MA Korean Literature

The MA Korean Literature program at SOAS University of London offers an in-depth exploration of Korea’s rich literary tradition, from classical texts to contemporary writings. This comprehensive course is designed for students who wish to develop a nuanced understanding of Korean literary history, language, and cultural context. Throughout the program, students engage with a diverse range of literary genres, including poetry, prose, and drama, while gaining critical analytical skills and a deep appreciation for Korea’s cultural heritage. The curriculum combines language studies with literary analysis, enabling students to read and interpret texts in their original language and to appreciate their historical significance and cultural nuances.

Students will examine key works from different periods, exploring themes such as identity, nationalism, gender, and social change as reflected in Korean literature. The program also explores the influence of historical events and philosophical ideas on literary production, fostering a well-rounded understanding of Korea’s cultural landscape. Classes are led by expert faculty who are active researchers in the field, providing students with mentorship and opportunities for scholarly engagement.

The program includes lectures, seminar discussions, and independent research projects, encouraging critical thinking and original scholarship. Students will also have access to an extensive collection of Korean literary texts and a supportive academic community, which facilitates collaborative learning and cultural exchange. Graduates of the MA Korean Literature program at SOAS are well-equipped for careers in academia, publishing, translation, cultural consultancy, and other fields related to Korea or Asian studies. Overall, this program provides a thorough, comparative, and interdisciplinary approach to understanding Korean literature, making it an ideal choice for students passionate about Korean language and culture.

The Korean Literature programme at SOAS University of London offers students a comprehensive and in-depth exploration of the rich literary traditions of Korea, spanning from ancient texts to contemporary works. The programme is designed to develop a thorough understanding of Korea’s literary history, its cultural and social contexts, and the linguistic features of Korean language and literature. Students will engage with a diverse range of texts, including classical poetry, prose, modern novels, and modern poetry, gaining critical skills to analyze and interpret literary works within their historical and cultural frameworks. The curriculum emphasizes both literary analysis and language proficiency, enabling students to read texts in the original Korean language and appreciate the nuances of literary expression, themes, and stylistic devices used throughout Korea’s literary history. In addition to language training, the programme includes modules on literary theory, cultural studies, and Korean history, which enrich students' understanding of the societal influences on literary production. Through seminars, lectures, and independent research, students will examine key literary movements and influential authors, such as traditional poets and modern writers, and explore topics such as identity, nationalism, gender, and modernity as reflected in Korean literature. The programme encourages critical thinking, comparative analysis with other Asian literary traditions, and interdisciplinary approaches, preparing students for careers in academia, translation, cultural management, or further research. Support from experienced faculty and access to extensive library resources, including rare manuscripts and digital archives, enhance the learning experience. Overall, the Korean Literature programme at SOAS aims to cultivate a nuanced appreciation of Korea’s literary heritage while equipping students with the analytical tools necessary for advanced scholarship and professional engagement with Korean cultural and literary issues.

The Bachelor of Arts in Korean Literature at SOAS University of London requires students to complete a total of 180 credits over the duration of the programme. The curriculum is designed to develop a comprehensive understanding of Korean literary history, classical and modern texts, and critical approaches to Korean literature. Students are expected to engage with a wide range of materials, including primary texts in Korean and translations, as well as secondary scholarly works. The programme typically includes core modules such as Introduction to Korean Literature, Classical Korean Literature, Contemporary Korean Literature, and Literary Theory. In addition to these, students can choose from a variety of optional modules, allowing for specialization in areas such as Korean poetry, prose, or specific historical periods.

Assessment methods vary across modules and may include essays, analytical assignments, presentations, and examinations. To successfully complete the programme, students must accumulate the required credits by passing all modules in accordance with university regulations. There is also an emphasis on language acquisition; students are often required to take Korean language modules to enhance their reading, writing, and conversational skills relevant to their literary studies. Some years may include a dissertation or research project, enabling students to conduct in-depth independent study on a topic within Korean literature.

Overall, the programme aims to cultivate advanced knowledge of Korean literary texts, critical interpretative skills, and cultural understanding, preparing students for careers in academia, publishing, translation, or cultural management. The curriculum is continually updated to include contemporary developments in Korean literature and related fields, ensuring that students are equipped with up-to-date knowledge and analytical skills necessary for scholarly and professional success.

Scholarships and Bursaries

There are some scholarships and bursaries available for postgraduate students. These are very competitive and early application is advised.

· The Ahmad Mustafa Abu-Hakima Bursary (programme must include studying the history of the modern Arab world)

· AKS Postgraduate Bursary (in Korean Studies)

· Bernard Buckman Scholarship (MA Chinese Studies, for UK/EU fee paying students)

· The Canon Collins Scholarships at SOAS. There are two scholarships available available in 2013-14 for study at SOAS. These scholarships are for Masters study in any subject field. Open a national of and resident in one of the following countries:
Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia, Zimbabwe. The application process normally opens in December and closes in February, for study commencing in September the following year. Please go to the Canon Collins website and click "Apply for A Scholarship" and then "Canon Collins Scholarship for Masters Study in the UK" for further information on how to apply.

· Commonwealth Shared Scholarship (for students from African Commonwealth countries)

· D.G.Hall Scholarship (Taught Masters programmes at SOAS, for applicants holding a Burma/Myanmar passport)

· Felix Scholarships (for Indian students)

· Ferguson Scholarships (for African nationals from an African Country)

· HSBC SOAS Scholarships (MA Sinology & MA Chinese Literature, for UK/EU fee paying students)

· Kamran Djam Scholarships (MA Iranian Studies)

· Professor Stuart Wilson Scholarship (MA South East Asian Studies)

· Standard Chartered Scholarships (for a range of full-time Taught Masters programmes. The programmes relate to Asia, Africa, and the Middle East/NorthAfrica)

· Tibawi Trust Awards (for Palestinian students currently enrolled in a programme at SOAS)

· SOAS Master's Scholarships - Faculty of Arts & Humanities - (for any full-time taught masters programme in the Faculty of Arts & Humanities)

· SOAS Master's Scholarships - Faculty of Language & Cultures (for the full-time MA Gender Studies, MA Postcolonial Studies, MA Linguistics, MA Applied Linguistics & Language Pedagogy, MA Language, Documentation and Description, MA Translation Theory and Practice (Asian and African Languages)

· SOAS Master's Scholarships- Faculty of Law and Social Sciences (for any full-time master's programmes in the Department of Development Studies, Economics, Law, Politics & International Studies and Financial & Management Studies)

· Tallow Chandlers and M. W Beer scholarship (MA) (MA Anthropology of Food, for UK/EU fee paying students)

· William Ross Murray Scholarship (LLM, for students from a developing country)

The Korean Literature program at SOAS University of London offers students a comprehensive introduction to the rich and diverse literary traditions of Korea, from ancient to modern times. This program aims to deepen students' understanding of Korean culture, history, and society through the study of its literary texts, language, and related cultural contexts. The curriculum includes classical Korean literature, modern and contemporary writings, translation studies, and critical theory, providing a well-rounded exploration of Korea's literary output. Students will engage with a wide range of texts, including poetry, prose, drama, and modern fiction, enabling them to appreciate the evolution and uniqueness of Korean literary expression. The program also emphasizes the development of language skills in Korean, allowing students to read original texts and gain proficiency in Korean linguistic structures. Through lectures, seminars, and independent study, students will analyze themes such as identity, tradition, modernity, and the influence of historical events on literature. The program often incorporates opportunities for students to participate in cultural activities, film screenings, and guest lectures by scholars specializing in Korean studies. Graduates of the Korean Literature program at SOAS often pursue careers in academia, translation, cultural diplomacy, or related fields where deep knowledge of Korean language and literature is advantageous. The program is suitable for students with a strong interest in East Asian culture and language, and it equips them with analytical skills and cultural awareness that are highly valued in global contexts. Students benefit from SOAS's extensive resources, including its Korean language centre and library collections specialized in East Asian studies. The program can also serve as a foundation for further research, postgraduate study, or professional work within Korea or in institutions that focus on Korean culture and language. Overall, the program offers an in-depth exploration of Korea's literary landscape, fostering critical thinking, language proficiency, and cultural literacy essential for understanding Korea's past and present cultural narratives.