Japanese and Linguistics, 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 options and discovery modules so you can fit in both subjects.

This course is for non-native speakers of Japanese only. You'll begin your first year with intensive language classes to develop your spoken and written Japanese, as well as core modules introducing you to key concepts in linguistics. You'll also take one of our Cornerstone modules to draw your two subjects together, and choose from optional modules on Japanese and East Asian history and culture.

Equipped with this knowledge, you'll study at a Japanese university in your second year, to improve your language skills and gain first-hand experience of the nation's culture. It will offer you a new perspective and valuable experience to inform your studies over the next two years.

When you return, advanced language classes will refine and develop your Japanese skills, and core modules will cover important areas of linguistics such as syntax. You'll also choose from a wide range of optional modules in each subject, from Buddhism to Sino-Japanese relations and psycholinguistics to language change and death. You'll also apply the analytical skills you've acquired to an independent research project in your final year.

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 excluding General Studies and Critical Thinking.

  GCSE: 4/C in a foreign language.

  • Career opportunities

    A Joint Honours degree in Japanese and Linguistics will equip you with fluency in a major world language, as well as an in-depth understanding of human communication. While each of these will open doors to a range of careers, you'll also have a wide range of transferable skills that are highly sought by employers.

    Because linguistics spans arts and sciences, you'll be confident in analysing quantitative and qualitative data, as well as using technology to solve problems. You'll have communication, research and analytical skills, while you'll be comfortable working independently or in a team. You'll also have the organisational skills needed to manage two different subjects.

    Graduates have gone into a range of careers including education, journalism, law, advertising and marketing, business and finance, publishing and the civil service. Others have pursued postgraduate study or specialised training in fields such as translation, interpreting or speech and language therapy.

    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.

    Read more about Residence abroad in East Asian Studies