Bachelor of Arts [B.A] [Burmese (Myanmar)] From School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London

Burmese is the national language and the language of the largest ethnic group (the ÔBurmansÕ) in Burma/Myanmar. Burmese is related to Tibetan and is an important language in the study of Theravada Buddhism as well as many other fields of cultural and social-scientific work.

Students find that the study of Burmese, as well as guaranteeing a warm welcome in a society that captivates most visitors to the country, enables them to view the culture in a more informed perspective.

The range of expertise in SOAS, not only in Burmese and South East Asian studies, but also with regard to languages and literatures of other regions is unique in UK institutions. Along with proven excellence in other disciplines, such as religious studies, anthropology, art and archaeology, and history, this offers students an unparalleled range of options in choosing their second subject of study.

The numbers of students taking up the Year Abroad option have been few in recent years, but those that have undertaken it have had wonderful experiences and the benefits for their proficiency in Burmese are obviously considerable. Students should expect to go to Burma alone or with one or two others at the most.Ê

The exact nature of the Year Abroad is tailor-made to suit the student and situation in the country at the time. Study is either with private tutors in Yangon, or may include tuition at the Yangon University of Foreign Languages, or a combination of both. The Burmese (Myanmar)Êprogramme offered byÊSOAS University of London is flexible, though, and students with an interest or connections in another part of the country should get in touch to discuss their preferences.

Careers

As a graduate who specialised in Burmese, you will have gained competency in language skills and intercultural awareness and understanding. Familiarity with the region will have been developed through a study of language in combination with literature, development studies, economics, geography, history, history of art and archaeology, law, linguistics, music, politics, social anthropology or religion.

Graduates leave SOAS not only with linguistic and cultural expertise, but also with a portfolio of widely transferable skills which employers seek in many professional and management careers, both in business and in the public sector. These include written and oral communication skills, attention to detail, analytical and problem-solving skills, and the ability to research, amass and order information from a variety of sources.