East Asian Studies BA
2025-26 entryStudying the culture and society of China, Japan and Korea gives you a unique perspective on the contemporary development of East Asia, its rich history and diverse cultures. This course develops your understanding of contemporary East Asia, covering topics including politics, culture and history.
Key details
- A Levels ABB
Other entry requirements - UCAS code T300
- 3 years
- September start
- Find out the course fee
- Foreign language study
- Optional placement year
- Study abroad
Explore this course:
Course description
Why study this course?
Ranked 1st in National Student Survey (NSS) results 2023 across Asian studies in the UK, our staff are UK leaders in supporting your studies and career goals.
Sheffield is the only major university outside London with expertise in all three countries – 60 years for Japanese studies, 40 years for Korean studies, 30 years for Chinese studies.
You can take a variety of less intensive language modules while exploring the subjects you’re passionate about.
We offer a variety of opportunities to engage with East Asia, whether through optional field trips or study abroad for a year.
Choose East Asian studies for a global perspective on one of the world's most dynamic regions.
Explore the rich and intertwined cultures of Japan, Korea and China at the School of East Asian Studies. Our academics use their expertise of the individual countries and the wider region in both their teaching and research across the whole of East Asia.
East Asian studies offers you a wide choice of modules from both humanities and social science subjects taught by lecturers who are doing cutting-edge research in disciplinary fields such as anthropology, history, film, sound and media studies, literature and politics. You’ll have the option to learn Chinese, Japanese or Korean at your own pace.
Taking a transnational approach, the three year programme is designed to prepare you to work across the region. In the third year, you'll bring your training together to research and write a dissertation project on a topic of your choice supported by world-leading researchers.
Modules
UCAS code: T300
Years: 2022, 2023
In your first year, you will take a core module in Exploring East Asia to enable you to understand the regional context and the links - geographical, historical, cultural, social and political - between the East Asian states; and a choice of modules on the Critical Analysis of texts about East Asia, to enable you to interpret and utilise scholars' writings about East Asia.
Through optional modules you will also be able to explore China, Japan and Korea in more detail or take up an East Asian language module.
Core Module:
- Exploring East Asia
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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
Approved Modules:
You will take 4 of the follwing modules to suit your individual interests.
- History and Culture in China
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This module explores what it means to study China at university level, and considers how 'area studies' research on China fits within disciplines such as history and cultural studies. We will consider how histories and cultural understandings of China 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.
20 credits
We will work on a combination of new and established research to explore one core topic: In 2022-2023 we will explore the history of twentieth-century Shanghai as seen from the grassroots. - Politics, Economy and Society in China
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This module explores what it means to study China at university level, and considers how 'area studies' research on China 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 China: including how Chinese 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.
20 credits - History and Culture in Japan
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This module explores what it means to study Japan at university level, and considers how `area studies' research on Japan fits within disciplines such as history, comparative literature and cultural studies. We will work on a combination of new and established research to explore one core topic. We will consider how studies of Japan are built, how researchers use primary evidence in text and/or images to understand change; 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.
20 credits
We will work on a combination of new and established research to explore one core topic: in 2022-2023 we will explore Japanese literature in the twentieth century as a frame for understanding modern Japanese history. - Politics, Economy and Society in Japan
-
This module explores what it means to study Japan at university level, and considers how 'area studies' research on Japan 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 Japan: including how Japanese 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.
20 credits - 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. You will develop a range of ways to express this understanding via short discussion board posts and video format, plus a written essay. 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
Guided Modules:
Through guided modules you will have the option to take a non-specialist East Asian language module, or chose from a list of guided modules from departments across the university. A final guided module list is made available to new students when you select your modules as part of registration.
In your second year there are no core modules. You will have the freedom to choose from a wide range of modules with a focus on the disciplinary study of East Asia, to enable you to understand the different approaches taken to the region by historians, political scientists, and sociologists, among others.
Approved Modules:
You will take two of the following modules.
Please note, spaces on the East Asian Fieldwork module are limited.
- Gender and Identities in East Asia
-
This module offers an overview of the study of gender and its connection to social, cultural, political and economic discourses across East Asia. Covering key issues related to the structures and dynamics of gender in East Asia, we learn to situate these dynamics in their historical and cultural context using case studies drawn from across the region.
20 credits - Mass Culture in East Asia
-
This module takes a transcultural approach to the study of mass culture in East Asia over the twentieth century. We will examine how mass culture, from radio and literature to art and entertainment have continuously reshaped 'national' identities and communities across East Asia
20 credits - Digital East Asia
-
This module introduces students to how digital technologies are re-shaping the way 'East Asia' is imagined and lived. From media that connect major cities in East Asia to the world, to digital Asian cultures outside of the region, we will investigate how East Asia circulates in digital form around the globe. Students will examine social media and online practices, streaming sites, games, and other digital technologies, with a focus on how Chinese-speaking, Japanese-speaking, and Korean-speaking cultures are circulated and produced in the digital era. In doing so, we will examine how new identities, communities and economies form out of the circulation and re-production of digital media. Students will learn about these issues through the application of media research methodologies with an East Asia focus.
20 credits - East Asian Cinema
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We will examine key film directors, cinematic movements and industry developments since 1945 from Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Mainland China. This module will introduce you to some of the key cinematic theoretical frameworks such as national and global cinemas, gender, spectatorship and will examine the ways in which selected East Asian films and directors interact with the history and culture of their respective nations. This module is designed to encourage students to critically examine both the text (the films themselves) and the context (the national environment, film festival circuit, film finance) that surrounds any film work.
20 credits - East Asian Fieldwork
-
The East Asian Fieldwork module provides students with an opportunity to conduct field-based research in an East Asian context. Building on pre-departure preparatory lectures and seminars in Sheffield with a focused period of in-country activities, students will develop fieldwork skills and experience working within a cross-cultural and cross-linguistic environment.
20 credits - East Asia through International Relations Theory
-
In this module you will explore the complex International Relations of North East Asia through the lens of International Relations theory. This module will explore topics and theories on a week to week basis, with each two weeks addressing a new theoretical perspective and a concomitant topic. Over the course of the module you will become familiar with both the politics of the region of East Asia, and common theories applied to understand these phenomena. You will be introduced to the politics of security, economic cooperation and conflict, national identity and memory, the politics of international status, as well as transnational environmental issues. You will also be introduced to the utility of limitation of realist, liberal, constructivist, critical, and environmentalist approaches to International relations theory
20 credits
Approved Modules:
You will take 80 credits from the following East Asian Studies modules and a list of guided modules available from departments across the university. A final guided module list is made available to new students when you select your modules as part of registration.
Please note, spaces on the East Asian Fieldwork module are limited.
- Chinese Business and Management
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The objective of this module is to provide students an understanding of China's economic reform and open door policies, and the new free market orientation. While module content is academic rather than practical, this unit is designed to acquaint students with Chinese business environment and practice, and to inform them of issues and problems encountered by international businesses operating in China or doing business with the Chinese. Emphasis is on the Chinese business culture, the state-owned enterprise reform, development of the private sector and management issues of Chinese family firms, foreign direct investment and operating foreign businesses in China, human resource management, Chinese consumer behaviour, and the financial markets. An understanding of these topics is highly relevant to companies targeting the China market and essential background for graduates seeking a career in Far Eastern Business. Students are thus encouraged to develop business-related skills.
20 credits - Modern Chinese History: Beyond Revolution
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This module will examine key themes in the histories of China's short twentieth century, with a primary focus on interpretations of 'modernity' and 'progress', explanations of revolution, and the ways in which new approaches in scholarship have influenced our understanding of China's recent past. While the structure of the module is loosely chronological, the emphasis is not on the detail of events but on the critical analysis of broad social and political changes, and we will examine these through recent historical writing on China and a range of primary textual and visual sources.
20 credits - Contemporary Chinese Society and Culture
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This module introduces students to different ways of thinking about Chinese society and culture. In particular, we focus on sociological, anthropological and geographical approaches to contemporary Chinese society and culture, showing why and how China is important to current theoretical debates in these disciplines.
20 credits - Population and Environment in China
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This module examines the interdependent relationship between population and environment in China. These are vitally important questions, in China and globally, that have attracted research by scholars of contemporary China, and in the wider academic disciplines of human geography and development studies. Through your work in lectures and seminars, you will gain a deep understanding of China's population and environment and its relation to social and economic change and to local and national institutions; and you will develop transferable skills of research, writing and critical analysis.
20 credits - Contemporary Japanese Society
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This module discusses key factors shaping contemporary Japanese society. Our particular focus will be on the last twenty years as post-Bubble Japan has entered a period of economic decline, prompting a series of debates about the effects of this change on society. Weekly lectures provide analysis and explanation of each week's theme, with a focus on cutting-edge scholarship from the fields of history, anthropology, media studies, gender studies, and cultural studies.
20 credits - Modern Japanese History
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This module will explore key themes in the modern history of Japan from the mid-nineteenth to the late twentieth century, while developing core skills in reading primary sources and historical analysis. Broad themes include identity and nation-building, social and economic change, war and its practical and cultural legacies. Key sub-disciplinary approaches will be based in social and cultural history, with some excursions into other historiographical approaches. It will be delivered through weekly lectures, and seminars structured around developing primary source analysis skills and relating these to appropriate secondary literature.
20 credits - Environment and Development of the Japanese Islands
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This module takes geographical, ecological, socio-cultural and political-economic perspectives in charting the emergence of Japan as the world's first non-Western developed country. Beginning with Japan's geological formation in pre-history and ending with a speculative enquiry into the state of Japan in 2100, the module assesses the human and ecological consequences of Japan's development within the country's Asian, Pacific, and global contexts.
20 credits - Experiencing 'Japan' through Literary Texts
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This module enables students to understand the key debates and issues in Japanese culture and society as related in literature, from pre-modern to contemporary times. Taking a chronological and thematic perspective, the module engages with critical approaches to literature and its interpretation, and through these encourages students to develop and acquire critical thinking about concepts of Japan and Japaneseness.
20 credits - Understanding Contemporary North Korea
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What does it mean to 'understand' North Korea, and what are the potential implications of this understanding, academically and professionally? This module explores these questions through the disciplines of international relations, history, media studies and anthropology, as we cover a range of topics in the field of contemporary North Korea. These topics include post-colonialism, founding myths, nationalism, identity, ideology, human rights, international relations, and security, and covers key events and trends from the mid-1900s to the present day. The module provides a foundation for students to critically analyse how the North Korean state and society are presented to us via a variety of voices, as well as how we might respond in any capacity to engage with North Korean affairs. Lectures, instructional videos and assigned readings will provide background, case studies and theoretical approaches helpful for developing a nuanced understanding of the topics covered. Seminar classwork and the assessed portfolio will be used to learn and practice skills integral to both academic and professional activities commonly associated with studies of contemporary politics and society.
20 credits - History of Korean Popular Music
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This module examines the social history of (South) Korea from the 1930s to the dawn of the millennium through the lens of popular music. The module starts with songs on gramophone records made during the Japanese colonial period and ends with Psy's 'Gangnam Style,' which achieved global popularity while satirising urban lifestyle in Seoul. Each week, students and the module lead perform a close analysis of the selected song(s), informed by relevant socio-historical contexts such as Japanese colonialism, national division, the Cold War, urban migration, state censorship, democratisation, and globalization. Secondarily, the module introduces students to issues that are relevant to the study of popular music in any national or transnational context.
20 credits - Contemporary Korean Society
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Since the end of World War II, South Korea has undergone rapid modernisation and radical social transformations that have created both opportunities and challenges. Through the disciplines of history, political science, social science and anthropology, this module examines major social, political, and cultural events and issues in contemporary Korea, including the developmental state, democratisation, gender, migration and modernity, contemporary social movements and Korea's place in the global community. This module aims to contribute to the development of students' capacity to go beyond observing and describing phenomena they may encounter when engaging with Korea, towards exercising an informed and nuanced understanding of the underlying forces that shape Korean politics, culture, business and society today. Classes are in the format of lectures, instructional videos and readings, followed by a series of seminars during which students will engage in research sessions and skills-focused tasks to discuss the experiences of one of Asia's most dynamic nations. The module is assessed with a portfolio of tasks designed to practice skills and deploy knowledge developed through engagement with the module's content and activities.
20 credits - East Asian Cinema
-
We will examine key film directors, cinematic movements and industry developments since 1945 from Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Mainland China. This module will introduce you to some of the key cinematic theoretical frameworks such as national and global cinemas, gender, spectatorship and will examine the ways in which selected East Asian films and directors interact with the history and culture of their respective nations. This module is designed to encourage students to critically examine both the text (the films themselves) and the context (the national environment, film festival circuit, film finance) that surrounds any film work.
20 credits - Digital East Asia
-
This module introduces students to how digital technologies are re-shaping the way 'East Asia' is imagined and lived. From media that connect major cities in East Asia to the world, to digital Asian cultures outside of the region, we will investigate how East Asia circulates in digital form around the globe. Students will examine social media and online practices, streaming sites, games, and other digital technologies, with a focus on how Chinese-speaking, Japanese-speaking, and Korean-speaking cultures are circulated and produced in the digital era. In doing so, we will examine how new identities, communities and economies form out of the circulation and re-production of digital media. Students will learn about these issues through the application of media research methodologies with an East Asia focus.
20 credits - East Asian Fieldwork
-
The East Asian Fieldwork module provides students with an opportunity to conduct field-based research in an East Asian context. Building on pre-departure preparatory lectures and seminars in Sheffield with a focused period of in-country activities, students will develop fieldwork skills and experience working within a cross-cultural and cross-linguistic environment.
20 credits - Gender and Identities in East Asia
-
This module offers an overview of the study of gender and its connection to social, cultural, political and economic discourses across East Asia. Covering key issues related to the structures and dynamics of gender in East Asia, we learn to situate these dynamics in their historical and cultural context using case studies drawn from across the region.
20 credits - Mass Culture in East Asia
-
This module takes a transcultural approach to the study of mass culture in East Asia over the twentieth century. We will examine how mass culture, from radio and literature to art and entertainment have continuously reshaped 'national' identities and communities across East Asia
20 credits - Japanese for Non-Specialists 3
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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 activities; 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 - Korean for Non-Specialists 3
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This module provides Intermediate training in spoken and written Korean, oral practice for various everyday situations and essential low-Intermediate grammatical structures. It also gives a general introduction Korean society and culture.
10 credits - Chinese for Non-Specialists III
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This module aims to enable students with beginners' level Mandarin Chinese (ca. 300 Chinese characters) to acquire increasingly complex practical language skills.
10 credits - East Asia through International Relations Theory
-
In this module you will explore the complex International Relations of North East Asia through the lens of International Relations theory. This module will explore topics and theories on a week to week basis, with each two weeks addressing a new theoretical perspective and a concomitant topic. Over the course of the module you will become familiar with both the politics of the region of East Asia, and common theories applied to understand these phenomena. You will be introduced to the politics of security, economic cooperation and conflict, national identity and memory, the politics of international status, as well as transnational environmental issues. You will also be introduced to the utility of limitation of realist, liberal, constructivist, critical, and environmentalist approaches to International relations theory
20 credits - Japanese for Non-Specialists 4
-
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 activities; 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 - Korean for Non-Specialists 4
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This module aims to further enhance students' communication skills in the four language skills - listening, speaking, reading and writing. Students are expected to communicate confidently in a wide range of social interactions including formal situations and simple professional contexts as well as reporting past events and sharing experiences.
10 credits - Chinese for Non-Specialists IV
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This module aims to enable students with beginners' level Mandarin Chinese (ca. 450 Chinese characters) to acquire increasingly complex practical language skills.
10 credits - Digital East Asia
-
This module introduces students to how digital technologies are re-shaping the way 'East Asia' is imagined and lived. From media that connect major cities in East Asia to the world, to digital Asian cultures outside of the region, we will investigate how East Asia circulates in digital form around the globe. Students will examine social media and online practices, streaming sites, games, and other digital technologies, with a focus on how Chinese-speaking, Japanese-speaking, and Korean-speaking cultures are circulated and produced in the digital era. In doing so, we will examine how new identities, communities and economies form out of the circulation and re-production of digital media. Students will learn about these issues through the application of media research methodologies with an East Asia focus.
20 credits
Guided Modules:
You will take up to 40 credits from the following East Asian language modules and a list of guided modules available from departmetns across the university.
In your final year, you will be able to choose from a wide range of specialised research seminar modules, to enable you to join your lecturers in the most up-to-date study of East Asia. This will support an important component of your degree will be a dissertation on a topic of your choice relating to one or more East Asian countries. You will work on the dissertation over the course of the year with a supervisor from the department, using the analytical skills you have developed through your studies in earlier years to produce a high-quality piece of research.
Core Modules:
- East Asian Dissertation
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The East Asian dissertation requires that students produce an extended and focused study of a subject of their own choice, within the scope of their degree programme, and allows students to refine and extend their independent research, analytical and writing skills. The unit is delivered through a combination of group meetings in lecture or seminar format and through individual supervision.
40 credits - Researching East Asia 1
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This unit explores some of the key debates and latest empirical developments in a specific field of research currently undertaken by a member of SEAS staff in East Asian Studies. It enables students to understand how research questions are formulated and answered by exploring the member of staff's disciplinary focus, the range of theoretical approaches employed, and the various methodologies available in researching this field.
20 credits
Approved Modules:
You will take one of the following research focused modules.
- Researching China 1
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This unit explores some of the key debates and latest empirical developments in a specific field of research currently undertaken by a member of SEAS staff in Chinese Studies. It enables students to understand how research questions are formulated and answered by exploring the member of staff's disciplinary focus, the range of theoretical approaches employed, and the various methodologies available in researching this field.
20 credits - Researching Japan 1
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This module, subtitled “Stardom, Celebrity, and Politics in Japan”, investigates the operations of persona in the Japanese social and political sphere. Star, celebrity, and political persona is understood as a shifting object, informed by the socio-political circumstances of the historical period in which the transmitting persona operates.The goal of this research module is to establish a method for tracing and accounting for the operations of constructed public persona on our understanding of Japan.
20 credits - Researching Japan 2
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This unit explores some of the key debates and latest empirical developments in a specific field of research currently undertaken by a member of SEAS staff in Japanese Studies. It enables students to understand how research questions are formulated and answered by exploring the member of staff's disciplinary focus, the range of theoretical approaches employed, and the various methodologies available in researching this field.
20 credits - Researching Korea 1
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This unit explores some of the key debates and latest empirical developments in a specific field of research currently undertaken by a member of SEAS staff in Korean Studies. It enables students to understand how research questions are formulated and answered by exploring the member of staff's disciplinary focus, the range of theoretical approaches employed, and the various methodologies available in researching this field.
20 credits - Researching Korea 2
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This unit explores some of the key debates and latest empirical developments in a specific field of research currently undertaken by a member of SEAS staff in Korean Studies. It enables students to understand how research questions are formulated and answered by exploring the member of staff's disciplinary focus, the range of theoretical approaches employed, and the various methodologies available in researching this field.
20 credits
Guided Modules:
You will take up to 40 credits from the following East Asian language and research modules and a list of guided modules available from departments across the university. A final guided module list is made available to new students when you select your modules as part of registration.
- East Asia Research Project 1
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In this module, you will work as part of a small team within a scenario set by a SEAS staff member that relates to his/her field of research as explored in EAS3XXX. You will answer a research question by choosing an appropriate methodology, allocating specific tasks within your team, organising your time and reflecting on the research process both individually and collectively. Specific projects will include appropriate research training provided by the module organiser and/or 301. At the end of the module you will produce a research output and display it as part of a programme-wide and School-wide event to specialised/non-specialised audiences.
20 credits - China Research Project 1
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In this module, you will work on a research project related to the field of research explored in EAS3021. You will formulate and design and conduct a research project (with appropriately framed questions and methods) that produces a 'creative research output' and supporting project report. Specific projects will be supported by appropriate research training provided by the module organiser and/or central/Faculty services. At the end of the module, creative outputs will be displayed as part of a programme-wide and School-wide event to specialised/non-specialised audiences.
20 credits - Japan Research Project 1
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In this semester, we will apply the understanding developed in EAS3031 Researching Japan 1 to a research project on stardom, celebrity, and politics in Japan. You will answer a research question of your own choice by choosing an appropriate methodology, organising your time and reflecting on the research process both individually and collectively. At the end of the module you will produce a research output and display it as part of a programme-wide and School-wide event to specialised/non-specialised audiences. The research outputs and bibliographies will be published in an online exhibition space dedicated to Level 3 Researching Projects at SEAS.
20 credits - Japan Research Project 2
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In this module, you will work as part of a small team within a scenario set by a SEAS staff member that relates to his/her field of research as explored in EAS3033. You will answer a research question by choosing an appropriate methodology, allocating specific tasks within your team, organising your time and reflecting on the research process both individually and collectively. Specific projects will include appropriate research training provided by the module organiser and/or 301. At the end of the module you will produce a research output and display it as part of a programme-wide and School-wide event to specialised/non-specialised audiences.
20 credits - Korea Research Project 1
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In this module, you will work as part of a small team within a scenario set by a SEAS staff member that relates to his/her field of research as explored in EAS3043. You will answer a research question by choosing an appropriate methodology, allocating specific tasks within your team, organising your time and reflecting on the research process both individually and collectively. Specific projects will include appropriate research training provided by the module organiser and/or 301. At the end of the module you will produce a research output and display it as part of a programme-wide and School-wide event to specialised/non-specialised audiences.
20 credits - Korea Research Project 2
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In this module, you will work as part of a small team within a scenario set by a SEAS staff member that relates to his/her field of research as explored in EAS3043. You will answer a research question by choosing an appropriate methodology, allocating specific tasks within your team, organising your time and reflecting on the research process both individually and collectively. Specific projects will include appropriate research training provided by the module organiser and/or 301. At the end of the module you will produce a research output and display it as part of a programme-wide and School-wide event to specialised/non-specialised audiences.
20 credits - Japanese for Non- Specialists 5
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The module follows on from and consolidates the skills acquired in Japanese for Non-Specialists 4 and aims to acquire further practical language skills, in listening, reading, speaking and writing. New grammatical patterns and a broader range of vocabulary and kanji are introduced and practised. Students will further develop their oral competence in spoken practice through role-plays and discussion activities, focusing on clear and appropriate communication.
10 credits - Korean for Non-specialists 5
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The module follows on from and consolidates the skillsacquired in Korean for Non-Specialists 4 and aims toacquire further practical language skills, in listening,reading, speaking and writing. New grammaticalpatterns and a broader range of vocabulary are introduced and practised. Students will further developtheir oral competence in spoken practice through role-plays and discussion activities, focusing on clear andappropriate communication.
10 credits - Chinese for Non-Specialists V
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This module continues from Chinese for Non-Specialists IV, focusing on receptive activities, written productive activities and interactive activities in Chinese language at lower intermediate level. This module acts as a transition between the teacher-centred learning required for the acquisition of basic language skills, and the autonomous and self-directed learning required to progress at intermediate and advanced levels. Translation and functional reading skills are extended, with texts including annotated topical materials. Techniques for tackling unseen materials are developed and grammar knowledge is consolidated and expanded. Every week students are made aware of and given the opportunity to practise spoken applications of specific themes, which is shared with the grammar and writing components.
10 credits - What is Learning?
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The module explores understandings about how people learn, and implications that these understandings have for how we conduct key social practices, including teaching, caring for children, assessing learning, and on educating generally. We will also look 'beneath' understandings of learning to the worldviews on which they stand, particularly 'realist' and 'constructivist' positions. This matters because 'realism' and 'constructivism' carry implications for how we conceptualise things we take for granted: the nature of truth, the process and products of science, the basis for ethics, the outcomes of research, and assumptions about what is. The module will explore these challenging issues.
20 credits - Philosophies of Education
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This module will explore the importance of philosophy to the study of education. It covers key moments in the history of Western philosophy, focusing on the question of modernity (What is modernity? What are its ramifications for education?). The module will investigate the consequences of late modernity for present day education, a period in which the aims and purposes of education have become increasingly unclear, leaving education open to the rise of instrumentalism and the forces of capital. Overall the module offers a critique of common assumptions in education, provoking questioning about its nature and purposes.
20 credits - Future Cities
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This module will introduce students to conceptual and policy debates that frame possible urban futures. It will develop students' understanding of the emerging contemporary practices and challenges that are transforming cities, such as smart cities, fantasy urban planning, eco-cities, cities and technology and cities and the super rich. It will also expose students to a range of case studies that present urban issues and processes from both the Global North and the Global South.
20 credits - Japanese for Non- Specialists 6
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The module follows on from and consolidates the skills acquired in Japanese for Non-Specialists 5 and aims to acquire further practical language skills, in listening, reading, speaking and writing. New grammatical patterns and a broader range of vocabulary and kanji are introduced and practised. Students will further develop their oral competence in spoken practice through role-plays and discussion activities, focusing on clear and appropriate communication.
10 credits - Korean for Non-specialists 6
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The module follows on from and consolidates the skills acquired in Korean for Non-Specialists 5 and aims to acquire further practical language skills, in listening, reading, speaking and writing. New grammatical patterns and a broader range of vocabulary are introduced and practised. Students will further develop their oral competence in spoken practice through role-plays and discussion activities, focusing on clear and appropriate communication.
10 credits - Chinese for Non-Specialists VI
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This module continues from Chinese for Non-specialists V, focusing on receptive activities, written productive activities and interactive activities in Chinese language at intermediate level. This module acts as a transition between the teacher-centred learning required for the acquisition of basic language skills, and the autonomous and self-directed learning required to progress at intermediate and advanced levels. Translation and functional reading skills are extended, with texts including annotated topical materials. Techniques for tackling unseen materials are developed and grammar knowledge is consolidated and expanded. Every week students are made aware of and given the opportunity to practise spoken applications of specific themes, which is shared with the grammar and writing components.
10 credits - Education@Sheffield
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In Education@Sheffield students are invited to explore and evaluate the rich and diverse research taking place within the School of Education. Through a series of seminars presented by active researchers, students are encouraged to critically engage with research - and the researchers themselves - in the fields of educational and childhood studies. The Education@Sheffield module enables students to acquire a critical understanding of various themes, settings and methodologies which shape contemporary educational research.
20 credits - Globalising Education
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This module considers the extent to which education might be viewed as a global context with a shared meaning. Moving outwards from the dominant concepts, principles and practices which frame 'our own' national, or regional responses to education, the module explores other possible ways of understanding difference. By examining 'other ways of seeing difference', in unfamiliar contexts, students are able to examine the implications of globalisation for education and explore the opportunities and obstacles for the social justice agendas within a range of cultural settings.
20 credits - Global Data Industries
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This module focuses on the global data industries, the rise of which has been accentuated by the growth of the digital economy. Platforms and digital technology corporations now double up as the data industries, especially with their focus on data accumulation, storage, management and governance. Similarly, the emergence of data annotation and labelling firms in countries in the Global South, the rise of data centres across countries, and the emergence of governance frameworks that enable or regulate these industries make them important entities to be studied. Students will acquire an understanding of datafication, its infrastructural and commercial dimensions, all of which undergird the development of the data industries. Students will be able to critically analyse the experiences of human labour and work, as well as sustainability in the context of the data industries in diverse contexts. Finally, students will be able to comprehend policy, governance and regulatory developments in relation to these industries.
20 credits - Race, technology and digital media
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The relationship between technology, digital media and ideas of 'race' is far from straightforward. Unpicking it requires us to interrogate how and why technologies are designed. It also compels us to ask how, and with what effect, race and racial difference are depicted in contemporary representational media. In this broad ranging module, we place an emphasis on literature from sociology, critical media and Science and Technology Studies and situate highly contemporary examples in a longer history of the race/technology interface. Students will be equipped with the critical tools to consider how, why and with what consequence race becomes enfolded into the technologies and media that comprise our everyday lives.
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'll study modules covering East Asian history, society, business, literature and culture. Your lectures will focus on specific themes. which you will then discuss in seminars and tutorials.
You'll also have the option to take non-specialist language modules in Chinese, Japanese or Korean.
The School of East Asian Studies (SEAS) 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.
Right from the start, you'll be working with expert researchers and native speakers, who will help you to reach your potential.
Assessment
You will be assessed through a combination of coursework such as writing essays, developing a portfolio, taking part in group projects and presentations, and formal examinations.
If you are learning a language you will be taught by native speakers in Chinese, Japanese and Korean in regular small group classes using custom made course material. You will be assessed on the core skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing.
Programme specification
This tells you the aims and learning outcomes of this course and how these will be achieved and assessed.
Entry requirements
With Access Sheffield, you could qualify for additional consideration or an alternative offer - find out if you're eligible.
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
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Evidence of interest in East Asia (China, Japan, Korea) demonstrated through the personal statement is also required
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
-
Evidence of interest in East Asia (China, Japan, Korea) demonstrated through the personal statement is also required
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
Equivalent English language qualifications
Visa and immigration requirements
Other qualifications | UK and EU/international
If you have any questions about entry requirements, please contact the school/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.
School of East Asian Studies
in teaching and researching East Asia
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.
Facilities
School of East Asian StudiesUniversity rankings
Number one in the Russell Group
National Student Survey 2024 (based on aggregate responses)
92 per cent of our research is rated as world-leading or internationally excellent
Research Excellence Framework 2021
University of the Year and best for Student Life
Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2024
Number one Students' Union in the UK
Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2024, 2023, 2022, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017
Number one for Students' Union
StudentCrowd 2024 University Awards
A top 20 university targeted by employers
The Graduate Market in 2023, High Fliers report
A top-100 university: 12th in the UK and 98th in the world
Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025
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.
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
Placements, field trips and studying abroad
Placements
Field trip
The East Asian field trip gives you the chance to spend up to two weeks in East Asia undertaking a country based research project in the second year of your degree.
This is an exciting opportunity for you to spend time in one of the countries you are studying as part of your degree. You'll travel to East Asia as a group along with academic staff.
During your stay you'll be able to immerse yourself in local culture, explore your host city and conduct in-country research that will enhance your understanding of East Asia and contribute to your overall degree.
This trip will help you develop a better understanding of the region and improve your research skills, and your ability to learn independently and manage projects effectively.
Funding your East Asian field trip
The East Asian field trip is funded by the School of East Asian Studies, with students only needing to pay visa costs and living expenses while abroad such as food, drinks and social activities.
Study abroad
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.
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.
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.
Apply
Contact us
- Telephone
- +44 114 222 8400
- eastasianstudies-admissions@sheffield.ac.uk
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.