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Business Project

The project is designed to assess the research, analytical, writing and (where applicable) language skills developed in the course of the year. It requires that students work both collectively in a research group and independently to submit an individual study, with the support of a supervisor, as they formulate a research question, identify the materials necessary to answer it analytically, and produce an appropriately structured, coherently argued, and fully referenced answer to that question, within the scope of a case study format.

60 credits

You’ll choose one from the following:

East Asian Research Methods

Research Methods in East Asian Studies will equip students with the tools required to carry out research in China, Japan, Korea or the wider East Asian region at taught postgraduate level. The module includes training in basic research skills related to East Asia; quantitative methods; qualitative methods; ethical and legal issues; and discursive contexts and reflexivity in East Asian research. 

15 credits

International Business and East Asia

This module will provide students with a sound academic and vocational grounding in the East Asian trading environment and regulatory regimes, to prepare for careers that engage in, manage or regulate trade in East Asia (specifically China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan).It will introduce historical and theoretical perspectives on internal and external barriers to trade and discuss strategies for fostering trade relationships through studies of factors that drive exports; the influence of research and development, the effects of foreign investment, and protectionism. It will include guest lectures by practitioners in Asian business, to share practical information and foster focused discussion. 

15 credits

You will also choose one from the following:

Work and Organisation in East Asia

The dynamics of change in East Asia are increasingly important for understanding the development of global society. This module will describe and analyse 'work and organization' in East Asia and consider whether its cultures and practices are shaped by national models. Adopting multi-disciplinary perspectives, we will examine the historical and cultural embeddedness of Japanese models and their contemporary socio-economic construction. We will consider structures such as the family and education system that prepare people for workforce entry and look a contrasting working contexts from the participants' perspectives. We will then compare Japanese work contexts with China, Taiwan and South Korea. 

15 credits

Perspectives on East Asian Economy and Business

East Asia represents one of the world's most dynamic economic regions, yet has long been explained as different from other economies. This module will introduce students to the history of ideas of East Asian industrialization and capitalism over the past 150 years. Perspectives from scholars both within and outside of East Asia have looked at issues of culture, politics, religion, and values to explain East Asia's differences. By learning the legacies of these perspectives, we will understand how they continue to influence and explain economic policies, business activities, and academic research in East Asia today. Students will learn to read, evaluate, and apply perspectives to contemporary business issues across China, Japan, and South Korea.

15 credits

Choose from the following (90 credits in total):

Global Governance and Japan

This module provides a detailed understanding of Japan's international relations on the one hand, and its role in global governance on the other hand. The first part of the module adopts a theoretically informed approach based on the structure of the international system, the actors involved in international relations, and the norms that inform their behaviour. It then focuses on the key sites of Japan's international activity, particularly the United States and East Asia. The module then explores the institutional mechanisms of governance at the global level and the role Japan plays in these institutions (the UN, G8, World Bank, IMF and WTO) in addition to a number of specific case studies (First Gulf War, East Asian Economic Crisis and 'War on Terror').

30 credits

Sustainable Business in East Asia

How is East Asian business adapting to and driving the sustainability challenge? By focusing on the relationship between corporate strategies and sustainability imperatives, in this module we will engage with regulatory and policy sustainability frameworks, explore how businesses are responding to external pressures, and analyse business operations including resource management, supply chain processes, finance and investment, and innovation in sustainability. Through case studies from East Asian organisations, students will learn about different facets of sustainable business: by exploring the transformation of resource management, the greening of production and supply, sustainable and green finance and technological innovations, and the critical role of business partnerships with government and society in fostering sustainability. These case studies will be gateways to understanding the real-world application and challenges of sustainable business practices and students will develop a nuanced and critical understanding of how businesses operate within the sustainability paradigm. The module will help to equip students with the knowledge, analytical skills, and critical perspectives needed to navigate and contribute to the sustainable business landscape in East Asia.

The module aims to deepen students' comprehension of the interconnectedness between business operations and sustainability challenges, giving insight into sustainable strategies and to encourage an exploratory and analytical approach towards diverse case studies, fostering appreciation of the varied responses across different economies and industries.

15 credits

Political Economy of Development in South Korea and East Asia

The module offers an intensive examination of the political and economic influences shaping the development of East Asian nations, with the leading case of Korea. With this focus on Korea, it examines various development experiences in the East Asian region including Japan, China, and other countries. Labeled as developmental states, these nations serve as benchmarks for development strategies globally. The course aims to provide students with a comprehensive perspective on the evolution and current dynamics of Korea and other East Asian states through a political economic lens. This includes examining the developmental state model, understanding its role in development planning, and assessing its impact on economic growth and global integration. Students will also investigate how government and business interactions have influenced economic development in these countries by adapting themselves to globalisation, technological advancement and global market trends. Upon completion, students will have honed their critical thinking and comparative analysis skills, enabling them to assess economic models, policy decisions, and their implications in East Asia. This comprehensive understanding equips students to engage in informed discourse, conduct advanced academic research, or pursue careers related to the economic dynamics of East Asia and their global linkages, making them well-prepared for various professional and academic endeavors.

15 credits

The History of Industry, Infrastructure and Innovation in Modern Korea

This module examines the history of infrastructure, innovation, and industry in Modern Korea.

From radios to railroads, factories to fission, and semiconductors to synthetics, it considers how the shifting hardware of the peninsula oriented Korea's modern transformation and shaped how that history was understood. The module unfolds across twentieth century Korea's multiple political incarnations: as a regional kingdom, a colony of Japan, a Cold War redoubt, and a continued illustration of developmentalist outcomes. Through each of these specific historical settings, the course will examine the processes, people, and policies that drove technological and economic change. It will also consider the forms of ideology and culture that came into being in conversation with these markers of modernity. The aim will be to reflect on our own encounters with these topics and their power to compose worlds and worldviews.



This module aims to develop students' understanding of key historiographic debates in the field of science and technology history in Korea and the region, underscoring the role of infrastructure, innovation, and industry across multiple regime types and ideological frames. Through the example of Korea, the module will use a model of a nation-based case study as a way to engage with regional and global history.

15 credits

Business and Economy of Japan

In recent years the Japanese economy and Japanese business have changed quite dramatically. High speed growth has long gone and low growth and globalization are vital issues that Japanese business management is obliged to confront. In this module we will address the processes of Japan's economic and business development from the beginnings of modern economic growth in the late 19th century to the 'Lost Decade' of the 1990s and developments in the 2000s. We will describe and analyse the role of the state in the post-war and contemporary periods and study Japan's industrial organisation, production systems, human resource management and corporate governance practices. 

15 credits

East Asian Research Methods

Research Methods in East Asian Studies will equip students with the tools required to carry out research in China, Japan, Korea or the wider East Asian region at taught postgraduate level. The module includes training in basic research skills related to East Asia; quantitative methods; qualitative methods; ethical and legal issues; and discursive contexts and reflexivity in East Asian research. 

15 credits

International Politics in East Asia

This module examines the major structures, actors, and ideas shaping international politics in East Asia today. A major aim is to introduce students to new theories about international order and identity linked to emerging trends in the region. Central themes address changing power dynamics and international order; regional identity and Asian centrism; leadership and the emerging multilateral architecture; and the future of ASEAN-led regionalism. The module explores both traditional and emerging challenges facing the region on the basis of a special forum on media and foreign policy analysis, interactive seminars, group tasks, and team projects. Special topics include the crisis on the Korean Peninsular, the Taiwan Strait, maritime disputes, and environmental threats.

15 credits

The Political Economy of China

The course discusses the evolution of China's economic development since 1978. This requires an understanding of both the political changes occurring in China and how political decision-making and globalization shaped China's economic position in the world today. It therefore focuses on the major economic/political events over the past few decades and the contemporary issues in Chinese economy. It serves as a facilitator for students who are interested in working on China (e.g. think tank, international organisation, NGO), with China (business) or in China in the future.

15 credits

Work and Organisation in East Asia

The dynamics of change in East Asia are increasingly important for understanding the development of global society. This module will describe and analyse 'work and organization' in East Asia and consider whether its cultures and practices are shaped by national models. Adopting multi-disciplinary perspectives, we will examine the historical and cultural embeddedness of Japanese models and their contemporary socio-economic construction. We will consider structures such as the family and education system that prepare people for workforce entry and look a contrasting working contexts from the participants' perspectives. We will then compare Japanese work contexts with China, Taiwan and South Korea. 

15 credits

Contemporary Chinese Business and Management

This module will examine changing cultures and practices of business and management in China in the context of recent economic and political changes, notably rising marketisation and globalisation. 

15 credits

Media, State and Society in China

This module explores the workings of the media in China and their treatment of social issues. You will develop critical reading strategies for media, academic, government and corporate sources, research skills and gain experience in writing shorter and longer explanations of these issues.
In the first half of the module, we will critically examine changes in media coverage on Chinese society (in Chinese and overseas print media, social media and documentary film). In the second half of the semester, we will explore a range of social topics, through a combination of academic studies and media sources.

15 credits

International Business

This module introduces you to the important subject of international business, exploring how and why companies operate internationally. The module examines the international environment Multinational Enterprises (MNEs) operate in, exploring not only how that environment affects the activities of MNEs, but also how MNEs impact their social, economic and natural environments. You will study how MNE managers seek to maximize value and minimize costs by locating different activities in different countries around the world. You will also learn about responsible business practices and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The module not only builds theoretical understanding of international expansion, but also seeks to apply this understanding to explain how organizations perform in host countries and how organizations can adapt to the dynamic international business environment. Key issues that are explored in this module include internationalisation, cross-cultural management and sustainability.

15 credits

Chinese Cities in Transition

Chinese cities are home to ten per cent of the world's population. They have experienced tremendous transformation with the country's transition from a planned to a market economy. This module provides an overview of Chinese cities, and includes topics on evolution of China's urban system, economic restructuring, urban expansion and land disputes, property-led urban regeneration, housing market development and policy. The central aim of the module is to help students understand not only the complex character of changing cities but also their place within Chinese economy and society. 

15 credits

Perspectives on East Asian Economy and Business

East Asia represents one of the world's most dynamic economic regions, yet has long been explained as different from other economies. This module will introduce students to the history of ideas of East Asian industrialization and capitalism over the past 150 years. Perspectives from scholars both within and outside of East Asia have looked at issues of culture, politics, religion, and values to explain East Asia's differences. By learning the legacies of these perspectives, we will understand how they continue to influence and explain economic policies, business activities, and academic research in East Asia today. Students will learn to read, evaluate, and apply perspectives to contemporary business issues across China, Japan, and South Korea.

15 credits

Media, Culture and Society in East Asia

This module introduces key ideas surrounding media and culture in the context of East Asian society. Via selected case studies we will explore issues such as power and control, propaganda, politics of memory, politics of representation, media production and consumption, globalisation, transnational cultural exchange, media and nationhood and the changing status of the creative industries in East Asia. This course will examine a variety of media products including film, TV, radio, digital archives, animation, memorials and museums and will engage with the media and culture of Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong and the PRC respectively. 

15 credits

Politics and Governance in Contemporary China

This module will introduce master level students to the crucial aspects of politics in contemporary China, with special focus on governance and policy-making process. Drawing on the most recent and cutting-edge research in the field, this module will offer an innovative approach to studying governance and public policy, by focusing on both state and non-state actors role in governance and on the thematic study of some of the most salient areas of policy-making in contemporary China. The module will introduce key issues related to the role of the state in policy-making and governance (the Maoist and imperial legacies in contemporary Chinese governance, the role of ideology, the design and role of state institutions in the post-1978 China, the politics of central-local relations); the role of non-state actors in governance (businesses and financial institutions, international organisations and NGOs, media and citizens); and the themes particularly salient in the current policy-making and governance (the 'rule of law' and anti-corruption policies, labour and citizenship rights, minority rights, anti-terrorism and environmental governance). Apart from the political theory and methods-orientated academic training preparing students to conduct independent piece of research in the future, this module is also intended to prepare master students for professional careers as future leaders and experts engaging with Chinas politics, policy-making, economy, international organisations and

15 credits

Postwar Japanese Politics

This module examines postwar Japanese politics and political economy. Main issues include: the US occupation policy of Japan; Japanese politics under the 1955 system; Japanese high economic growth in the 1960s; Japanese politics after the 1994 electoral reform; economic reforms after the collapse of the bubble economy (by focusing on financial regulatory reform and labour-market deregulation); and Japan's international relations in East Asia after the end of the Cold War (by focusing on Japan-China relations). One of the main aims of the module is to understand how 'politics' matters in Japanese economy and society. 

15 credits

International Business and East Asia

This module will provide students with a sound academic and vocational grounding in the East Asian trading environment and regulatory regimes, to prepare for careers that engage in, manage or regulate trade in East Asia (specifically China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan).It will introduce historical and theoretical perspectives on internal and external barriers to trade and discuss strategies for fostering trade relationships through studies of factors that drive exports; the influence of research and development, the effects of foreign investment, and protectionism. It will include guest lectures by practitioners in Asian business, to share practical information and foster focused discussion. 

15 credits

Contemporary Security Issues in East Asia

In this module you will learn about the current security issues that is facing East Asia as a region. We will learn to understand security issues through classical and contemporary theories, and address issues ranging from territorial conflicts, to climate, gender, climate and human security.

15 credits

Law and Business in China

This course introduces students to the Chinese legal system and looks at law, doing business in China and regulations relevant to this. It would be useful for students who want to be acquainted with practical knowledge about doing business in China. It also suits students who are interested in legal studies and want to acquire international perspectives by studying Chinese law. The course begins with a section on the Chinese legal history and traditions, followed by an overview of the current legal system, covering issues such as the state governance structure and power distribution, the sources of law, law making and implementation. It then focuses on law and regulations that are relevant to doing business in China. Specifically, it examines the law on contract and business organizations, foreign direct investment, labour, real estate, taxation, financial regulations, intellectual property rights and dispute resolution.

15 credits

Media and Public Communication in Japan

This module will begin by providing a description and analysis of the media environment and leading media institutions in Japan. It will then move on to analysing how the media industry mediates between policy making, corporate, and public interests and will make comparisons between Japanese, British, and other countries' media and communications industries. The module will then pay special attention to the public relations/marketing/advertising industry and how it interacts with the corporate world. Emphasis will also be placed on international access to and interaction with Japanese media and public relations. The module will be delivered through one lecture and one seminar per week, both of 50 minutes. Lectures will be in the traditional style, though student participation will be sought. Seminars will be student led and occasionally feature film/video content. Assessment will be through a student presentation and research essay. 

15 credits

International Business Strategy

This module introduces key theories of international business strategy - those concerning the rationales for international expansion, the choice of foreign market entry strategy and the implementation of international business strategy. This theoretical understanding will then be illustrated and examined by reference to the way particular companies in contrasting industries have developed and implemented their international strategies. Particular attention will be devoted to the role played by the international business environment and its institutions, understanding and critique of various theories of the multinational enterprise, evaluating key strategic issues facing the multinational enterprise, and exploring inter-relationship between host government policies and multinational company strategies. The module aims to introduce students to the theory of practice of international business strategy and provide them with the insight and depth of understanding necessary to analyse this area.

15 credits

International Business Strategy

This module introduces key theories of international business strategy - those concerning the rationales for international expansion, the choice of foreign market entry strategy and the implementation of international business strategy. This theoretical understanding will then be illustrated and examined by reference to the way particular companies in contrasting industries have developed and implemented their international strategies. Particular attention will be devoted to the role played by the international business environment and its institutions, understanding and critique of various theories of the multinational enterprise, evaluating key strategic issues facing the multinational enterprise, and exploring inter-relationship between host government policies and multinational company strategies. The module aims to introduce students to the theory of practice of international business strategy and provide them with the insight and depth of understanding necessary to analyse this area.

15 credits

International Human Resource Studies

This module investigates labour market trends and human resource practices within diverse political, economic, social and regulatory contexts. In addition to analysing the impacts of globalisation, international institutions and national governments on employment policy and regulation, it also examines the human resource practices of particular foreign direct investors, multinational corporations, and public sector organisations in the majority and minority world (Global South/ODA recipients and Global North). Particular attention is accorded to trends in the deployment of people across the world of work, and to how HR can be utilised within different cultural contexts.

15 credits