East Asian Studies and Japanese BA

Course overview

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 East Asian 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 accommodate you.

Throughout your degree, core modules will build your skills in Japanese and you’ll study the East Asian region from different perspectives. Topics include East Asian politics, economy, religions, culture and identity and the history of modern China and Japan. You’ll study at one of our partner universities for a year to refine your skills while experiencing life in Japan.

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

Specialist facilities

With a variety of specialist facilities and four libraries on campus, you’ll find plenty of space for study, group work and research.

The world-class Brotherton Library is home to a wide variety of manuscripts, archive and early printed material in its Special Collections – valuable assets for your independent research. Our Japanese and East Asian Studies collection has been curated since the 1990s, alongside our Chinese holdings (since the 1960s) and a growing Thai collection. Our main library resources are also excellent, and the University Library offers a comprehensive training programme to help you make the most of them.

The Language Centre includes digital language labs, audio/video practice booths and Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL). The Language Zone offers excellent learning material in more than 50 languages, including online resources and advice. The Language Exchange and the Language Groups programme provide opportunities to practice with other learners and native speakers; you can also volunteer to help other learners and enhance your CV at the same time.

Our Martin Thomas Translation Labs feature state-of-the-art computing facilities for translation studies as well as Interpreter Training Suites – ideal if you’re considering a career in interpreting.

Take a look around our libraries:

Brotherton Library
Laidlaw Library
Edward Boyle Library

Entry requirements

A-level: ABB

GCSE: 4/C in a foreign language

Other course specific tests:

If you’re taking the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) in a relevant subject this might be considered alongside other Level 3 qualifications and may attract an alternative offer in addition to the standard offer. If you’re taking A Levels, this would be BBB-ABB at A Level and grade A in the EPQ.

We welcome applications from mature students with Access qualifications, and from students with a wide range of qualifications.

International Baccalaureate

Career opportunities

You’ll gain the language and professional skills to prepare you for an international career in a wide range of sectors. As well as demonstrating that you’re intellectually versatile, your Japanese language competence will equip you with a wide range of skills across different disciplines which are attractive to employers such as: 

• good research skills and the ability to analyse complex information from multiple sources before drawing your own conclusions 
• communication skills, enabling you to defend your views clearly, either verbally or in writing 
• strong organisational skills and the confidence to work independently or in a team
• a deep understanding of cultural diversity, allowing you to work effectively with people whose backgrounds differ from yours

Leeds graduates have pursued careers across the globe and in a range of sectors, including education, the media, law, publishing, the civil service and diplomacy, business and finance and the charity sector. Many others have also pursued postgraduate study, including further training in language-based careers such as translating and interpreting.