French and Japanese, BA, University of Leeds

Course content

A joint honours degree allows you to study the same core topics as students on each single honours course, but you'll take fewer optional and discovery modules so you can fit in both subjects. You'll study one of our Cornerstone modules in Year 1 to draw your two subjects together, and apply your knowledge and skills to a major research project in either subject in your final year.

French 

You'll improve your language skills in your first year and be introduced to French culture and history. In the following year you'll develop this knowledge with further core language study and choose from a range of optional modules, before you spend your time abroad working or studying in a Francophone country. When you return, you'll refine your skills with advanced language classes and choose from further options on aspects of Francophone culture, history and the French language in professional contexts.

Japanese 

Core modules in your first year will develop your Japanese skills. You'll also choose from optional modules on Japanese and East Asian culture and history. This will prepare you to study in Japan the following year, where you'll build your language skills and gain first-hand experience of the culture. When you return you'll take advanced language classes and choose from a wider range of optional modules on aspects of Japanese and East Asian politics, history and culture.

Course structure

These are typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

Year 1

Compulsory modules

• Entry requirements, fees and applying

  Entry requirements

  A-level: AAB including A in French, excluding General Studies and Critical Thinking.

  • Career opportunities

    Studying for a Joint Honours degree allows you to gain an in-depth knowledge of two subjects, including proficiency in a major world language. As well as demonstrating that you're intellectually versatile, your degree will equip you with a wide range of skills across different disciplines that employers actively seek.

    You'll have good research skills, and you'll be able to analyse complex information from multiple sources before drawing your own conclusions. You'll then be able to communicate and defend your views clearly, either verbally or in writing. In addition, you'll have strong research and organisational skills and be confident working independently or in a team. You will also have a strong understanding of cultural diversity, allowing you to work effectively with people whose backgrounds differ from yours.

    All of these qualities are very attractive to employers, and graduates have pursued careers across the globe that reflect the diversity of their degrees. They've gone on to be successful in education, the media, law, publishing, the civil service, business and finance and the charity sector to name a few. Many others have also pursued postgraduate study, including further training in language-based careers such as translating and interpreting.

    To find out more about graduate destinations in your subjects, please see the relevant Single Honours pages.

    Careers support

    We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That's one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

    Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.

    The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website.

  • Study abroad and work placements

    In Year 2, you'll follow a year-long course provided by one of our 15 partner universities in Osaka, Fukuoka, Kobe, Kyoto or Tokyo.

    Then in Year 3 you'll spend a term studying a dedicated French course for foreign learners of the language in a French university, or you can apply for a work placement.

    Read more about Residence abroad in East Asian Studies

    Read more about the French residence abroad