East Asian Studies and International Relations

East Asian studies and international relations is a combination that connects the deep knowledge of East Asia's cultures, languages, societies and histories with the analytical frameworks for understanding how states, institutions and non-state actors interact in the international system. East Asia, encompassing China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan and the wider region, is one of the most economically, politically and strategically consequential parts of the world, and understanding it through its own linguistic and cultural traditions, rather than purely through the lens of Western international relations theory, produces a richer and more practically useful kind of knowledge.

At the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), this programme with a foundation year benefits from SOAS's exceptional depth in the languages and cultures of Asia. You will engage with the history, politics, economics and cultural life of East Asia alongside the international relations frameworks, including realism, liberalism, constructivism and critical approaches, that the IR dimension of the degree demands. The foundation year provides a structured entry into degree-level study, building the academic skills and background knowledge needed before the main programme begins.

SOAS's research strength in East Asian politics and international relations means you will encounter expert knowledge of the region rather than a generalist perspective on it.

Graduates pursue careers in diplomacy, international business with East Asian operations, international organisations, think tanks and policy research with an East Asian focus, journalism and media, development organisations working in the region, export finance and trade, intelligence and government roles with Asian portfolios, and academic research. The combination of regional expertise and international relations analytical training is particularly valued in roles where understanding the politics, strategy and culture of East Asia is directly relevant to professional performance. Many graduates go on to postgraduate study in East Asian studies, international relations, security studies, area studies or a related field.