Postgraduate Courses in Oriental Studies
East Asia is the most dynamic area of the world economy, and will become the dominant world economic power in the 21st century. In addition to its economic importance, the East Asian region is the origin of one of the world's great cultural traditions. The continued globalisation and re-emergence of the Japanese economy, strong economic growth in China and the possible future reunification of the Korean peninsula offer massive potential opportunities for people with skills in Asian languages and cultures. By studying a postgraduate course in Oriental Studies, together with one or more East Asian societies, you will gain an advantage in a competitive career market and develop skills that are in short supply and high demand. A Master's degree in Japanese, Chinese, Korean or East Asian Studies can open the door to a career in areas as diverse as finance, business, translation and interpreting, the media, diplomacy and education. If you are interested in applying for a postgraduate course in Oriental Studies then read on to find out more.
Given the often negative reporting on Japan in recent years, especially on the long-term economic recession, you could perhaps be forgiven for writing off Japan as a global player in the new millennium. This, however, would be a mistake. Still the second largest economy in the world, in the long-term Japan will remain key to the long-term prosperity of the Asian region and is likely to redefine its political role in line with this reality. Japan, of course, is more than just business: rich in culture and history, it is a complex, dynamic and fascinating society that contrasts high-tech cityscapes with the temples, mountains and forests beloved of the woodblock print artists of the past. The samurai heritage lives on in the films of Kurosawa and in the martial arts, many of them now international sports.
Economically, politically and culturally, China today cannot be ignored. There is not an economy in the world that has grown at the pace of China’s over the last twenty years. While this offers a wealth of opportunities for Western business, it also presents significant challenges to manufacturing production in Western economies and to global economic hierarchies. With China’s growing economic confidence comes rising engagement in global politics and domestic change, and rapid economic expansion has resulted in an improvement in material living standards unparalleled in human history. China is home not only to a rich cultural tradition but also to a vibrant contemporary culture, in cinema and the visual and plastic arts. Much of this will be showcased at the 2008 Olympics, to be hosted in Beijing.
In a little under four decades, the Republic of Korea has been transformed from a war-ravaged, agricultural country into one of the leading trading nations and economies of the world. Korean goods are exported to developing and industrialised countries, and Korean companies have set up sales networks and built factories all over the world. But Korea's economic success is only part of the story, and an understanding of her history, society and culture help us to appreciate how it was that the Koreans could achieve this miracle. A centuries-old struggle against more powerful neighbours, the painful division of the country into communist north and democratic south in 1948, and the lasting influence of Confucian ways of thinking have all played an important part in Korea's modern history. In addition, the Koreans have a rich cultural heritage of which they are justifiably proud.
Normally candidates wishing to apply for a postgraduate course in Oriental Studies should have obtained a good first degree in any subject. Previous knowledge of an East Asian language is not usually a requirement for entry onto these courses but it should be noted that East-Asia related degrees that include a language component will not usually be suitable for native speakers of that language. If you're interested in East Asian culture and want a job that allows you to travel then apply now for a postgraduate course in Oriental Studies.
For more information, please visit:
http://www.shef.ac.uk/seas/
Related Links:
Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL)
