1. Handbook
  2. Bachelor of Arts (Degree with Honours)
  3. Specialisation (Formal)
  4. Asian Studies
  5. Print

Asian Studies

Bachelor of Arts (Degree with Honours)Specialisation (formal)Year: 2026

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Overview

The Honours program is an advanced level of study designed to allow students to specialise their knowledge. The opportunity to specialise provides a strong foundation for the future direction of graduates, whether as a means of progressing to higher degree research in Arts at the Masters or PhD level, or improving the scope of employment options and professional advancement.   The minimum entry requirements are a major in Asian studies and an average grade over the second/third year subjects within the Asian studies major equivalent to at least an H2A (75%), or equivalent. 

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of this specialisation, students should be able to:

  • Apply advanced research skills in the analysis of critical issues in the Asian region
  • Utilise interdisciplinary frameworks to engage critically with key issues in contemporary Asia
  • Evaluate and apply rigorous methods of inquiry and theories and methodologies appropriate to Asian Studies
  • Construct and sustain an argument based on research. 

Last updated: 13 January 2026

Structure

100 credit points

Students undertaking pure honours in Asian Studies must complete:

  • 87.5 credit points of compulsory subjects
  • 12.5 credit points of elective subject

Total: 100 points

Subject Options

Compulsory subjects

Note: the thesis requires two consecutive semesters of enrolment.

Code Name Study period Credit Points
ASIA90004 Critical Asian Perspectives
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
ASIA40006 Asian Studies Thesis Part 1
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
 37.5
ASIA40007 Asian Studies Thesis Part 2
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
 37.5

Elective subjects

Code Name Study period Credit Points
CHIN90003 Topics in Chinese Studies No longer available
INDO40003 Topics in Indonesian Studies
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
JAPN40003 Topics in Japanese Studies
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
KORE40005 Topics in Korean Studies
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
ISLM40001 Topics in Arabic & Islamic Studies
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5

Links

http://www.asiainstitute.unimelb.edu.au/

Last updated: 13 January 2026