East Asian Studies and Chinese

East Asian Studies and Chinese is a degree that gives you access to one of the most economically significant and culturally complex regions on earth. East Asia is home to the world's second and third largest economies and encompasses societies as diverse as China, Japan, Korea, Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam, each with distinct historical trajectories, political systems, languages, and cultural traditions. Studying the region from historical, economic, political, social, and cultural perspectives allows you to develop a genuinely sophisticated understanding of forces that are central to how the twenty-first century is unfolding.

At the University of Leeds, this four-year, full-time degree develops a diverse and rigorous understanding of East Asia alongside Chinese language skills. You will explore Northeast Asia, covering China, Japan, and Korea, and Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam, examining the region from multiple disciplinary angles that together provide a more complete picture than any single approach could offer. Chinese, as the language of the world's most populous country and a major force in international politics, trade, and culture, is one of the most valuable language skills a graduate can carry into the professional world.

Graduates with specialist knowledge of East Asia and proficiency in Chinese are well placed for careers in international business, diplomacy, journalism, the civil service, international development, finance, consultancy, and academic research. The region's growing geopolitical and economic importance means that specialists who can engage with it linguistically and analytically are increasingly sought after in a wide range of sectors. Postgraduate study in East Asian studies, international relations, China studies, or business is a natural progression for those who wish to deepen their expertise.