Australia sits geographically on the edge of one of the world’s most diverse and dynamic regions by any measure: Asia! With that diversity it incorporates the world’s dynamo economies like Japan and China, the largest democracies like India and Indonesia, and some of the weakest and newest nations on the globe, like East Timor. A knowledge of Asia its economies, politics, languages and cultures -- is vitally important to the future of all Australians. Australians share a common and entwined future with the region and inevitably will be working with, and in, the countries of the region.
At Murdoch we emphasise specific strengths in the study of Indonesia and Japan as part of an Asian Studies degree that is geographically, politically, cultural and socially relevant. Our course will provide you with an interdisciplinary perspective on the Asia, and its cultural, social, political, and economic context. You will have the opportunity to learn about the literature, media, religion, history, politics, economies, sociology and anthropology of the Asian region. Depending on your interest, you could combine your Asian Studies degree with another major, that is, you can add additional skills in Business, Tourism, Politics & International Studies, Security, Terrorism and Counterterrorism, or whatever area best fits your interests.
The Asian Studies degree also gives you the opportunity to learn the language of either Japan or Indonesia. However, this is not compulsory. If you definitely want to include an Asian language in your degree, then the Asian Studies (Specialist) (BAsianSt) degree may be the course you want (read on for information regarding the BAsianSt).
What can I do with my Asian Studies degree?
Knowledge of Asia its cultures, politics, and economies is a vital skill for a range of career paths, and graduates in Asian Studies are highly sought after by State and Federal Governments, business and commerce, and in the teaching professions. Having an understanding of Japan or Indonesia is also important if you are seeking to work in industries, businesses or Government Departments that focus on trade with these countries. For instance, Western Australia’s business relations with Japan or Indonesia include such diverse fields as Tourism and Resources Import/Export. And, double major can add even more to your career choices.
Remember that Asia Indonesia and East Timor, for example, are closer to us here in Western Australia than many cities of Australia itself. We are poised on the edge of the world’s economic powerhouse of Asia, and many major businesses choose to set up, base or recruit staff from here for that reason. With a degree in Asian Studies, you will be ideally placed to take part in this exciting future and to ensure that Australia manages this future well.
How to apply
Our entry requirements tool will help you find the most appropriate and quickest pathways to admission. The tool will take you through a couple of steps to help identify the best pathways for you based on your situation. Once you have chosen the most suitable pathway you will also be provided you with information on how to apply based on the criteria you are using for admission.
Domestic student applications:
All undergrad applications for Semester 1 2009 need to be submitted through TISC. If you would like to apply for this course you can now:
Get your TISC help kit containing your course info, handy hints and advice to help make the application process even easier.
Get advice on how to structure your TISC preferences to give yourself the best chance of getting into the course of your dreams.
International student applications:
If you would like to apply for this course you can now:
3 (BA) years full time internal study or part time equivalent
Available fully externally
Please note that international students can only study full-time
We don’t have prerequisite subjects for any of our courses as we are a strong promoter of a well rounded education. However, remember that you will need to demonstrate competence in English, normally through passing either English or English Literature or by getting a sufficiently high score in ESL.
Course structure:
Year 1
Foundation Unit
All new first year students take a Foundation Unit. These are designed so you have some idea what’s going on, because, let’s face it, you’ve never been to uni before!
Asian Studies Core Units
You must take these units for a particular major to gain a specialisation in this area.
Introduction to Asian Cultures
Introduction to Contemporary Asia
One of the above Asian Studies units may be replaced with a language unit from the following. Language units are sequential and students may enrol either for the first semester or, depending on language proficiency, second semester.
Indonesian IA
Indonesian IB
Japanese IA
Japanese IB
General Electives
You must take these units to have enough units to graduate. General Electives give you the flexibility to learn from a variety of different areas.
To take a double major students simply take the core units from another major in place of their General Elective units. Some recommended double majors are for this course:
Politics & International Studies;
Sociology;
History;
English;
Media Studies;
Gender & Cultural Studies;
Community Development;
Tourism;
Environmental Science;
Sustainable Development;
Economics;
Commerce;
Law.
What are my career options?
As a Murdoch Asian Studies graduate, your employment outlook is bright, especially if you combine it with other disciplines. Depending on which skill combinations or specialisations you have, your Murdoch degree may lead you towards work and study opportunities in a number of areas. The following are some professions to consider, including extra majors and minors that will improve your prospects of achieving them.
Professions
What they do
Suggested double majors
Diplomat / Foreign Service Officer / Ambassador
Foreign Service Officers or Ambassadors are selected to represent the government in its relations with other governments. They promote good political ties between their country and others.
Security Terrorism and Counterterrorism, Politics and International Studies, Public Policy and Management, International Business, Economics
Interpreters / Translators
Interpreters and Translators enable the cross-cultural communication necessary in today’s society by converting one language into another. However, these language specialists do more than simply translate words. They relay concepts and ideas between languages. They must thoroughly understand the subject matter in which they work so that they are able to convert information from one language, known as the source language, into another, the target language. In addition, they must remain sensitive to the cultures associated with their languages of expertise.
Gender and Cultural Studies, Australian Indigenous Studies, English and Creative Arts, Politics and International Studies
Anthropologist
Anthropologists study the origin and the physical, social, and cultural development and behaviour of humans. Sociocultural Anthropologists study the customs, cultures, and social lives of groups in settings that range from unindustrialised societies to modern urban centres. Linguistic Anthropologists investigate the role of, and changes to, language over time in various cultures.
Gender and Cultural Studies, Sociology, History
Overseas Aid Worker
This job is for those with a strong desire to help improve people’s lives. Overseas Aid Workers and Social Workers help people function the best way they can in their environment, deal with their relationships, and solve personal and family problems. They often deal with people who face a life-threatening disease or a social problem, such as inadequate housing, unemployment, a serious illness, a disability, or substance abuse. Their work is useful to educators, lawmakers, administrators, and others who are interested in resolving social problems and formulating public policy.
Community Development, Public Policy and Management
Journalist - Asian / Foreign Correspondent
Journalists gather news and information by interviewing people and attending events. They undertake research to provide background information for articles, write them within an established style and format, and edit as necessary. Journalists who interpret the news or offer opinions to readers, viewers, or listeners are called Columnists. Writers and authors develop original fiction and non-fiction for books, magazines, trade journals, online publications, company newsletters, radio and television broadcasts, motion pictures, and advertisements. Editors review, rewrite, and edit the work of writers. Editors also decide what material will appeal to readers, review and edit drafts of books and articles, offer comments to improve the work, and suggest possible titles.
Journalism, Public Relations, English and Creative Arts
