Asian Studies and German

Description

Asia is a fast-growing, large and diverse continent, encompassing many countries, cultures and languages. Combining Asian Studies with German enables you to engage with the cultural diversity of Asia alongside a deep understanding of one of Europe’s culturally important and influential countries.

You develop a solid grounding in Asian Studies through a multidisciplinary approach that draws on modules in the Humanities and Social Sciences. The programme is designed to develop your critical awareness of the interpretive, cultural and political challenges to understanding Asian cultures and civilisations, both historically and today.

German is one of Europe's most important languages for business and culture. Worldwide, it is the second-most widely used language on the internet (W3Techs 2014). It is also frequently used as a second language in Eastern Europe, serving as a means of communication across international boundaries. Fluency in the German language, combined with knowledge of political and cultural developments in the German-speaking world, opens up career opportunities in many areas of Europe.

Along with our other European language departments, German has native-speaker language assistants and state-of-the art computing and audio-visual facilities. Many classes are taught in German, and you have the opportunity to spend a year studying, teaching English or working in a German-speaking country.

The two subject areas in combination therefore provide you with a truly global perspective, gaining insights across cultures and continents.

Independent rankings

Modern languages were ranked 14th for student satisfaction in The Guardian University Guide 2014.

In the National Student Survey 2013, 90% of students in SECL were satisfied with the quality of their course.

Detailed Course Facts

Application deadline January 15 Tuition fee

• GBP 9000 Year (EEA)
• GBP 12450 Year (Non-EEA)

Start date September 2015 Credits (ECTS) 180 ECTS
Duration full-time 48 months Languages Take an IELTS test

• English

Delivery mode On Campus Educational variant Full-time More information Go To The Course Website

Course Content

Currently there is no course structure information available for this programme.

Year abroad

Stage 1

You take one compulsory module introducing you to Asian civilisations. You then choose optional modules covering politics and popular culture in Japan, and the rise of China; you also have the option of learning Japanese or Mandarin. In addition, you take the required modules for your joint honours subject.

Stage 2

You take one compulsory module on themes in the study of Asia. You then choose optional modules covering east Asian social and political systems, world literature, Buddhism and Hindu religious thought. It is possible to continue your Japanese and Mandarin language studies and begin learning Hindi. You also take the required modules for your joint honours subject.

Year abroad

Between Stages 2 and 3, you spend a year abroad in a German-speaking country as part of your German programme of study. Please see more information on your year abroad in the department of German.

Stage 3

Asian Studies module options include postcolonial images of Africa and South Asia, Japan in the world, and modern Chinese Societies. You can opt to continue your language studies. You must also take the required modules for your joint honours subject.

Requirements

Home/EU students

The University will consider applications from students offering a wide range of qualifications, typical requirements are listed below, students offering alternative qualifications should contact the Admissions Office for further advice. It is not possible to offer places to all students who meet this typical offer/minimum requirement.

Qualification Typical offer/minimum requirement
A level :

• GCSE

C in a modern European language other than English

• Access to HE Diploma

The University of Kent will not necessarily make conditional offers to all access candidates but will continue to assess them on an individual basis. If an offer is made candidates will be required to obtain/pass the overall Access to Higher Education Diploma and may also be required to obtain a proportion of the total level 3 credits and/or credits in particular subjects at merit grade or above.

• BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (formerly BTEC National Diploma)

The university will consider applicants holding BTEC National Diploma and Extended National Diploma Qualifications (QCF; NQF;OCR) on a case by case basis please contact us via the enquiries tab for further advice on your individual circumstances.

• International Baccalaureate

34 points overall or 15 at HL

International students

The University receives applications from over 140 different nationalities and consequently will consider applications from prospective students offering a wide range of international qualifications. Our International Development Office will be happy to advise prospective students on entry requirements.

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than University of Kent.

Funding

Kent offers generous financial support schemes to assist eligible undergraduate students during their studies. Our 2015 financial support package includes a £6,000 cash bursary spread over the duration of your course. For Ts&Cs and to find out more, visit our funding page.

General scholarships

Scholarships are available for excellence in academic performance, sport and music and are awarded on merit. For further information on the range of awards available and to make an application see our scholarships website.

The Kent Scholarship for Academic Excellence

At Kent we recognise, encourage and reward excellence. We have created the Kent Scholarship for Academic Excellence, which will be awarded to any applicant who achieves a minimum of AAA over three A levels, or the equivalent qualifications as specified on our funding pages. Please note that details of the scholarship for 2015 entry have not yet been finalised and are subject to change.

The Bachelor of Arts in Asian Studies with German at the University of Kent offers students a comprehensive understanding of two distinct yet interconnected areas of study. This interdisciplinary program is designed to develop students' proficiency in Asian languages, cultures, history, and societies, alongside their command of the German language and its cultural context. Throughout the course, students gain critical insights into the social, political, and economic developments across diverse Asian regions such as East Asia, Southeast Asia, and South Asia, complemented by an in-depth exploration of German language, literature, history, and cultural practices.

The program typically begins with foundational language modules, enabling students to acquire or improve their proficiency in both Asian languages—such as Mandarin, Japanese, or Korean—and German. As they progress, students undertake modules that cover contemporary issues, historical contexts, and cultural analyses related to these regions. Optional modules may include topics such as Asian political systems, literature, translation studies, cultural identity, and cross-cultural communication. Similarly, German modules often encompass language practice, literary analysis, and cultural history, ensuring students develop a nuanced understanding of German-speaking countries.

The program emphasizes language skills alongside cultural literacy, encouraging students to develop fluency and critical thinking abilities that prepare them for careers in international relations, translation, diplomacy, academia, or multinational business. Additionally, the program may include opportunities for study abroad, internships, and research projects, providing practical experiences that enhance employability.

Graduates of this course typically leave with a broad skill set, including advanced language proficiency, cultural awareness, analytical capabilities, and cross-cultural communication skills. These attributes are highly valued in sectors such as government, international NGOs, journalism, global commerce, and academia. The program aims to produce well-rounded, culturally sensitive graduates capable of engaging professionally and effectively in a globalized world.

The University of Kent's Asian Studies with German program is structured to balance language acquisition with regional and cultural expertise, ensuring that students are prepared to pursue further academic research or enter professional fields that benefit from knowledge of both Asian and German contexts. The curriculum is designed with flexibility, allowing students to tailor their studies according to their interests and career aspirations, including options to specialize in particular countries or thematic areas within Asia and the German-speaking world.