Studying at Asia Institute
The Asia Institute is a preeminent teaching and research institute that brings together disciplinary and linguistic expertise on Asia. The Institute has a strong record of teaching, publications and research grants, and over fifty-five academic staff. Through its undergraduate and graduate study programs, the Institute promotes the study of the languages and the rich intellectual, cultural, political and religious traditions of Asia and of the Islamic world. Language programs include Arabic, Chinese, Indonesian, Japanese and Korean.
Reasons to study Asia
Asia and the Middle East are of growing importance to Australia and the world. There are many reasons to study Asia:
- Australia is a culturally diverse and internationally focused nation that is part of Asia
- Our Asian neighbourhood is home to more than one half of the world’s population
- Asia possesses a wealth of cultural, historical, religious and political diversity
- Australian links with the Asian region are critical in political, economic and strategic terms
- Economic growth within the Asian region has overtaken that of Europe and North America. Recent economic transformations have taken place in China, India and nations of Southeast Asia
Career benefits of studying Asia
Students with Asia knowledge:
- Are highly valued in government, policy analysis and commerce, as well as in the finance and service industries
- Have improved employment prospects and greater opportunities to work internationally
- Are effective global citizens with a better understanding of the fundamental changes taking place in this dynamic region of the world
Our staff
Asia Institute staff have a broad range of research strengths that include: Anthropology, Economics, History, Linguistics, Politics, Sociology and the Study of religion. Our staff provide expertise across a number of Asian and Middle Eastern countries.
Our research
Research grants and linkages are supported by national and international agencies, including those from Asia, Australia, and North America. The Institute has established the National Centre for Contemporary Islamic Studies (NCCIS) and the Centre for Contemporary Chinese Studies to disseminate research, advance public debate and engage with the broader community.
Multidisciplinary approach
The study of Asia at the Asia Institute and the University of Melbourne is multidisciplinary. Students from a range of faculties including Arts, Law, Education, Engineering, Science, Music, Medicine, Architecture and Economics undertake Asian language or studies programs and greatly improve their academic and career options.
Our vibrant community
The Institute offers a vibrant and varied program of events such as public lectures, seminars and conferences, presenting high profile Asian specialists to our students and to the community at large.