Asia Pacific Studies and Japanese

Cultural powerhouse and economic giant, Japan is home to a varied, changing society. In this degree you'll develop language skills in Japanese and gain insight into Japan and the Asia Pacific region.

You'll explore the culture, history, politics and economics of the region and its global interactions. You'll combine this with intensive language study to become proficient in Japanese. We teach Japanese from beginner level, but if you already have some knowledge of the language we can normally accommodate you.

Core modules will build your skills in Japanese and you'll study the Asia Pacific region from different perspectives. Topics include East Asian religions, culture and identity and the history of modern China. You'll study at one of our partner universities for a year to refine your skills and experience life in Japan.

With the international expertise and language skills you'll develop, you'll be prepared for a global career.

Specialist facilities

Leeds has excellent library facilities for Asia Pacific studies, and the University Library runs a comprehensive training programme to help you make the most of them.

For independent language study, you'll have access to the Language Zone –“ the University language resource centre –“ with books, DVDs, magazines, audio/ video resources and language learning software. To practise your speaking skills, you can participate in language groups with other students or a language exchange with a native speaker.

The programme is designed for international students. Applicants must meet two of the following three criteria in order to be eligible for our programmes:

• Have an educational gap between their high school qualifications and the requirements for entry to undergraduate programmes at the University of Leeds. Qualifications beyond high school level will be considered within the applicant profile.
• Have completed the majority of their high school studies in a non-English speaking environment.
• Have completed the majority of their high school studies in a different educational context from that in the UK.

Students who have completed the International Baccalaureate will be considered for the International Foundation Year if they have reached a minimum Grade of 26 points overall with grade 4 at Standard Level or 3 at Higher Level in two subjects. Specific subjects will be dependent on the chosen degree path of progression.

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 fastest-growing regions which is increasingly gaining economic importance. These will open doors into a wide range of careers, but you will also develop transferable skills that are valued by all kinds of employers.

You'll have strong research skills, allowing you to find relevant information from a wide range of sources and draw your own conclusions from what you find. Then you'll be able to present and defend them clearly with your advanced communication skills. 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 Japan Exchange and Teaching programme (JET), which recruits graduates to work in teaching and international relations positions. Others have moved into teaching, business, tourism, publishing, broadcasting, PR, translating and interpreting both at home and across China, Japan and Hong Kong.

Others have continued to study languages and East Asian cultures to Masters level, either as a stepping stone for a PhD and career in academia or to further their knowledge.

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.

Apply

There are three steps to applying:

1. Read our Access to Leeds application guidelines
2. Fill in our Access to Leeds application form (this will be available here once the application cycle opens). If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader), there is an accessible version of this form available to download. Please only use this version if you have accessibility requirements
3. Submit your application using our online Access to Leeds Application Submission Form (this will be available here once the application cycle opens).

If you require it for your application, please download our Declaration of Household Income Form (this will be available here once the application cycle opens).