UCC Undergraduate courses

Arts - Asian Studies

About This Course

Fact File

Course Outline

Asian Studies examines the many different countries that constitute this vast continent, from the Middle East to India and the Himalayan States, to Southeast Asia region and the Far East.

The 21st century has been dubbed the "Asian century" because of the rapidly rising economic, cultural and political importance on the world stage of Asian countries, yet in Ireland our knowledge and understanding of this vast area is generally lacking.

Asian countries are very different from each other. The course focuses on contemporary Asia, beginning with an overview of the entire region, including Asian diasporas worldwide. In subsequent years you will choose modules from a variety of disciplines focusing on Asia , allowing you to study particular countries or regions in more depth, and (optionally) to study one or more Asian language.

Study abroad with UCC’s partner universities in Asia is also encouraged. 

Modules

Year 1 Modules:

AS1001 Introduction to Modern Asia (15 credits)

Year 2 Modules:

Asian Languages;  Asian Studies;  Chinese Studies;  Korean Studies;  Japanese Studies;  Government and Politics;  History;  Philosophy;  Religions and Global Diversity

 

Year 3*/4 Modules:

Asian Languages;  Asian Studies;  Chinese Studies;  Korean Studies;  Japanese Studies;  Government and Politics;  History;  Philosophy;  Religions and Global Diversity

 

*BA International students spend Third Year studying in an approved foreign university in a country of the student's major language or subject.  They return to complete their Final Year in UCC in Year 4.

See the College Calendar for more detailed information on the programme and the Book of Modules for a more detailed description of programme modules.

 

Course Practicalities

Lectures are scheduled Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. Each student’s timetable will differ depending on the subjects selected. In First Arts, each subject entails three to four lectures per week plus a one hour tutorial.

Language subjects will have additional weekly language laboratories and Archaeology and Geography require students to attend field trips as well.

Even though students take only two subjects after Year 1, the workload is broadly similar. Each 5-credit module has approximately 24 one-hour lectures, plus additional language laboratories for languages.

Students take 60 credits worth of modules each year.

Why Choose This Course

Changing to Asian Studies at the start of first year was probably the best decision I've made academically.

Robin O'Driscoll

Student

Find Out More

Placement or Study Abroad Information

Study abroad: If you are studying through the BA International, you will spend Year 3 studying at one of our partner universities abroad. We currently have links with universities in: Canada, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Lithuania, The Netherlands, Norway, South Korea, Spain, Sweden Mexico, and the USA.

Work placement: If you study through the BA or the BA International, you will have the opportunity to avail of a work placement in Year 2. You can find out more here.

Skills and Careers Information

Career Opportunities: Many of today’s students will be pursuing careers either based in Asia or involving significant contact with Asian colleagues and contacts in Ireland, Europe or further afield. With Asian Studies as part of your degree, you will feel confident in dealing with many aspects of Asia, whether in business, education, politics or development.

Asian Studies will also give you a unique perspective on your own culture, making you more self-aware and culturally sensitive; these are increasingly valuable attributes in a globalising world.

Postgraduate opportunities: UCC has a flourishing and expanding Asian Studies programme with opportunities for PhD and Masters level study in different regions of Asia.

Requirements

Refer to CK101 and CK108.

Non-EU Applicants

Non-EU applicants are expected to have educational qualifications of a standard equivalent to the Irish Leaving Certificate. In addition, where such appicants are non-native speakers of the English language they must satisfy the university of their competency in the English language.

To verify if you meet the minimum academic and language requirements visit our qualification comparison page and refer to our International Office page for more information.

Fees and Costs

Refer to CK101 and CK108.

For International Fees see our Fees Schedule page.

How Do I Apply

Refer to CK101 and CK108.

EU Applicants

The Central Applications Office (CAO) processes applications for undergraduate courses in Irish Higher Education Institutions. Refer to the CAO page for further information.

Mature Applicants (age 23 or over)

All interested mature applicants must make an application through the Central Applications Office (CAO). See the CAO Mature Applicants and the Mature Students Admissions Pathway (MSAP) pages. Visit our Mature Student Entry page for more information.

QQI/FET

See our QQI/FET Applicants page for information on the Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI)/Further Education and Training (FET) application process.

Non-EU Applicants

Non-EU applicants apply online via the UCC Apply portal. See our International Office page for more information.

All Applicants

Please note that the modules listed are indicative of the current set of modules for this course and are subject to change from year to year. Check the College Calendar for the full academic content of any given course for the current year. 

  • In UCC, we use the terms programme and course interchangeably to describe what a person has registered to study in UCC and its constituent colleges, schools, and departments. 

For queries regarding course content or timetables please contact

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