Program type
Major, Minor
Southern Asia Studies (BA)
Primary campus
Sir George Williams (SGW)
Duration
3 to 4 years
Start term
Fall, Winter
Virtual information sessions
Discover what makes Concordia's Faculty of Arts and Science stand out as a leader in the humanities and social and natural sciences, including academic opportunities, hands-on learning and how to achieve your goals.
Why choose Southern Asia Studies?
Nearly a quarter of the world’s people live in the geographic area known as South Asia, making it one of the most densely-populated places on the planet. Representing a multiplicity of religions, cultures, ethnicities, and languages, this diverse group’s interaction over thousands of years is a rich, complex story with lessons for today and the future.
By considering South Asia’s experiences of colonialism, post-colonialism, political activism, multiculturalism, and economics, you will enrich your understanding of those dynamics in Canada too. As you examine South Asian influences on the West, including yoga, meditation, and Buddhist concepts, you will challenge your own ideas and discover alternative worldviews.
Explore Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism, Sikhism and Jainism, and South Asian expressions of Christianity, Judaism, Zoroastrianism, and Sufism as you discover or enhance your knowledge of languages including Urdu, Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, Tibetan, and Sanskrit. Through Concordia International, go on exchange in a South Asian country. In Montreal, experience South Asian culture, food, temples and mosques, while connecting with members of the South Asian community.
Program highlights
- Active student-run department group organizes trips and social events to deepen students’ understanding and experience
Special funding for out-of-province students
Up to $4000 for undergraduate programs.
Program structure
A Bachelor of Arts degree takes a minimum of three or four years (90 – 120 credits) of full-time study, depending on your academic background.
Program options
- Major in Southern Asia Studies (42 credits)
- Minor in Southern Asia Studies (24 credits)
Courses
Southern Asia Studies is an interdisciplinary undergraduate program, which provides students with the opportunity to focus their studies on the customs, social organization, ideas, historical experiences and present-day conditions of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and their neighbours. Students with a major or minor in Southern Asia Studies take courses in Religion, History, Political Science and other disciplines - including Film Studies, Economics, Education, Linguistics, English, and Sociology and Anthropology.
The countries of Southern Asia have one-fifth of the world's total population today and possess the heritage of one of the world's oldest civilizations. This region is of immense political importance, and religious significance - made up of communities practicing Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism, Jainism, Zoroastrianism, Sikhism, Judaism and Christianity. People who come from this region, or whose great-grandparents did, are an important part of Canada today, and their cultural expressions contribute to the richness of Canadian society.
For an overview of the Southern Asia Studies curriculum, visit our traditions page.
United States students: A U.S. Federal Student Aid-eligible version of this program is offered. This version meets all U.S. regulations (such as no co-operative education or e-courses) for eligible programs.
Admission criteria
Minimum cut-off averages and course requirements
- Quebec CEGEP: DEC
- High School: C+
- ACT or SAT is NOT required
- Canadian curricula course requirements
- Accepted international qualifications
- International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma: 26
- International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (CP): 26
- Baccalauréat français: 11
- British system of education (GCE):
- A-levels: At least two A-level exams CD or
- AS-levels: At least 4 AS-level exams with equivalent results or
- BTEC: Level 3 Diploma or Extended Diploma in a related subject area with equivalent results
- Additional information for British System of Education (GCE) applicants
- University Transfers (internal/external): C
Minimum cut-off averages should be used as indicators. The cut-off data may change depending on the applicant pool. Applicants who meet the stated minimum requirements are not guaranteed admission to these programs.
Application deadlines
FALL ENTRY (September)
Deadline: March 1
International applicants: Apply no later than February 1 to allow time for immigration document processing. However, applying earlier is strongly recommended. Immigration processing times vary by country, and delays could prevent you from starting your studies on time.
WINTER ENTRY (January)
Deadline: November 1
International applicants: Apply no later than August 1 to allow time for immigration document processing. However, applying earlier is strongly recommended. Immigration processing times vary by country, and delays could prevent you from starting your studies on time.
We reserve the right to close admission to a program at any time after the official deadline without prior notice.
After your degree
You’ll be well-positioned to become an effective, high-impact professional in fields including law, medicine, international development, international business, journalism and social work. Our graduates have found success in:
- Teaching English as a second language
- Working with community organizations
- Humanitarian work
- Graduate studies in religions and cultures, history, and political science
Student story
Taran Singh
Major in Southern Asia Studies
Taran Singh’s multidisciplinary program experience led him to organize events and a conference outside the classroom.
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