Japanese, BA, University of Leeds

Course content

Our first-year language tuition is aimed at beginners, but we also have post-beginner level modules for those with some knowledge of Japanese: self-study, GCSE or A-level. Either way, you'll develop your knowledge of the Japanese language while choosing optional modules allowing you to explore the country's fascinating history, as well as its social and cultural life.

This is the perfect way to prepare for your Residence Abroad, which you'll spend at a Japanese university building your language skills and gaining a new perspective on the topics you have studied.

You'll bring all of this back to Leeds with you for your final two years, where you'll take advanced language classes to refine your spoken and written Japanese. At the same time you'll be cultivating critical and research skills, as you choose further optional modules exploring aspects of life in Japan, from religion to cinema, modern Japanese history to Sino-Japanese relations.

In your final year, you can put these skills into practice with an independently researched dissertation or final year project.

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-ABB excluding General Studies and Critical Thinking. A foreign language is preferred.

  GCSE: 4/C in a foreign language.

  • Career opportunities

    This degree gives you proficiency in a major world language, as well as an insight into the fascinating culture of one of the world's most influential economies. These will open doors to a wide range of careers in Japan and elsewhere around the world, but you will also develop transferable skills which are highly sought by employers.

    You'll have strong research skills, allowing you to find information from a wide range of sources and draw your own conclusions. Then you'll be able to communicate and defend them clearly. Teamwork, adaptability and time management are also among the key qualities you can develop.

    As a result, graduates have pursued diverse careers. Many join the Japanese government's Japan Exchange and Teaching programme (JET), which recruits graduates to work in teaching and international relations positions. Others have moved into teaching, tourism, publishing, business, broadcasting, overseas aid work, PR, and language-based roles such as translating and interpreting within and outside of Japan.

    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

    After your first year, you'll get the chance to spend a year studying at one of our partner universities in Japan spread across Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe and Fukuoka.

    It offers you invaluable experience of Japanese life and culture, and the intensive language classes you'll undertake will help you develop your language skills. You'll also get the chance to study a variety of subjects such as history and politics, but the curriculum varies between universities. Of course, there will also be plenty of time for you to travel and explore everything that Japan has to offer.

  • Related courses

    Asia Pacific Studies BA
    Chinese and Japanese BA
    East Asian Religions and Cultures BA
    East Asian Religions and Cultures and Japanese BA
    English and Japanese BA