Korean

Korean is one of the world's major languages, spoken by around 80 million people across the Korean peninsula and in diaspora communities around the globe. It is the language of one of the most dynamic economies in Asia, a rich literary and philosophical tradition, and a contemporary cultural force whose films, music, and television have reached audiences worldwide. Studying Korean at degree level means engaging with all of these dimensions: the language itself, the society that produced it, and the wider Asian contexts in which it sits.

Soas is one of the leading institutions in the world for the study of languages, cultures, and societies of Asia and Africa, and its Korean programme reflects that depth of expertise. This four-year degree includes a foundation year, giving you a thorough grounding in the language from the beginning, whether you are coming in as a complete beginner or with some prior exposure to Korean. Students spend the third year studying in Korea, developing language proficiency in an immersive environment and gaining first-hand understanding of Korean business practices and contemporary culture.

The programme runs full time and the typical entry tariff is 120 UCAS points.

Graduates with Korean language skills are sought after in fields where South Korea's global presence is felt most strongly, including technology, automotive, finance, media, and cultural industries. Careers in diplomacy, international organisations, journalism, translation, and interpreting are common routes, as is teaching Korean as a foreign language. Many graduates go on to postgraduate study in Korean or East Asian studies, area studies, international relations, or business, combining linguistic expertise with specialist knowledge in a second discipline.