Japanese Studies (Graduate Diploma)

Birkbeck, University of London

United Kingdom, London

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Birkbeck, University of London

United Kingdom , London

Key Facts

Program Level

Graduate Diploma

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Campuses

Central London

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake DeadlinesOctober-2026

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 1 year(s)

Tuition Fee

GBP 13,900 / year

Next Intake October-2026

Japanese Studies (Graduate Diploma)

About

Course Overview

Our Graduate Diploma in Japanese Studies is ideal if you have a passion for learning Japanese and exploring the culture of Japan but have a basic understanding of Japan already and have achieved beginners’ proficiency in the language. It gives you the chance to consolidate and expand your knowledge further.

Why choose this course?

You will be taught by specialists in contemporary Japanese culture and veteran native Japanese teachers with many years of language teaching experience.
It offers you a multidisciplinary approach to studying Japanese language and culture covering a range of skills and topics, including manga and anime, film, literature, history, linguistics, translation, visual arts and gender studies.
As the curriculum on this course is equivalent to the final year of our BA Japanese Studies, it is also ideal if you have substantial experience of Japan but are not qualified to undergraduate degree level in this subject.

What you will learn

You will take a Japanese language module to help boost your Japanese skills to intermediate-level proficiency. You will also take content modules that give you an in-depth understanding of Japanese culture, society and linguistics.

Cross-cultural modules will then give you the opportunity to learn from a team of specialists in different cultures and analyse comparative themes across a variety of linguistic, cultural and historical contexts.

You will also master transferable skills such as essay writing, oral presentations, video essays, written reports, critical and logical thinking, and translating.

How you will learn

Teaching takes place in small-group seminars giving you plenty of opportunity to participate and interact with your peers and tutors. You will be taught Japanese in an interactive classroom setting by our team of native Japanese teachers.

This course is available to study full- or part-time. It has a mainly evening timetable with some Japanese classes taking place on Saturday during the daytime.

Discover the career opportunities available by taking Japanese Studies (Graduate Diploma) (Graduate Diploma).

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Normally a second-class honours degree (2:2 or above) in a subject other than Japanese studies or modern languages.

Language skills in Japanese equivalent to A-level or JLPT N4 (also equivalent to a pass in Japanese 3).

Applications are reviewed on their individual merits and your professional qualifications and/or relevant work experience will be taken into consideration positively. We actively support and encourage applications from mature learners.

On your application form, please list all your relevant qualifications and experience, including those you expect to achieve.

Apply now to secure your place. The earlier you apply, the sooner your application can be considered and you can enrol. You do not need to have completed your current qualification to start your application.

English Program Requirements

If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, the requirement for this course is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.5, with not less than 6.0 in each of the sub-tests.

If you don't meet the minimum IELTS requirement, we offer pre-sessional English courses and foundation programmes to help you improve your English language skills and get your place at Birkbeck.

Visit the International section of our website to find out more about our English language entry requirements and relevant requirements by country.

Career

On this Graduate Diploma in Japanese Studies you will also have the chance to participate in our industry programme which offers invaluable work experience at cultural or Japan-related organisations such as the Japan Society and Daiwa Foundation.

On graduating successfully you will have gained an array of important transferable skills, including:

the ability to analyse and engage critically with cultural topics or products such as literature, film, manga and anime and other cultural artefacts
experience in producing various forms of work such as journalistic reviews, video essays and translations
an increased confidence when presenting and debating complex issues in a succinct and convincing manner both in writing and orally
the ability to work independently and effectively manage your time and diverse deadlines.

Studying this course will prepare you for roles in a range of fields and professions, including:

language teacher in Japan
editor or a role in publishing
translator
events manager for Japanese organisations
marketing manager
journalist
social researcher
digital content creator
positions in hospitality, gaming, telecommunications and other industries.

Some of our graduates from this course have gone on to be employed at organisations including Japan House London, KDDI, Rachel Hill Resourcing and the Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme (JET).

We offer a comprehensive careers service - Careers and Enterprise - your career partner during your time at Birkbeck and beyond. At every stage of your career journey, we empower you to take ownership of your future, helping you to make the connection between your experience, education and future ambitions.