Korean Studies

The MA Korean Studies is designed either to prepare the student for advanced graduate work in a wide range of subjects related to Korea, or as an end/qualification in itself.

The programme explores the history, politics, art, music and literature of Korea, as well as providing opportunities to study the languages of the region. Students in the programme come from many countries and have a wide variety of academic backgrounds. Some have already studied, or lived, in Korea and wish to broaden their knowledge or understanding.

Others wish to focus their previous training on the region, while others will come from Korea or another East Asian country wishing to study Korea from the perspective of a different culture and academic tradition. Knowledge of the Korean language is not a requirement of the programme. Language modules, however, are popular options.

SOAS has its own Centre of Korean Studies which has been Great Britain’s leading academic centre on research on Korea since its establishment in 1987. The centre holds a regular seminar series, open to all, where international researchers present their work engaging with diverse aspects of Korea.

Why study Intensive Language Korean at SOAS

• SOAS is ranked 12th in the UK for Modern Languages (QS World University Rankings 2023)
• We are ranked 6th in the UK for employability (QS World University Rankings 2023).
• You will gain essential language skills but also an in-depth understanding of the region’s culture covering subjects from literature, history, cinema, and politics