Asian Studies at undergraduate level focuses on Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese art, literature, and popular culture, as well as Asia's international links with other countries. Asian Studies allows students to consider Asia's rich cultural heritage, turbulent political history, and the economic prospects of the region. Students in the honours program in Asian Studies will undertake work on a thesis, combined with courses chosen from the following areas: Ancient History, Indonesian, Japanese, Political Science, Sociology, Studies in Religion, or other electives approved by the honours coordinator. The main aims of the Honours year are: To enable students with an adequate background in Asian Studies to pursue further study in one specialist area in more depth than is possible with a pass degree To enhance students' capacity for independent research and to acquire research skills appropriate to their area of specialisation. To train to a standard sufficient for enrolment in postgraduate research degrees, and for a specialist career. Achievement of first class or IIA honours allows direct entry to a PhD program.

An Honours year in Asian Studies will focus on developing and consolidating the knowledge and skills acquired during undergraduate study, with particular emphasis on utilising those skills in a sustained and purposeful way by conducting independent research. Apart from content knowledge, employers and professionals value both the reliability and capacity for independent work, and the skill at writing substantial reports which are demonstrated by successful completion of Honours.