BA Hons Asian Studies

Undergraduate Entry Requirements

Application Fee: € 50

Academic Qualifications: For undergraduate programs, applicants require a minimum academic score of 80-85% or above in their previous studies.

English Language Proficiency:

• IELTS: Overall score of 6.0 or 6.5, with no individual band below 5.5.
• TOEFL: Overall score of 90, with specific section requirements: Listening 20, Reading 20, Speaking 21, Writing 20.
• PTE: Overall score of 63, with no section below 59.
• DET: Overall score of 120, with a minimum of 110.

Students must provide:

• academic marksheets & transcripts
• letters of recommendation
• a personal statement - SOP
• passport
• other supporting documents as required by the university.

It's important to note that entry requirements can vary by program and may change over time. Additionally, some programs may have additional requirements, such as interviews, portfolios, or work experience.

University College Cork (UCC) offers various scholarships and financial aid options to support international students in their academic pursuits. These scholarships are aimed at assisting students with tuition fees, living expenses, and other educational costs. 

International Merit-Based Scholarships: UCC provides merit-based scholarships for high-achieving international students entering undergraduate or postgraduate programs. These scholarships recognize academic excellence and may cover partial tuition fees or provide stipends.

Government and External Scholarships: International students may also be eligible for scholarships offered by their home governments, non-governmental organizations, or external funding bodies. UCC assists students by providing information and support in applying for these external scholarship opportunities.

Research Scholarships and Grants: For postgraduate research students, UCC offers various grants and scholarships to support research endeavors. These scholarships often cover tuition fees and provide additional stipends for living expenses.

Sports Scholarships: UCC recognizes talented athletes and offers sports scholarships to support their academic and athletic pursuits. These scholarships assist students in balancing their sports with their studies.

Faculty-Specific Scholarships: Certain faculties or departments within UCC offer scholarships tailored to specific academic disciplines. These scholarships aim to attract exceptional students to particular programs and fields of study.

Need-Based Financial Aid: The university understands the financial challenges international students might face and offers need-based financial aid programs to assist students who demonstrate financial need.

The BA Hons in Asian Studies program at University College Cork equips graduates with a diverse skill set and opens up a wide range of career opportunities in diplomacy, international business, education, media, development, tourism, research, and academia. With its interdisciplinary curriculum, language proficiency requirements, cultural immersion opportunities, and emphasis on critical thinking and research skills, the program prepares students for meaningful and impactful careers related to Asia in an increasingly interconnected and dynamic global landscape.

1. Diplomacy and International Relations: Graduates of the BA Hons in Asian Studies program often pursue careers in diplomacy and international relations. They may work for government agencies, international organizations, or non-profit organizations, serving as diplomats, foreign service officers, or policy analysts focusing on Asian affairs. Their expertise in Asian cultures, languages, and geopolitics enables them to navigate diplomatic negotiations, promote cross-cultural understanding, and contribute to peacebuilding efforts in the region.

2. International Business and Trade: With the growing importance of Asia in the global economy, graduates with a BA Hons in Asian Studies are well-equipped for careers in international business and trade. They may work for multinational corporations, export-import firms, or trade associations, facilitating business transactions, managing international partnerships, and developing market strategies for Asian markets. Their cultural competence, language proficiency, and understanding of business practices in Asia are valuable assets in navigating the complexities of cross-border commerce.

3. Cultural Exchange and Education: Some graduates choose to pursue careers in cultural exchange and education, promoting mutual understanding and cooperation between Asia and the rest of the world. They may work for educational institutions, cultural organizations, or international exchange programs, designing educational programs, organizing cultural events, and facilitating student exchanges between Asia and their home countries. Their knowledge of Asian cultures, languages, and traditions enriches educational experiences and fosters intercultural dialogue.

4. Journalism and Media: Graduates may pursue careers in journalism or media as reporters, correspondents, or editors covering Asian affairs. They work for newspapers, magazines, online publications, or broadcast media outlets, reporting on political developments, social issues, cultural trends, and economic developments in Asia. Their understanding of the region's complexities, language skills, and cross-cultural communication abilities enable them to provide accurate and insightful coverage of Asian events to global audiences.

5. Development and Humanitarian Aid: Some graduates choose to work in the field of international development and humanitarian aid, addressing pressing social, economic, and environmental challenges in Asia. They may work for non-governmental organizations (NGOs), United Nations agencies, or humanitarian relief organizations, implementing development projects, providing humanitarian assistance, and advocating for the rights of marginalized communities in Asia. Their understanding of local contexts, cultural sensitivities, and regional dynamics enhances the effectiveness of development interventions and humanitarian responses in the region.

6. Tourism and Hospitality: Graduates with a BA Hons in Asian Studies may pursue careers in the tourism and hospitality industry, leveraging their knowledge of Asian cultures, languages, and destinations. They may work for tour operators, travel agencies, hotels, or cultural heritage sites, designing travel itineraries, organizing tours, and providing hospitality services to Asian visitors. Their cultural competence and ability to bridge cultural gaps enhance the travel experiences of tourists and contribute to the sustainable development of tourism in Asia.

7. Research and Academia: Some graduates choose to pursue further studies or academic careers in Asian Studies or related fields. They may enroll in postgraduate programs to specialize in a particular area of Asian studies, conduct research, and pursue doctoral studies. Others may work as research assistants, academic advisors, or lecturers in universities, research institutes, or think tanks, contributing to the advancement of knowledge and understanding of Asia through their scholarly work and teaching.