Thai Studies BA

Thailand has undergone a radical economic, political and social transformation in the past few 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 in studying in Thailand and your study abroad year gives you the opportunity to immerse yourself in Thailand’s 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.

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. From day one, you can access a comprehensive training programme to help you make the most of the resources on offer.

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.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Thai Studies BA in the course catalogue

Modules

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Year 4

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

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.

• BTEC

  DDM.

• Cambridge Pre-U

  M1, M1, M2.

• International Baccalaureate

  34 points overall including 16 at Higher Level

• Irish Highers (Leaving Certificate)

  H2, H2, H2, H3, H3, H3

• 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

• 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.

• 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. The institution code for the University of Leeds is L23. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.

International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK/EU 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

Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures Undergraduate Admissions Policy 2021

Fees

UK: See fees section below

International: £20,250 (per year)

UK undergraduate tuition fees for 2021 entry 
For UK full-time students starting in 2021, the fee for 2021/22 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 UK government and may vary if policy changes.

EU students starting in 2021/22 
EU students starting their course in the 2021/22 academic year or later will now be classed as international students and so will need to pay the international student tuition fee.

UK undergraduate tuition fees for 2022 entry
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students starting in 2022/23 have not yet been confirmed by the UK government. In other years, the government has confirmed fee levels in the summer. When the fee is confirmed we will publish an update on all course pages.

Tuition fees for new international students for 2022 entry
Tuition fees for international students are published on each individual course page. These are usually published a year in advance, so 2022 course fees should be available from September 2021.

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.

Brexit 
Visit our Brexit page for the latest information on the effect of the UK's exit from the EU on current students and applicants to the University.

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.

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

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.