Thai Studies

We introduce you to Thai language and culture from beginners’ level through core modules in your first year, while your choice of optional modules will give you the chance to focus on the areas of life in Thailand and the Asia Pacific that interest you. This will form the foundation for the following year, where you’ll build your language skills and immerse yourself in Thai culture to get a sense of life in the country.

When you return to Leeds, you’ll study advanced language modules to refine your spoken and written Thai. But you’ll also look at the emergence of the Thai nation, how Buddhism has shaped society and Thailand’s distinctive media. Further optional modules will allow you to explore East Asian history, religions, politics, political economy and culture in greater depth.

In your final year, you’ll even get to apply the critical and research skills you’ve developed to produce an independently researched dissertation on a topic of your choice.

Course structure

These are typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

Modules Year 1

Compulsory modules

• Basic Thai Language and Culture 1 20 credits
• Basic Thai Language and Culture 2 20 credits
• LCS Academic Skills

Optional modules

• Introduction to Religious and Philosophical Texts of East Asia 20 credits
• Introduction to East Asian Religions 20 credits

Year 2

Compulsory modules

• Year Abroad in Thailand 120 credits

Year 3

Compulsory modules

• The Making of Modern Thailand 20 credits
• Intermediate Thai Language and Culture 1 20 credits
• Intermediate Thai Language and Culture 2 20 credits

Year 4

Compulsory modules

• Buddhism: A Lived Tradition 20 credits
• Advanced Thai Language and Culture I 20 credits
• Advanced Thai language and Culture II 20 credits
• Final Year Project

For more information on typical modules, read Thai Studies BA in the course catalogue

Broadening your academic horizons

At Leeds we want you to benefit from the depth and breadth of the University's expertise, to prepare you for success in an ever-changing and challenging world. This course gives you the opportunity to broaden your learning by studying discovery modules. Find out more on the Broadening webpages.

Learning and teaching

We use a number of different teaching and learning styles, allowing you to benefit from the expertise of your tutors. Lectures, seminars and tutorials are the main methods we use, along with workshops in some cases.

Independent study is an important part of your degree– it allows you to develop your research skills to find relevant information, and encourages you to think critically about what you find. Leeds has excellent library resources to help you, and the University Library runs training programmes to help you use them effectively.

Assessment

Different types of assessment are also used, including exams and essays. However, in some modules you may also be assessed on group work or oral presentations. We do provide support to help you handle assessments – throughout your time at Leeds you’ll be able to attend extra classes on issues such as exam technique, public speaking and structuring essays.