Asian Studies degrees (Bachelor of Asian Studies, Bachelor of Asian Studies (Specialist), and Asian Studies in the Combined degrees, are built around two principles:

1. Study of an Asian language to an advanced level.
   No previous knowledge of an Asian language is expected, but students who already have some knowledge of their chosen language may be allowed to start at a more advanced level after a placement test. Native speakers may not normally enrol for the Asian language major in their native tongue. Native speakers of an Asian language are normally encouraged to study another Asian language, but may take advanced elective courses in their native language, if these are available.

   Students are encouraged to develop a deeper knowledge of modern and classical languages in the areas in which they specialise. It is possible to study a second Asian language major within the structure of the three or four year degree. Students who wish to take a second full major in an Asian language should seek advice from the Sub-Dean or Executive Officer.

2. Expertise in a discipline
   Knowledge of the Asian region, with expertise in a disciplinary area or professional field, supports the acquisition and application of Asian language skills. The Faculty of Asian Studies offers a non-language cognitive major designed to develop relevant conceptual and analytical skills. Majors or specific study sequences offered by the Faculties of Arts, Economics and Commerce, Law and Science may also be taken as elective study in the degree. For more intensive disciplinary study, students are advised to consider the Faculty's focused degrees (for example: the Bachelor of Translation (Asia Region) or the Bachelor of Security Analysis (Asia-Pacific), or the Bachelor of Religions (Asian Societies), or to undertake combined degree programs in Arts, Commerce, Economics, Engineering, Law, Science (Forestry)or the Visual Arts.

None but there may be prerequisites or levels of assumed knowledge for certain individual subjects.

Applicants who have completed a T major (ACT) or 2u (NSW) study in an Asian language will automatically be awarded five bonus points for admission to this degree. Equivalent accredited study may also be considered for this bonus. Please contact the Faculty Office.