian Studies

    Top 10 in the UK for student satisfaction

    National Student Survey 2021

    50+ years' experience

    in teaching and researching East Asia

    Student profiles

    SEAS student Daria Stoyanova

    There are not a lot of universities that offer you the opportunity to study both Korean and Japanese at the same time

    Daria Stoyanova Korean Studies with Japanese BA

    Daria was drawn to Sheffield because of the ability to study both Korean and Japanese at the same time.

    Fees and funding

    Fees

    Additional costs

    The annual fee for your course includes a number of items in addition to your tuition. If an item or activity is classed as a compulsory element for your course, it will normally be included in your tuition fee. There are also other costs which you may need to consider.

    Examples of what’s included and excluded

    Funding your study

    Depending on your circumstances, you may qualify for a bursary, scholarship or loan to help fund your study and enhance your learning experience.

    Use our Student Funding Calculator to work out what you’re eligible for.

    Additional funding

    Year abroad

    As part of this degree you'll spend a year studying in Seoul, South Korea at one of our six partner institutions including Yonsei University and Sungkyunkwan University.

    All of our partner universities in Seoul are high quality institutions which will provide you with the same, high level of teaching and support that is available in Sheffield.

    During your year in Korea you'll immerse yourself in this fascinating country. You'll continue to take intensive Korean language courses as well as choosing from a range of other modules.

    Visit

    University open days

    We host five open days each year, usually in June, July, September, October and November. You can talk to staff and students, tour the campus and see inside the accommodation.

    Open days: book your place

    Subject tasters

    If you’re considering your post-16 options, our interactive subject tasters are for you. There are a wide range of subjects to choose from and you can attend sessions online or on campus.

    Upcoming taster sessions

    Offer holder days

    If you've received an offer to study with us, we'll invite you to one of our offer holder days, which take place between February and April. These open days have a strong department focus and give you the chance to really explore student life here, even if you've visited us before.

    Campus tours

    Our weekly guided tours show you what Sheffield has to offer - both on campus and beyond. You can extend your visit with tours of our city, accommodation or sport facilities.

    Campus tour: book your place

    Apply

    Make sure you've done everything you need to do before you apply.

    How to apply When you're ready to apply, see the UCAS website:
    www.ucas.com

    Not ready to apply yet? You can also register your interest in this course.

    The awarding body for this course is the University of Sheffield.

    Recognition of professional qualifications: from 1 January 2021, in order to have any UK professional qualifications recognised for work in an EU country across a number of regulated and other professions you need to apply to the host country for recognition. Read information from the UK government and the EU Regulated Professions Database.

    Any supervisors and research areas listed are indicative and may change before the start of the course.

    Our student protection plan

    Terms and Conditions upon Acceptance of an Offer

    2024-2025

    Make sure you've done everything you need to do before you apply.

    How to apply When you're ready to apply, see the UCAS website:
    www.ucas.com

    Not ready to apply yet? You can also register your interest in this course.

    Learn Korean and Japanese language from scratch, complemented by modules about Korean society such as history, culture or politics. You'll also spend part of your degree studying in Korea, immersing yourself in Korean society.