(Full time) 2023 start
Thai Studies BA
Overview
Thailand has undergone a radical economic, political and social transformation in recent decades. This degree will allow you to develop Thai language skills to an advanced level while discovering the cultural, political and historical context of this unique country.
Your optional modules will give you the chance to explore the topics that interest you – covering more elements of Thai culture, or exploring other topics across South East Asia and the Asia Pacific region as a whole. East Asian Studies at Leeds covers topics that stretch across the communities of this fascinating region.
You’ll spend your second year studying in Thailand and have many opportunities to immerse yourself in rich and fascinating culture. At the same time, you’ll be able to visit other Asian countries close by, such as China, Burma, Laos and Cambodia.
We teach Thai from beginners’ level, but if you already have some knowledge we can normally accommodate you.
This four-year degree includes a year abroad.
Specialist facilities
Our Language Zone gives you access to free learning resources, including space for personal study, language learning software, and video, audio, books and magazines. You'll also have access to our translation computer labs equipped with specialist software and our interpreter training booths to explore different career options.
With four libraries on campus, you’ll find space for study, group work and research. The world class Brotherton Library holds a wide variety of manuscript, archive and early printed material in its Special Collections – valuable assets for your independent research. You’ll have access to free classes and workshops so you can learn how to use them.
Course content
We introduce you to Thai language and culture from beginners’ level through core modules in your first year, while your choice of optional modules will give you the chance to focus on the areas of life in Thailand and the Asia Pacific that interest you. This will form the foundation for your second year.
For your second year, you will study in Thailand. You’ll develop your language skills and immerse yourself in Thai culture to gain first-hand experience of living in Thailand.
When you return to Leeds for your third and fourth year, you’ll study advanced language modules, that will be delivered mostly in Thai, to refine your spoken and written Thai.
You’ll also look at the emergence of the Thai nation, how Buddhism has shaped society and Thailand’s distinctive media.
Additional optional modules will allow you to explore East Asian history, religions, politics, political economy and culture in greater depth.
In your final year, you’ll apply the critical and research skills you’ve developed to produce your Final Year Project – an independently researched project on a topic of your choice.
Course structure
The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.
Modules
Year 1
Compulsory modules
- Basic Thai Language and Culture 1 20 credits
- Basic Thai Language and Culture 2 20 credits
Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
- Foundations of East Asia 20 credits
- Introduction to Religious and Philosophical Texts of East Asia 20 credits
- Introduction to East Asian Religions 20 credits
Year 2
Compulsory modules
- Year Abroad in Thailand 120 credits
Year 3
Compulsory modules
- The Making of Modern Thailand 20 credits
- Intermediate Thai Language and Culture 1 20 credits
- Intermediate Thai Language and Culture 2 20 credits
Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
- China Since 1979 20 credits
- Japan's International Relations 20 credits
- Trauma Narratives in the Contemporary Sinophone World 20 credits
- Japanese Development Assistance in a Globalising World 20 credits
- Topics in Contemporary Asia Pacific Societies 20 credits
- East Asia's Regional Political Economy 20 credits
- Sino-Japanese Relations: Past and Present 20 credits
- Towards the Future: Skills in Context 20 credits
- Global Environmental Humanities 20 credits
Year 4
Compulsory modules
- Buddhism: A Lived Tradition 20 credits
- Advanced Thai Language and Culture 20 credits
Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
- China Since 1979 20 credits
- Japan's International Relations 20 credits
- Japanese Literature in Translation: Gender and Sexuality in Modern Japan 20 credits
- East Asia's Regional Political Economy 20 credits
- Linguists into Schools 20 credits
- Final Year Project 40 credits
- Material Cultures and Cultures of Consumption 20 credits
- Adventures of the Imagination: Crime and the Fantastic Across Continents 20 credits
- Decolonial Approaches 20 credits
- Social Movements across Cultures 20 credits
- Contemporary East Asian Culture 20 credits
Discovery modules
Throughout your degree you will benefit from a range of opportunities to expand your intellectual horizons outside or within your subject area.
This course gives you the opportunity to choose from a range of discovery modules. They’re a great way to tailor your study around your interests or career aspirations and help you stand out from the crowd when you graduate. Find out more about discovery modules on our Broadening webpages.
Learning and teaching
We use a number of different teaching and learning styles, allowing you to benefit from the expertise of your tutors. Lectures, seminars and tutorials are the main methods we use, along with workshops in some cases. Some of the modules will be taught in Thai.
Independent study is an important part of your degree – it allows you to develop your research skills to find relevant information, and encourages you to think critically about what you find. Leeds has excellent library resources to help you, and the University Library runs training programmes to help you use them effectively.
On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.
Assessment
We use various types of assessment. Exams and essays are a significant part of this, but in some modules you may also be assessed on components such as group work, reports, or oral presentations. We offer support in these areas as well – for example, we run extra classes on skills such as public speaking, structuring essays and exam technique that you’ll be able to attend throughout your time at Leeds.
Entry requirements, fees and applying
Entry requirements
A-level: ABB
Other course specific tests:Where an applicant is taking the EPQ in a relevant subject this might be considered alongside other Level 3 qualifications and may attract an alternative offer in addition to the standard offer. If you are taking A Levels, this would be BBB at A Level and grade A in the EPQ.
We welcome applications from mature students with Access qualifications, and from students with a wide range of qualifications.-
Access to HE Diploma
Pass diploma with 60 credits overall, including at least 45 credits at level 3, of which 30 credits must be at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit or higher. An interview and a piece of written work may also be required.
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BTEC
DDM.
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Cambridge Pre-U
M1, M1, M2.
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International Baccalaureate
34 points overall including 16 at Higher Level
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Irish Leaving Certificate (higher Level)
H2, H2, H2, H3, H3, H3
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Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers
BB in Advanced Highers and AABBB in Highers or B in Advanced Highers or AAABB in Highers or AABBBB in Highers
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Welsh Baccalaureate
The Welsh Baccalaureate is not typically included in the academic conditions of an offer made to you for this course. If you choose to undertake the Welsh Baccalaureate we would strongly encourage you to draw upon these experiences within your personal statement, as your qualification will then be taken into account both when your application is initially considered by the selection panel and again when reviewed by the admissions tutor at the time your A-level results are passed to us.
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Other Qualifications
European Baccalaureate: 75%.
Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the School’s Undergraduate Admissions Team.
Alternative entry
We’re committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.
Access to Leeds is an alternative admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.
Find out more about Access to Leeds and alternative admissions.
Typical Access to Leeds offer: BBC at A Level and pass Access to Leeds.
International
We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. Contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for more information.
International Foundation Year
International students who do not meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study may be able to study the University of Leeds International Foundation Year. This gives you the opportunity to study on campus, be taught by University of Leeds academics and progress onto a wide range of Leeds undergraduate courses. Find out more about International Foundation Year programmes.
English language requirements
IELTS 7.0 overall, with no less than 6.5 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.
Improve your English
If you're an international student and you don't meet the English language requirements for this programme, you may be able to study our undergraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.
How to apply
Apply to this course through UCAS. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.
Read our guidance about applying.
International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK students. Our network of international representatives can help you with your application. If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.
Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.
Admissions policy
University of Leeds Taught Admissions Policy 2023
Fees
UK: £9,250
International: £22,250 (per year)
Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2022/23
For UK full-time undergraduate students starting in 2022/23 the fee will be £9,250. The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation and as permitted by law. Fees for UK undergraduate students are decided by the government and may vary if policy changes.
Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2023/24
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students for 2023/24 have been agreed by the UK Government and will remain at the current fee level of £9,250. The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation and as permitted by law. Fees for UK undergraduate students are decided by the government and may vary if policy changes.
Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2023/24
Tuition fees for international students for 2023/24 should be available on individual course pages from September 2022.
Tuition fees for a study abroad or work placement year
If you take a study abroad or work placement year, you’ll pay a reduced tuition fee during this period. For more information, see Study abroad and work placement tuition fees and loans.
Read more about paying fees and charges.
There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more about additional costs.
Financial support
If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.
Career opportunities
A degree in Thai Studies equips you with strong Thai language skills in a country that is growing in importance within an influential region of the world. It also gives you the chance to develop cultural awareness of both the country and the issues facing the region as a whole.
These qualities will open doors to a range of careers, but you will also gain transferable skills such as presentation, teamwork, research, advanced communication, critical and analytical skills. These are always in demand from employers.
Graduates of East Asian studies have gone into a wide range of careers, including tourism, broadcasting, PR, diplomacy, education, journalism, government, law, finance and language-based roles such as translation and interpreting. For example, Thai graduate Jenny moved to Canada to start her career in a language school.
Others have studied for a postgraduate qualification in translating or interpreting to pursue language-based careers or continued to study Thai language or culture to Masters level, either for a PhD and career in academia or to further their knowledge.
For example, Ben received a scholarship from the Royal Thai Embassy (London) to study for a Masters by Research at Leeds.
We are committed to helping you achieve your career ambitions. The School of Languages, Cultures and Societies careers and employability support includes promoting internships, providing opportunities to work for the School and employer-led workshops and events.
Careers support
We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.
Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.
The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website.
Study abroad and work placements
Study abroad
After your first year, you’ll spend a year at an institute such as Chiang Mai University in Thailand to benefit from expert teaching in Thai language and culture. It’s a fantastic way to develop your knowledge and language skills. But between classes, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to travel and explore the country, getting a real insight into life in Thailand.