North Korean Studies MA

This MA embeds a graduate introduction to social science philosophies and methods in the study of North Korea, one of the least well understood countries on the planet. It is founded on the development of critical analysis of relevant materials whilst also giving students the opportunity to study how North Korea can achieve change and development in the context of fragile states. This course is designed so that on completion, the student will have studied relevant subjects necessary for preparation of doctoral research.

Learning Environment and Assessment

The MA North Korean Studies is taught within the Asia Pacific Studies team, which includes scholars from a range of disciplinary backgrounds including History, Development Studies, International Relations and Gender Studies who have all published widely on the Asia Pacific area, particularly with regard to Korea, Japan, China and Taiwan.

As a student at the School of Humanities, Language and Global Studies, you will have access to several facilities that create an active and stimulating learning environment. Language learning facilities include two dedicated Brähler interpreting suites which provide state-of-the-art learning opportunities.

Opportunities

The course will provide students with a comparative advantage in journalism, diplomacy, international organisations, NGOs, and global business, while allowing them to develop knowledge and expertise in many facets of East Asia. Students will develop knowledge and expertise not just on North Korea, but also in the international relations of East Asia, which, although is a major force in the world economy, contains some of the globe’s most pressing security problems; the most important of which is, arguably, North Korea’s nuclear programme.