Bachelor of Arts (Korean Studies)

On successful completion of this program the learner will be able to:

1. demonstrate good written and spoken Korean language ability, and apply them competently in social and professional contexts
2. evaluate a range of issues in Korean society and culture with clarity and purpose; and, through using appropriate research evidence and language, support judgement and inform culturally-sensitive decision making in the context of future employment or postgraduate study
3. demonstrate cultural confidence to engage across diverse global contexts with an advanced level of Korean linguistic and cultural competence
4. develop social sciences research projects related to the two Koreas in future employment contexts and manage and take responsibility for their own learning processes with minimum guidance

The Bachelor of Arts (Korean Studies) prepares students for working and living in one of the world's most fascinating cultural and technological power houses, the Republic of Korea. Graduates who demonstrate strong linguistic and cultural competency in Korean Studies are highly sought after in a number of employment fields that require intercultural communication skills and a global world view.

In this program you will explore your interest in Korean society and culture through a program which will equip you to succeed in Korea-related careers after graduation. You will also learn about the history, culture, politics and society of one of the most exciting and vibrant parts of the world and become part of the close-knit Korean Studies student community for the duration of your studies through additional extra-curricular and postgraduate study opportunities offered through the Korea Research Centre of Western Australia.

You may also have opportunities to apply for work internships in Korea through our specially designed programs.

No prior experience in studying a second language is required. This program is not suitable for native Korean speakers.

Recommended study pattern

The degree has been designed to be sequential and developmental in nature, meaning that students will need to complete the core subjects at each level before progressing to the next level. Students must complete any prerequisite subjects required.

Please note you can only do a maximum of 10 first year subjects in your single major degree. Students could select subjects from the Level 1 Optional Subjects list, or any undergraduate subjects offered through OUA.

Year Level 1

• APC100 Academic and Professional Communications
• COM155 Culture to Cultures
• KOR100 Korean Beginners 1
• KOR110 Korean Begineers 2
• 4x Electives (to the value of 100 credits)

Recommended electives:

• ASIA100 Discovering Asia
• ASIA110 Communicating with Asia: Languages and Societies

Year Level 2

• COM210 Asian Media in Transition
• KOR200 Korean Intermediate 3
• KOR210 Korean Intermediate 4
• KOR220 Korean Society and Politics
• 4x Electives (to the value of 100 credits)

Year Level 3

• KOR300 Korean Advanced 5
• KOR310 Korean Advanced 6
• KOR320 Korean Popular Culture
• WORK3006 Go Global - Internship 4 OR NET205 The Digital Economy OR NET303 Online Power and Resistance
• 4x Electives (to the value of 100 credits)

The standard full-time study load is two subjects per study period.

Award requirements

Students must complete 24 subjects and meet the following requirements:

• Complete twelve compulsory core subjects
• Complete twelve elective subjects
• Complete at least twelve Curtin University subjects

Degrees are usually made up of core subjects and electives. Some degrees include a choice of majors, so you can focus your studies on a specialisation.

This list is a general overview. Download the full Degree Guide for more information.

• Level 1 Core Subjects

• Level 1 Optional Subjects

• Level 2 Core Subjects

• Level 3 Core Subjects

• Level 3 Optional Subject

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.

Indicative total fee $20,056

The amounts shown here are indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.

Fees may vary depending on:

• the subjects you choose
• credit from previous work experience
• your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.

To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.

Start your career with Curtin’s globally recognised courses and extensive industry connections. Through OUA, their online courses offer an interactive and collaborative learning experience that gets you the same degree as if you studied on campus. Curtin is a global university with a vibrant culture of innovation and collaboration and is ranked in the top one per cent of universities worldwide.

Learn more about Curtin University.

Explore Curtin courses.

QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

13

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

14

Successful completion of one full time semester (four standard subjects) towards an Undergraduate or higher level of study at an Australian University (separate evidence of English proficiency is not required).​

Successful study through OUA – either:

• Successful completion of four OUA degree level subjects at pass level (this satisfies the English language proficiency requirement) OR
• Successful completion of two OUA degree level subjects with separate evidence of English proficiency is required.

• Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) 70 or equivalent. Students must have English ATAR, Literature ATAR or English as an Additional Language/Dialect ATAR. To determine your eligibility for entry please refer to Interstate Year 12 and IB Students, TISC Tertiary Institutions Service Centre Prerequisites

• Completion of an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Diploma or Advanced Diploma or Associate Diploma. You may also be eligible for credit toward your university study.
• Completion of an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Certificate IV and evidence of English proficiency.

• Successful completion of the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT). (Please note this test is valid for two years.)
• Finished secondary education more than two years ago
• Bridging and enabling degree entry
  • Curtin Enabling Program: UniReady
• Enabling degrees completed through other Australian Universities which meet minimum entry requirements for that institution will be accepted as minimum entry requirements for this degree.

Additional information

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people: Centre for Aboriginal Studies
• Domestic applicants with overseas qualifications

Applicants need to meet Curtin's English Language requirements. You normally need ONE of the following:

• Must have a 50% minimum in English ATAR (or equivalent).
• Completion of at least one full time semester (or equivalent) of Undergraduate level studies at an Australian University
• Completion of an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Diploma or Advanced Diploma or Associate Diploma
• Successful completion of two degree level subjects via Open Universities Australia (OUA) and English proficiency
• Successful completion of two degree level subjects at an Australian university and English proficiency
• Successful completion of the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT). (Please note this test is valid for two years.)

Please refer to the 'Minimum English Language Proficiency Requirements' document at English Language Requirements.

*** Please Note: If any academic or legal document is not in English, you must provide a colour scan of the non-English documents, including a colour scan of the official English translations of these documents. This is for comparison purposes. ***

Credit for Recognised Learning (CRL) is assessed on individual merit and is awarded for different types of learning, for example, studies you have previously completed or for relevant work experience. Students must be admitted in an award degree of study before lodging their completed CRL application, along with all required supporting documentation for a formal assessment. To apply for CRL, please visit the Curtin University website: Credit for Recognised Learning (Advanced Standing)

It is important to note accepted documentation includes scans of the original Transcripts and/or Award Certificate; front and back; in colour; and original size. For further information see the scanned documents and certification requirements and guidelines.

More information about the policies and procedures related to CRL assessment and appealing a CRL assessment outcome can be found in the Credit for Recognised Learning Policy (PDF).