Japanese and Politics, 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. 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.

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.

Politics 

Core modules in your first year will allow you to explore the similarities and differences between political systems and introduce you to key concepts, theories and ideas in politics. In the following year you'll develop this knowledge by choosing from a range of optional modules on topics like security, electioneering and politics from the US to Africa, Europe and Asia Pacific. You'll continue to pursue these interests by choosing from an even wider range of optional modules 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: grade 4/C or above in a modern foreign language.

  • 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

    Residence abroad 

    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