MA in Asian Studies

Key Points

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The Master of Asian Studies provides a global academic context for understanding the rise of East Asia from within and without, and equips graduates with a unique set of skills to participate in the cultural, historical, economic and political fabric of the region. By bringing together students from across the European Union, Asia and the world, the Master of Asian Studies offers a collaborative space that appreciates the importance of Asia in our contemporary world.

Located in Ireland, an outward-looking and culturally diverse nation, and the last English-speaking country in the European Union, the program equips Asian graduates with the ability to effectively understand and assess the rise of Asia in a context global. The program’s multidisciplinary approach equips graduates from Europe and outside Asia with an unmatched ability to navigate the multifaceted challenges of the “Asian century.”

The combination of content modules coupled with language training delivered by our diverse and international specialists prepares our graduate students for promising careers in international organizations, think tanks, or multinational companies engaged in Asia in various ways.

The Master of Asian Studies is steeped in the National University of Ireland UCC tradition of excellence in teaching and learning in higher education. Offers a variety of modules taught in Asian Studies in various disciplines, including politics, history, economics, business, culture, religion, literature, and linguistics, with additional options including up to 20 credits of optional language study (Chinese, Korean, Japanese ). ; up to 10 optional credits of relevant undergraduate modules and an option to spend an additional study period in Asia. The course is designed to meet the different needs of a variety of graduates with diverse interests in Asian studies, cultural studies, and international relations. This course also serves as a preparatory course for students who wish to pursue a PhD. Asian studies program.

The Master of Asian Studies can be taken full-time for one year or part-time for two to three years from the date of first enrollment.

Course objectives:

• Increase understanding of the cultural, economic and political importance of Asia in a connected world
• Train students to appreciate the history, philosophical thought and languages of East Asia
• Create the capacity to participate in the diverse social, environmental, class and gender aspects of Asian modernity.
• Provide the analytical tools for a successful international career in an Asian-related context

Career options

Our graduates work in areas such as Electronic Product Design, Electrical Services, Electrical Engineering, Control and Automation and Communications.

A sampling of our graduate destinations includes:

• ABB
• Agilent Technologies
• Amazon Web Services
• Anord Mardix
• Analog Devices
• Blueacre Technology
• CombiLift
• ControlSoft Automation
• ESB International
• Electricity Supply Board
• Facebook,
• Glen Dimplex Renewables
• Hanley Energy
• Hewlett Packard
• Intel
• Mercury Engineering
• Nikon Precision Europe
• NXP Semiconductors
• Realtime Technologies

Program structure

Course practices

Conferences at the UCC take place Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Teaching hours per week vary according to module choice and language selection.

Why choose this course

East Asia’s rich history, vast population, and diverse cultures make it a fascinating area of ​​study. Its growing economic power and influence also make it an important path to employment.

The Master of Asian Studies provides a global academic context for understanding the rise of Asia from within and without. Provides Asian graduates with the ability to understand

and more effectively involve global reactions, particularly Western ones, to the rise of Asia in international relations and multinational trade. It equips graduates from Europe with an unmatched ability to navigate international organizations and multinational companies based in Asia and operating globally.

Bringing together students from across the European Union and Asia in Ireland, an outward-looking and culturally diverse country, and the last nation of the English-speaking European Union, this program provides a special collaborative space to consider the place of Asia in our contemporary world.

Career opportunities

Our graduates go on to careers in diplomacy, the public sector, international and state-funded organizations involved in cross-cultural trade and communication, multinational companies based in Ireland and elsewhere in Europe dealing with Asian partners, companies based in Asia and organizations dealing with Europe and a number of non-governmental organizations.

Occupations associated with a master’s degree in Asian studies:

A master’s degree in Asian studies is an excellent qualification to prepare you for a wide range of career fields.

Possible careers include:

• Diplomacy and Foreign Relations
• International non-governmental organizations
• Policy and Research
• Communication and intercultural consultancies
• Foreign trade offices
• Managers and organizers of conferences and exhibitions
• Public relations professionals
• Teaching and other education professionals
• Translators
• Journalists
• University researchers – Continue studies and register for a doctorate.

Admission requirements

Applicants must have a Second Class Honors Grade II in a primary honors degree (NFQ, Level 8) or equivalent in one of the following areas: Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences, History, Business, Science, or Engineering. Applicants may be required to attend an interview prior to selection.

Applicants who do not meet normal academic requirements or requirements may also be considered under recognition of prior learning (RPL) following a review of their individual grades by the course committee. The admission of such applicants will be subject to the approval of the Faculty of Arts, Celtic Studies and Social Sciences.

English requirements

All graduate applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of English language proficiency. Certain tests (eg, IELTS, TOEFL, and Pearson PTE) have a three-year time limit on their validity and will apply. English language tests must be taken no more than three years prior to the start of a program.

Please note that Secure English Language Test (SELT) scores must be obtained in a single session of the corresponding qualification (for example, IELTS and TOEFL). We will not accept a combination of individual component scores from multiple tests.

Applicants who are nationals of a country that, according to the UCC, is predominantly English-speaking, or who have a degree or equivalent qualification that was taught in a country that is considered predominantly English-speaking, will normally be assumed to have met the language requirements of the UCC. However, in some circumstances, applicants may be required to present evidence of an English language qualification to satisfy the college program entry requirements.

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