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Department of Asian Studies
Equipping you for the next century
Understanding the Asian region is vital to the future. We offer insights into the traditions, modern cultures and contemporary societies of Asia.
Australia today is more deeply connected with Asia than ever before – through immigration, tourism, culture, commerce and trade, and strategic alliances. As our lives are increasingly influenced by the economies and cultures of Asia, it is important to develop cultural and social understanding of this emerging global leader.
Our wide-ranging research and teaching focuses on traditional cultures, philosophies, religion and the full span of Asian History, as well as issues in modern and contemporary Asian societies. We cover the social, political and cultural developments and trends with expertise from the Departments of Japanese, Indonesian, Korean, Chinese and Indian Subcontinental Studies.
We examine ethnicity and the movement of peoples; religions and belief systems; and the economic and political relationships between Asia and other parts of the world. We also look at key movements and effects of the 20th and 21st centuries, such as nationalism, revolution, military rule, democracy and popular culture including manga and K-Pop.
Our study offering
In the Asian Century, the task of understanding this region is of vital importance. Asian Studies will help you develop a critical insight into the world of Asia by exploring the most important cultural, historical, social and political trends and issues in relation to China, Japan, Korea, Southeast Asia and South Asia.
Undergraduate
*Available as a major and minor within the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Economics and Bachelor of Visual Arts, as well as all combined Bachelor of Advanced Studies  degrees.  
Research
Our research
Our strengths in research cover the following areas:
- Mass media
- Religion
- Ancient philosophy
- State and society
- Asian languages
- Literature
- History
Learn more: Languages and cultures research
Exchange
Our students can also apply to study for a semester overseas at one of several universities that have exchange agreements with Sydney, with credit points gained at these universities counting towards their degree. The University of Sydney holds several agreements with universities in Japan, Korea, China, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia.
Learn more: Study abroad and student exchange
Our people
- Dr Lionel Babicz
- Dr Chiew Hui Ho
- Dr Sean Moores
- Dr Jim Rheingans
- Dr Matthew Stavros
- Professor Adrian Vickers
- Undergraduate coursework:Â chiewhui.ho@sydney.edu.au
- Honours: sean.moores@sydney.edu.au
- Postgraduate research: chiewhui.ho@sydney.edu.au
- Exchange: lionel.babicz@sydney.edu.au
- Dr Bob Hudson
- Jacqueline Menzies
- Dr Natali Pearson
- Dr Martin Polkinghorne
- Emeritus Professor Jeffrey Riegel
- Dr Kristy Ward
- Emeritus Professor Peter Worsley
Events
See our school's calendar for a full listing of upcoming events.
Contact
Address
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School of Languages and Cultures, Room 506, Brennan MacCallum Building A18, The University of Sydney NSW 2006
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