Asia Pacific Studies and International Relations University of Leeds

Overview

Within the Asia Pacific Studies and International Relations BA degree from University of Leeds you’ll choose from a range of optional modules exploring topics such as East Asian religions, modern Thai history and Japanese cinema.

Alongside this, you’ll study international relations, which explores how states interact with each other, and the roles of international organisations like the UN in promoting international peace and security. You’ll gain an understanding of how the ‘society of states’ has evolved and how it may be changing today.

With the international skills and outlook you develop, you’ll be well prepared for a global career.

Career opportunities

• Asia Pacific Studies and International Relations will equip you with a range of skills that are very valuable to employers.
• You’ll be an independent learner, who can use your research skills to find information from a range of sources and think critically about what you find. You’ll then be able to draw conclusions, communicate and defend them. Teamwork and presentation skills are also highly desirable for employers.
• Asia Pacific graduates have begun careers in areas such as business and finance, teaching and publishing. East Asian studies graduates have progressed to careers in law, the civil service and foreign governments, finance, tourism, translation, interpreting, PR, journalism, publishing and research.

• Postgraduate research in East Asian studies at Leeds or elsewhere provides an opportunity to continue to learn about this region and prepare for a PhD and a career in academia.

• International Relations graduates have gone on to work in political research and analysis, the civil service, the media, marketing, PR, international organisations like the UN and World Bank and non-governmental organisations. They work as policy advisors, diplomats, advocacy workers, public affairs executives, youth or support workers and journalists. Others have pursued careers in education, the charity sector, banking and finance or law.

• Graduate destinations have included the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, BBC, Oxfam, Royal Institute of International Affairs, Department for International Development, Amnesty International, the House of Commons, the New Statesman and many others.