Asian Studies

Knowledge about Asia is a crucial national asset at a time of rapid globalisation and social change. The Asian Studies program at the University of Melbourne is one of the largest in Australia and comprises a comprehensive range of subjects in the intellectual, cultural, political and religious traditions of Asia, with a focus on China, Indonesia, Japan and South-east Asia. Asian Studies subjects are taught in English and do not require language prerequisites. Study abroad programs are available and Asialink offers a stimulating program of events and activities with an Asian focus.

See course objectives

Asian Studies can be undertaken as either a major or minor sequence in the BA.

A major in Asian Studies comprises:

Level 1

• One Arts subject in any discipline; and
• Language & Power in Asian Societies; or
• An Arts Foundation Subject ; or
• A level 1 Asia-focused subject.

Level 2

• Two Asian Studies subjects (a minimum of one from the core list); and
• Compulsory level 2 subject Human Rights in China and East Asia

Level 3

• 2 Asian Studies subjects (a minimum of 1 from the core list); and
• The compulsory capstone subject Ideology and Nationalism in Asia

Total 100 points

A minor in Asian Studies comprises:

Level 1

• Language & Power in Asian Societies
• One Arts Foundation Subject

Level 2

• Two level 2 subjects from the compulsory/core subjects listed in the Asian Studies major.

Level 3

• Any two subjects from the core subjects listed in the Asian Studies.

Total 75 points

The capstone subject is not available in the minor or as breadth studies outside the BA.

Overseas study

Students on overseas exchange can select up to four Asia-focus subjects from those offered by overseas institutions for inclusion in their Asian Studies major.

Level 1:

Level 2 Compulsory:

This is a compulsory subject for students completing a major in Asian Studies.

Level 2 Core:

Level 2 Electives:

Level 3 Capstone:

The capstone is compulsory for students completing a major in Asian Studies.

Level 3 Core:

Level 3 Electives: