COURSE CURRICULUM

The Thai Studies BA at Leeds provides a comprehensive understanding of Thailand’s language, culture, history, and society, enabling students to develop advanced Thai language skills alongside insights into the country’s political and social development. In the first year, students study foundational topics such as the geography, history, and contemporary issues of East Asia, while choosing optional modules to explore Thai language and culture or broader East Asian subjects, including modern China, Japan, philosophy, literature, and intercultural communication. In the second year, compulsory modules focus on the making of modern Thailand and intermediate Thai language and culture, combining reading, discussion, and extensive language practice with analyses of newspapers, films, and other media. Optional modules allow further exploration of contemporary East Asian societies, global cultural exchanges, cinema, literature, and environmental issues. The third year is spent abroad in Thailand, providing immersive language learning and cultural experiences. In the final year, students advance their Thai language proficiency and explore Buddhism in Thailand, examining teachings, monastic life, and societal debates, alongside completing a substantial final year project, which can take the form of a dissertation, translation, or digital documentary. Optional modules in the final year cover politics, religion, history, literature, and cultural studies across East Asia, allowing students to tailor their learning to specific interests and career goals, while developing research, analytical, and cross-cultural skills.