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Area Studies

View the employability skills

A graduate in area studies typically will have the ability to:

  • understand similarities and differences between areas, thus fostering cross-cultural and international perspectives
  • critically engage with the area through disciplines such as anthropology, archaeology, art history, cultural studies, economics, film and media studies, geography, history, languages other than English, literature, philosophy, politics and sociology
  • integrate a diverse range of appropriate materials such as literary and historical texts, oral interviews, sound recordings, visual screenings and internet sites
  • command techniques and methodologies such as bibliographical, library and internet research skills, proficiency in reading and analysis, adeptness in visual analysis, appreciation of theoretical models and alertness to interpretations of issues and events
  • read and use materials incisively and with sensitivity
  • resolve problems and communicate ideas with clarity, coherence and persuasiveness
  • synthesise information, adopt critical appraisals and develop reasoned argument
  • critically reflect upon the scope and limitations of what has been understood
  • work with independence demonstrated in self-direction, self-management and intellectual initiative both in learning and studying and in time management
  • write clearly with professional referencing, tables, diagrams, graphics and illustrations, where appropriate
  • present materials orally in a clear and effective manner, using audio-visual aids where appropriate and answering questions from an audience
  • listen effectively and work creatively and flexibly with others
  • write and think under pressure and meet deadlines
  • use ICT resources
  • show proficiency in a language other than English where appropriate to a specific degree programme.

Area studies degree programmes involve study of single countries or groups of countries. The term covers national areas under titles such as American or Australian Studies, or multinational regions under titles such as African, Caribbean, European, Latin American and Pacific Studies.

The principal objective of area studies programmes is to study the area itself, using appropriate disciplinary or interdisciplinary approaches to understand the aspects of the area on which they wish to concentrate. The empirical content of area studies programmes varies widely. Degree programmes in area studies can be multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary.

Any discipline in the social sciences, humanities or arts may be included as a major or minor channel of knowledge in an area studies degree programme. Programmes tend to be organised around a combination of arts and/or humanities disciplines and formations, or around a combination of social sciences and/or humanities such as politics and economics or politics and history. There is wide diversity and the boundaries between these broad types are porous. Different spheres of area studies have evolved with different traditions. For example, many programmes in American studies combine the study of literature with history and politics. Area studies programmes may work with, across, or challenge, traditional disciplinary boundaries.

Graduates in area studies can be found in arts and the media, including radio, television, film, museums, and theatre; in publishing and journalism, including writing for newspapers and magazines, production, editorial, and management; in business, law and financial services, including management and marketing in small and large concerns; in administration and civil service, including international, diplomatic, national and local government work, and employment in non-governmental organisations; and in teaching.

To check the growing range of resources produced by the Subject Centre to support employability and the use of this profile (including the Skills and Attributes map) go to www.llas.ac.uk/index.aspx.

This profile, produced in 2006, is based on the QAA benchmark to be found at www.qaa.ac.uk/academicinfrastructure/benchmark/honours/default.asp


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