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Ever wondered about the rich tapestry of cultures, languages, and histories in the East? Intrigued by the opportunity to delve deep into the study of Oriental societies and their contribution to global heritage?
If so, a degree in Oriental Studies could be your perfect pathway. This exciting field invites you to explore the profound depth and breadth of the East’s cultural and historical landscape.
Oriental Studies is an interdisciplinary university course that focuses on the study of the cultures, languages, and societies of the Middle East, Central Asia, and East Asia. It is an interesting and relevant choice for students because it provides them with a comprehensive understanding of the history, politics, economics, and culture of these regions.
Through the course, students can gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of the region and its people, as well as the challenges and opportunities that exist in the region. Additionally, the course provides students with the opportunity to gain a better understanding of the various religions and ideologies found in the region, and how they interact with each other and the global community.
With this course, students can gain a better understanding of the region and its people, and be better prepared to work in the region or to pursue further study in the area.
👍 When writing a personal statement: Highlight your passion for the course, demonstrating your understanding of it. Use relevant personal experiences, coursework, or work history to showcase how these have fostered your interest and readiness for the course.
Career Opportunities
Earning an Oriental Studies degree in the UK offers a wealth of career opportunities across multiple sectors. This course imbues students with deep cultural understanding and language skills pertaining to the Eastern world.
- Diplomat: Represent and protect a nation’s interests abroad, leveraging understanding of Eastern culture and politics.
- Translator/Interpreter: Translate and interpret languages learnt during your studies for businesses, governments or non-profit organisations.
- International Development Worker: Contribute to long-term overseas projects that seek to address global challenges such as poverty, disease or climate change.
- Cultural Advisor: Guide organisations in understanding and effectively interacting with Eastern cultures.
- Academic Researcher: Further your studies to PhD level and beyond, contributing to the body of knowledge in the field of Oriental Studies.
- International Trade Specialist: Facilitate trade agreements between businesses in different cultural areas, specifically those dealing with the Eastern world.
- Travel Consultant: Use your knowledge of Eastern culture, history, and language to advise and plan travel itineraries for individuals or tour operators.
These are just a handful of the career paths that Oriental Studies graduates can explore. With your unique skills and knowledge, you’ll be well-positioned to create a bridge between East and West in a variety of exciting contexts.
UK Admission Requirements
The entry requirements for the University of Manchester’s Oriental Studies course are as follows:
- A minimum of two A-Levels (or equivalent qualifications) at grade A or above in relevant subjects, such as a language, history, geography, or politics.
- A minimum of five GCSEs at grade C or above, including English Language and Maths.
- International applicants must have an equivalent qualification to the above, such as the International Baccalaureate.
- Applicants must also demonstrate a commitment to the subject and have a good understanding of the language and culture of the region they are studying.
These entry requirements are similar to those of other universities offering similar courses, such as the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge. However, the University of Manchester may also require applicants to have a higher level of academic achievement, such as higher A-Level grades or a higher level of GCSEs.
UK Earnings Potential For Oriental Studies
The average earnings for someone with a degree in Oriental Studies will vary depending on the specific job they pursue. According to the National Careers Service, graduates with a degree in Oriental Studies can pursue careers in teaching, research, translation, and international relations.
The average salary for a teacher in the UK is approximately £30,000 per year, while the average salary for a researcher is around £30,000 to £50,000 per year. Translators can expect to earn an average of £25,000 to £30,000 per year, and those in international relations can earn an average of £35,000 to £50,000 per year.
The job market for those with a degree in Oriental Studies is expected to remain steady in the coming years. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the demand for experts in the field of Oriental Studies is likely to increase. Additionally, the demand for translators and international relations professionals is expected to remain strong as global trade continues to grow.
Similar Courses in UK
Other university courses related to Oriental Studies include Middle Eastern Studies, Asian Studies, and Islamic Studies.
Middle Eastern Studies focuses on the culture, history, and politics of the Middle East, while Asian Studies covers the culture, history, and politics of the entire continent of Asia. Islamic Studies focuses on the religion of Islam and its history, beliefs, and practices.
All three courses provide an in-depth look at the region, but they each focus on different aspects of it. Oriental Studies, on the other hand, focuses on the culture, history, and politics of the entire region, including the Middle East, Asia, and the Islamic world. It is a more comprehensive course, providing a broader understanding of the region.
UK Curriculum
Oriental Studies is a broad subject that covers a range of topics related to the cultures, languages, religions, and histories of the Eastern world.
Key topics covered in the course include:
• The history, culture, and religions of the Middle East, South Asia, and East Asia
• The languages of the Eastern world, including Arabic, Persian, Sanskrit, Chinese, and Japanese
• Literary and philosophical traditions of the East
• Art, architecture, and material culture of the East
• Politics and international relations of the East
Modules may vary depending on the university, but some of the most common ones include:
• Introduction to Oriental Studies
• History and Culture of the Middle East
• Languages of the East
• Religion and Philosophy of the East
• Art and Architecture of the East
• Politics and International Relations of the East
Hands-on experience or practical work may include field trips to sites of cultural and historical significance, language classes, and seminars or workshops with experts in the field. Students may also be required to complete research projects or essays related to the topics covered in the course.
Alumni Network
Notable alumni from the course of Oriental Studies include the renowned historian, author, and professor Dr. John King Fairbank. Dr. Fairbank was a professor at Harvard University and is credited with founding the field of modern Chinese studies in the United States.
He was a prolific author, publishing over 30 books and numerous articles on Chinese history, culture, and politics. He also served as president of the American Historical Association and was a recipient of the National Humanities Medal.
Dr. Fairbank’s legacy continues to be felt in the field of Oriental Studies. His work has been cited in numerous scholarly works and his influence is still felt in the field today. His work has been used to inform the study of Chinese history, culture, and politics for generations of students and scholars.
Alumni events and networking opportunities for alumni of the course of Oriental Studies are available through the Harvard Alumni Association. The Association hosts events such as lectures, seminars, and receptions that are open to alumni of the course. Additionally, the Association provides networking opportunities for alumni to connect with one another and to stay informed about the latest developments in the field.