Regional/Area Studies

Area studies courses play an important role with the increasingly globalised nature of the world. The degree itself will give you an in-depth knowledge and understanding of your chosen geographical area. You may spend some time working, studying or travelling in that region and develop an insight into the culture, community and society of your chosen geographic area. You may learn to communicate effectively in another language. Studying regional/area studies allows you to gain an understanding of complex local or national political issues and the operation of international institutions, such as the European Union, or of non-governmental organisations (NGOs). All this will be valued by employers in a world where international awareness is increasingly necessary.

Over the course of your degree you develop a wide mix of subject-specific and technical skills, you should consider these skills developed on your course as well as through your other activities, such as paid work, volunteering, family responsibilities, sport, membership of societies, leadership roles, etc. Think about how these can be used as evidence of your skills and personal attributes. Then you can start to market and sell who you really are, identify what you may be lacking and consider how to improve your profile.

Prospects

It must be recognised that a regional/area studies degree is not a vocational degree leading directly into a specific job or profession. Well over 60% of vacancies advertised for graduates don’t ask for specific degree subjects. A degree is seen as indicating 'intellectual ability' and there are many employers who consider the knowledge and skills gained in regional/area studies as very useful.

Statistics from regional and area studies courses around the country show that graduates achieve high levels of employment following their course. It is not possible to provide exact figures due to the differences between courses. However, employment figures from individual courses compare favourably with graduates from other subject areas. Career options are therefore wide and with the development of increasing globalisation, many students wish to take advantage of career opportunities offered by global developments.

Where are the jobs?

Examples of recent jobs that students from regional studies courses have gone into are varied. Students found work in areas of the media, museums, and theatre; in publishing and journalism; in business, law and financial services, including management and marketing in small and large concerns; in administration and civil service, including international, diplomatic, national and local government work, and employment in non-governmental organisations; in all sectors of teaching; and in many other career paths. It is also important to point out that the detailed knowledge of the specific region or area that you have gained may be of interest to employers with interests in that area or indeed for organisations within the region or area itself. Find out more about working abroad.

For an insight into potential employment areas consider:

• Education;
• Government and public administration;
• Charity and development work.

Jobs directly related to your degree

• Higher education lecturer
• Further education lecturer
• Primary school teacher or Secondary school teacher
• English as a foreign language teacher

Jobs where your degree would be useful

• Broadcast journalist
• Civil Service administrator
• Marketing executive
• Editorial assistant
• European Commission administrator
• Diplomatic Services operational officer
• Sales executive
• Secretary/administrator

Although some of the jobs listed here might not be first jobs for many graduates, they are among the many realistic possibilities with your degree, provided you can demonstrate you have the attributes employers are looking for. Bear in mind that it's not just your degree discipline that determines your options. Remember that many graduate vacancies don't specify particular degree disciplines, so don't restrict your thinking to the jobs listed here.

You can find more about the skills you develop during your course, the jobs listed above, plus case studies and where to find these jobs at Prospects.

Included with the permission of AGCAS. For the latest version of this publication, see www.prospects.ac.uk. For permission to reproduce, contact copyright@agcas.org.uk