Asian Studies is an interdisciplinary area of study focusing on modern Asian societies and cultures and their historical traditions, with a particular focus on China, Indonesia, Japan and Korea. Asian Studies brings together interdisciplinary perspectives and approaches including from economics, history, politics, sociology, literature, philosophy and media to explore the changes that have happened in the Asian region over the last century.

Students who wish to specialise in Asian studies are encouraged to learn a relevant Asian language.

At an undergraduate level, the study of Asian Studies is available in the Bachelor of Arts and related combined degree programs. Students may take a major sequence in Asian Studies as their second major, together with a major in a school-based discipline within the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Alternatively, students may take one or more Asian Studies courses toward the general requirements of their Bachelor degree.

Students wishing to gain a major sequence in Asian Studies must obtain 12 Level 1 and 30 Upper Level units of credit from the following courses. Students may obtain up to 12 Upper Level units of credit from Asian languages. Students who wish to count any other course towards their major sequence in Asian Studies should consult the Coordinator.

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There is a broad range of Asian studies courses offered in the Faculty. These include those that focus on particular countries in Asia (e.g. Indonesia or Korea) as well as others that cover specific issues in the Asian region (e.g. media, philosophy, politics). While it is important for students to develop a good understanding of their selected country of study, they should also seek to understand the interactions between the Asian countries and the issues affecting the Asian region as a whole.

The courses on offer vary from year to year depending on staff availability. Check the UNSW Undergraduate Handbook for course descriptions and availability.

Country-Specific Courses

Courses with a Broader Regional Focus

Most 3xxx courses have prerequisites (e.g. you should be in your third year of study); some have a prerequisite of Units of Credit (UOC) in the discipline. Check the details on the UNSW Undergraduate Handbook or with the particular school. If you are very interested in enrolling in a course for which you have not satisfied the prerequisites, speak with the lecturer; s/he might be willing to make an exception in your case due to your program restrictions.