Undergraduate

Korean Studies

The Korean Studies major combines learning the language with the study of Korea-related subjects in various disciplines.
3
Years Full Time

Contact us

Address

Student Central

The University of Western Australia (M355), 35 Stirling Highway, Perth, Western Australia 6009

Telephone

131 UWA (131 892)

International

(+61 8) 6488 1000

Hours

8.30am - 5pm AWST, Monday - Friday

Frequently asked questions

Careers and further study

This course opens up a world of future study pathways and career opportunities.

Career Pathways

Korean Studies graduates are increasingly sought after in many professional and management careers in both business and public sectors, especially in positions requiring language and cultural expertise. Potential career paths may include roles in state and federal government departments, commercial enterprises investing in Korea, tourism, public sector and cultural organizations, NGOs, and the media industry.

Studying Korean Studies can open doors to a variety of career opportunities, such as:

  • Cultural Interpreter
  • Diplomat
  • Teacher*

*Postgraduate study required

Korean Studies graduates are increasingly sought after in many professional and management careers in both business and public sectors, especially in positions requiring language and cultural expertise. Potential career paths may include roles in state and federal government departments, commercial enterprises investing in Korea, tourism, public sector and cultural organizations, NGOs, and the media industry.

Studying Korean Studies can open doors to a variety of career opportunities, such as:

  • Cultural Interpreter
  • Diplomat
  • Teacher*

*Postgraduate study required

Further Study

This major lays the foundation for further study options at honours and postgraduate level.

You may be interested in the Master of Translation Studies.

This major lays the foundation for further study options at honours and postgraduate level.

You may be interested in the Master of Translation Studies.

POSTGRADUATE

Hear about the Master of Translation Studies

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Fees and scholarships

Learn more about the fees that apply to you for this course. For fee type definitions and further assistance, see the Fee Calculator Help page. You can also search our database for scholarships that are relevant to you or this course

Domestic Student Fees

Indicative annual course fee
2025
Commonwealth Supported Place $10,248.76

Eligible Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) students can use the HECS-HELP loan program to pay their tuition fees. For Full-Fee Paying (FFP) places, students are charged an annual course fee.

Find out more information about tuition fees, or visit the fee calculator for a more accurate cost.

Scholarships

Scholarships are available to students from a diverse range of backgrounds, including academic achievement, financial need, educational disadvantage, leadership and community service, artistic or sporting achievements, and being from a rural or remote area.

Cost of living

There are a few things to consider before applying to study at university. One could be your cost of living. This can depend on factors such as lifestyle, accommodation, tuition fees, medical insurance, textbooks and more. For an indication of expenses and average costs, see our Cost of living page.

International Student Fees

Indicative first year fee
2024
$45,800.00
2025
$48,300.00

Find out more about tuition fees or visit the fee calculator for the estimated total course fee.

Note, tuition fees are reviewed annually and are subject to increase up to 7.5 per cent per annum.

Scholarships

Scholarships are available to students from a diverse range of backgrounds, including academic achievement, financial need, educational disadvantage, leadership and community service, artistic or sporting achievements, and being from a rural or remote area.

Cost of living

There are a few things to consider before applying to study at university. One could be your cost of living. This can depend on factors such as lifestyle, accommodation, tuition fees, medical insurance, textbooks and more. For an indication of expenses and average costs, see our Cost of living page.

Admission requirements

The University of Western Australia welcomes applications from international and domestic school-leavers. If you’re interested in studying this major, find out the admission details below.

Minimum entry requirements

Below you’ll find a list of admission equivalencies for this course's Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR).

Admission requirements

For applicants with recent secondary education, information on admission criteria is available on our entry requirements page or on the UWA Handbook for course specific requirements and prerequisites.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENT

English competency

English is the language of instruction and assessment at UWA and you will need to meet the English language requirements of the University to be eligible for a place.

Minimum overall IELTS score of 6.5, with no band less than 6.0.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENT

How to apply

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Ready for the next step?

Find out how to apply through our simple online application process. 

We'll guide you through our entry requirements, admission pathways available to you and application deadlines for your chosen course. 

We can’t wait for you to join us!  

Apply now

Course details

Learn to speak and write Korean while exploring Korean societies, politics and culture, and developing an understanding of the two Koreas’ place in the world.

About the course

Korean Studies is an interdisciplinary area of research and critical analysis of the culture, society, philosophical thought and language of the Korean peninsula and its diaspora.
Korean Studies

Quick details

Status
  • Available
Locations
  • Perth (Crawley campus)
Attendance
  • Full-time
  • Part-time
Delivery
  • On-campus
Starting dates
  • Semester 1
Weekly contact time
  • 12-15 contact hours, plus at least twice as much of your own study time
Level of study
  • Undergraduate
Course Code
  • MJD-KOREB
Full time/part time duration
  • 3 years (BA); 4 years (BPhil [Hons])
Korean Studies
Status
  • Available
Locations
  • Perth (Crawley campus)
Attendance
  • Full-time
  • Part-time
Delivery
  • On-campus
Starting dates
  • Semester 1
Weekly contact time
  • 12-15 contact hours, plus at least twice as much of your own study time
Level of study
  • Undergraduate
Course Code
  • MJD-KOREB
Full time/part time duration
  • 3 years (BA); 4 years (BPhil [Hons])
Degrees course is available in
  • Bachelor of Arts
  • Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours)
  • Bachelor of Modern Languages

Matthew Meinema

Matthew Meinema

A day in the life of a translation studies student

Step into Claire's life and experience what it's like to be a Master of Translation Studies student for the day. 

STUDENT STORY

Meet our students

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You'll learn to

  • demonstrate a good written and spoken linguistic competence in the Korean language
  • understand how culturally specific social structures affect interpersonal communication, and determine how to apply this knowledge to your own interactions in a culturally sensitive manner
  • identify key ethical, philosophical and social characteristics of Korean culture, society and history
  • engage effectively in a professional manner in the key debates on Korean history, society and culture, and produce coherent and well-argued written work
  • demonstrate transferable skills such as digital literacy, information management, group working, research skills and critical thinking

Become a bilingual citizen of the world at the largest language hub in Western Australia

Become a bilingual citizen of the world at the largest language hub in Western Australia

Put theory into practice

Current UWA students are eligible to take one of our professional experience units. These units bridge the gap between university and the workplace by providing opportunities to gain hands-on, practical experience. You can master new skills, make connections and network, get a taste of the opportunities in the workforce and add experience to your resume, all before graduating.

Find out more about Work Integrated Learning.

Why take a second major

  • Expand your skills - Taking a second major either in a complementary area or in something like Economics or Business Law will show you have developed transferable skills such as, teamwork, critical thinking, digital literacy and presentation skills – which are highly sought after in the workforce.
  • Add it to your resume – Employers are looking for graduates who have skills in a variety of areas. Two majors will expand your career prospects and help you stand out amongst the crowd.

Your degree options

This major is offered as a degree-specific, or first, major for these degrees. It is also offered as a second major in our other bachelor's degrees.

UWA is ranked in the top 8 universities in Australia for modern languages (QS 2024)

Why study this course?

  • South Korea is one of Australia’s most important trading partners, a cultural juggernaut of popular culture, and a world leader in innovation and research in engineering, technology and medical sciences, so graduates with good Korean linguistic and sociocultural skills are highly sought-after in the local and global job market
  • Gain the linguistic skills to succeed in Korea-related careers after graduation, and a solid understanding of Korean society, culture, history and politics
  • Have the option of studying at one of UWA’s partner institutions in South Korea
 
VIDEO

Hear about the Bachelor of Modern Languages

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Language

Why you should take a language as your second major or minor

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