Undergraduate

Asian Studies

Take Asian Studies and prepare yourself for a world of new experiences, opportunities and discovery in our region.
Course Details Careers & further study Fees & Scholarships Admission requirements How to apply Contact us Enquire Apply

Careers and further study

This course opens up a world of future study pathways and career opportunities.

Career Pathways

As an Asian Studies graduate, you'll have excellent employment prospects in Australia and in the rising economies of Asia. Many employers in Australia and Asia – including human rights, education, tourism and media organisations, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the World Bank, and the United Nations – give priority to the employment of graduates with an Asia-related academic background. 

Potential career opportunities include:

  • Diplomat
  • Foreign Correspondent
  • Trade Representative
  • International Lawyer
  • Policy Advisor
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Career Pathways

As an Asian Studies graduate, you'll have excellent employment prospects in Australia and in the rising economies of Asia. Many employers in Australia and Asia – including human rights, education, tourism and media organisations, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the World Bank, and the United Nations – give priority to the employment of graduates with an Asia-related academic background. 

Potential career opportunities include:

  • Diplomat
  • Foreign Correspondent
  • Trade Representative
  • International Lawyer
  • Policy Advisor

Further Study

This major lays the foundation for further study options at honours and postgraduate level.

You may be interested in:

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Further Study

This major lays the foundation for further study options at honours and postgraduate level.

You may be interested in:

Postgraduate study at UWA

Master of International Relations

Master of International Relations

Gain the skills and knowledge you need to tackle international issues.

Fees and scholarships

Learn more about the fees that apply to you for this course. For fee type definitions and further assistance, see the Fee Calculator page. You can also search our database for scholarships that are relevant to you or this course

Domestic Student Fees

For Commonwealth-supported places, student contribution amounts are charged by unit, based on area of study. For a fee estimate, go to the Fee Calculator and select “I want to price my units”. Fees are subject to annual indexation. Refer to the Handbook to identify the units required. More information on how fees are calculated.

Fee calculator

Scholarships

Scholarships are available to students from a diverse range of backgrounds, including academic achievement, financial need, educational disadvantage, leadership and community service, artistic or sporting achievements, and being from a rural or remote area.

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Cost of living

There are a few things to consider before applying to study at university. One could be your cost of living. This can depend on factors such as lifestyle, accommodation, tuition fees, medical insurance, textbooks and more. For an indication of expenses and average costs, see our Cost of living page.

Cost of living

International Student Fees

Annual course fee

Onshore international students are charged an annual course fee, charged per credit point at a rate dependent on the course in which the student is enrolled. Annual course fees are calculated based on an annual study load. Check the handbook to confirm the annual study load for your course.

Find out more about international student tuition fees and visit the fee calculator for the relevant course fees.

Fees are subject to annual indexation.

Fee calculator

Scholarships

Scholarships are available to students from a diverse range of backgrounds, including academic achievement, financial need, educational disadvantage, leadership and community service, artistic or sporting achievements, and being from a rural or remote area.

Search Scholarships

Cost of living

There are a few things to consider before applying to study at university. One could be your cost of living. This can depend on factors such as lifestyle, accommodation, tuition fees, medical insurance, textbooks and more. For an indication of expenses and average costs, see our Cost of living page.

Cost of living

Admission requirements

The University of Western Australia welcomes applications from international and domestic school-leavers. If you’re interested in studying one of these majors, find out the admission details below. 

Admission requirements

For applicants with recent secondary education, information on admission criteria is available on our entry requirements page or on the UWA Handbook for course specific requirements and prerequisites.

Admission requirements

ADMISSION REQUIREMENT

English competency

English is the language of instruction and assessment at UWA and you will need to meet the English language requirements of the University to be eligible for a place.

Minimum overall IELTS score of 6.5, with no band less than 6.0.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENT

English competency

How to apply

Apply through TISC

  1. Log in to the TISC website
    If you’re a Year 12 student studying a WACE course at a WA high school or a pathway program, you are already automatically registered with TISC.
  2. Select your preferences
    You can choose up to six preferences when you apply through TISC. You should list your preferences in order from your most desired course onwards; this way you’ll have plenty of options to get into UWA.
  3. Lodging your application
    You’re almost there! After answering a few questions, you’ll need to make a declaration about your application.
  4. Application processing fee
    Your TISC application is lodged once you’ve completed the payment. For more information on fees and payments, visit the TISC website.
     

Course details

Asian Studies provides knowledge and a solid basis for critically understanding the great diversity of cultures, societies and political systems of Asia, including China, Indonesia, Japan and Korea. It explores the impact of the great religions such as Buddhism, Hinduism and Islam and investigates the dramatic changes that colonialism and revolutions have brought to the people of the region. Students develop critical knowledge of contemporary Asia and the social, cultural, political and economic forces which are shaping modern societies in this dynamic region.

About the course

From popular culture, history and politics, through to religion, gender and environmental issues, explore the issues facing the dynamic Asian region. 
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About the course

Asia is home to two-thirds of the world's population and some of the most dynamic and fascinating societies on the planet. It’s also an economic powerhouse that is vital to Australia's future prosperity and security. 

Asian Studies provides knowledge and a solid basis for critically understanding the great diversity of cultures, societies and political systems of Asia. 

Our popular in-country study options give you a golden opportunity to directly experience life in China, Japan, Korea or Indonesia and boost your resume. 

Combining Asian Studies with an Asian language major of your choice equips you with the cultural literacy that is increasingly sought after by employers both in government and the private sector.  

 
Asian Studies

Quick details

Status
  • Available
Locations
  • Perth (Crawley campus)
Attendance
  • Full-time
  • Part-time
Delivery
  • On-campus
Starting dates
  • February, July
Weekly contact time
  • 2-3 hours, plus your own study time and examinations
Level of study
  • Undergraduate
Course Code
  • MJD-ASSTD
Full time/part time duration
  • 3 years (BA); 4 years (BPhil [Hons])
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Asian Studies

Quick details

Status
  • Available
Locations
  • Perth (Crawley campus)
Attendance
  • Full-time
  • Part-time
Delivery
  • On-campus
Starting dates
  • February, July
Weekly contact time
  • 2-3 hours, plus your own study time and examinations
Level of study
  • Undergraduate
Course Code
  • MJD-ASSTD
Full time/part time duration
  • 3 years (BA); 4 years (BPhil [Hons])
Honours Available
  • Yes
Degrees course is available in
  • Bachelor of Arts
  • Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours)
  • Bachelor of Arts Integrated Professional

Georgia Watterson

Georgia Watterson
Find out more

Georgia Watterson

Georgia Watterson
Having the ability to diversify my study with electives and broadening units is definitely an added positive of studying at UWA. I appreciate the ability UWA gives me to choose units I may not have otherwise chosen or learnt about. Originally I chose an Asian Studies unit as an elective to complement my other study areas. I found looking into the cultural aspects of societies and studying the reasons why people interact in specific ways due to their cultural backgrounds fascinating. I decided to continue studying Asian Studies because of this reason. 

Looking into the interests and social thoughts of one of Australia’s closest neighbours intrigues me, but what has really got me most interested in the course units is definitely the lecturers. Enjoying the content is as important as having a lecturer who can interact with you and the course material the same; Asian Studies offers me an equal balance of the two.
 

You may also be interested in these courses

Course Structure

Our undergraduate degrees offer you a broad range of options allowing you to combine subjects in a way that matches your career goals and personal interests.

Popular combinations

Political Science and International Relations Political Science and International Relations Chinese Studies Chinese Studies
Course structure details

You'll learn to

  • demonstrate critical knowledge of debates and discourses surrounding contemporary issues in Asia
  • understand the complexities of sociocultural, political, economic and environmental transformations and interactions in postcolonial Asia
  • demonstrate ethical sensitivity towards our diverse and globalised world

You'll learn to

Apply learning in real‑world contexts

Current UWA students are eligible to take one of our professional experience units. These units bridge the gap between university and the workplace by providing opportunities to gain hands-on, practical experience. You can master new skills, make connections and network, get a taste of the opportunities in the workforce and add experience to your resume, all before graduating.

  • COMM3002 Media Production Project: Students undertake supervised, collaborative, studio-based work, creating a project to be delivered at a public showcase and ultimately become part of their portfolio
  • COMM3003: Designing Interactive Media: Students are tasked to design a play experience, generally a board game, to a professional standard
  • Students are strongly encouraged to take WILG2201 – which encompasses a professional placement in a workplace for university credit

Find out more about Work Integrated Learning.

Apply learning in real‑world contexts

Your degree options

This major is offered as a degree-specific, or first, major for these degrees. It is also offered as a second major in our other bachelor's degrees.

Why study this course?

  • Asian Studies at UWA offers the most comprehensive menu of Asia focused units
  • UWA’s Asian Studies lecturers hold strong institutional, interdisciplinary and international research and teaching links
  • Generous in-country study opportunities in China, Japan, Korea and Indonesia provide life-changing experiences and make you stand out from the crowd

Why study this course?

Why take a second major

  • Expand your skills - Taking a second major either in a complementary area or in something like Economics or Business Law will show you have developed transferable skills such as, teamwork, critical thinking, digital literacy and presentation skills – which are highly sought after in the workforce.
  • Add it to your resume – Employers are looking for graduates who have skills in a variety of areas. Two majors will expand your career prospects and help you stand out amongst the crowd.
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Why take a second major

  • Expand your skills - Taking a second major either in a complementary area or in something like Economics or Business Law will show you have developed skills such as, teamwork, critical thinking, digital literacy and presentation skills – which are highly sought after in the workforce.
  • Add it to your resume – Employers are looking for graduates who have skills in a variety of areas. Two majors will expand your career prospects and help you stand out amongst the crowd.
  • Study your passion alongside your interests – Do you love Marketing? Law? History of Art? Pursue a career while studying something else you love! Your second major can be from any other school across the university.
  • No additional time – Choosing two majors instead of one won’t add any additional time to your undergraduate degree. A standard bachelor degree consists of the same amount of units either way.
  • Discover what you want to do while you’re doing it – Not sure what career you want when you graduate? It’s very common for undergraduate students to be unsure. Choosing two majors in different areas will give you the opportunity to explore multiple interests and see what fits best. Majors can be switched until the end of your first year without adding any time onto your degree.

Check out the popular combinations for this major to get some inspiration on complementary areas to study.