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Japanese Studies

BA (Hons)

Application options include:

Full-time Part-time
On campus
With or without Foundation Year With or without International Experience

Course Overview

Learning a language opens a door to another culture. Our BA Japanese Studies allows you to gain a near-fluent command of the Japanese language and combine it with study of Japanese culture. You will be able to choose from modules on Japanese history, society and contemporary culture including cinema, popular culture, manga and anime.

Entry requirements are flexible and you can join the degree at various levels of competence in Japanese, from complete beginner to advanced learner.

If you achieve a high level of proficiency in Japanese and also show a high level of success in your academic studies on this course, you may also have the chance to learn Korean as well as Japanese, so that you are awarded a BA Japanese with Korean.

If you opt for the Foundation Year route, this will fully prepare you for undergraduate study. It is ideal if you are returning to study after a gap, or if you have not previously studied the relevant subjects, or if you didn't achieve the grades you need for a place on your chosen undergraduate degree. 

On the International Experience route, you will normally spend your third year at a partner institution in Japan to allow you to develop your language skills and your knowledge of the culture.

This course has an evening timetable with lectures, seminars and classes taking place in the evening. If you choose the International Experience route, this may differ during your year abroad. 

Discover the career opportunities available by taking Japanese Studies (BA (Hons)).

Key information and modules

Find another course:

Highlights

  • Offers a multidisciplinary approach to studying the language, modern history and contemporary culture of Japan.
  • You will be taught by specialists from a centre of teaching and research excellence in languages.
  • If you choose the International Experience route, you will have the opportunity to spend a year at a partner institution in Japan. 
Come and meet us Request a prospectus Contact us

Birkbeck makes all reasonable efforts to deliver educational services, modules and programmes of study as described on our website. In the event that there are material changes to our offering (for example, due to matters beyond our control), we will update applicant and student facing information as quickly as possible and offer alternatives to applicants, offer-holders and current students.

Most of our courses are taught in the evenings, however some of our courses offer a daytime timetable. Where there is an option to attend daytime teaching sessions, this is stated in the Key Information section under Attendance.

  • Entry Requirements Entry Requirements

    Entry Requirements

    We welcome applicants without traditional entry qualifications as we base decisions on our own assessment of qualifications, knowledge and previous work experience. We may waive formal entry requirements based on judgement of academic potential.

    You must normally have N5-level (JLPT) competence, or the equivalent, in Japanese, but students without prior knowledge of Japanese may also be accepted.

    Acceptance may be subject to an admissions test and/or interview.

    For part-time courses, standard requirements are a minimum of two A-levels or equivalent.

    UCAS tariff points

    • 3 years full-time: 104 points (e.g. A-levels BCC)
    • 4 years full-time with Foundation Year: 48 points

    The UCAS tariff score is applicable to you if you have recently studied a qualification that has a UCAS tariff equivalence. UCAS provides a tariff calculator for you to work out what your qualification is worth within the UCAS tariff.

    Year abroad

    Please note you must make satisfactory progress during Years 1 and 2 of your degree to be eligible for a year abroad. Additionally, the non-UK partner institution may set its own entrance criteria, including, but not limited to, academic criteria, language requirements and visa requirements. In instances where a student does not meet the eligibility criteria for an approved year abroad or if it is not completed for another reason, their registration may be transferred to the corresponding BA degree pathway without the ‘with International Experience’ designation. Please be aware that you will initially be provided with a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) to study for the first two years of your course while at Birkbeck. During your third year of study at an overseas institution, you will be required to obtain a visa for that specific country. When you return to the UK to complete your fourth year, Birkbeck will issue you with a second CAS so that you can apply for another Student visa for your final year. You will therefore need to make a total of three visa applications: two for Birkbeck and one for the overseas institution.

    Foundation year degrees

    Our 'with Foundation Year' route is designed to give you extra support as it provides you with an additional year (full-time) or two years (part-time) of supported study. This is an ideal route if you are returning to study after a gap, or if you have not previously studied this subject, or if you did not achieve the grades you need for a place on this degree. 

    Once you successfully complete your Foundation Year studies, you will automatically advance onto the main degree. 

    Alternative entry routes

    Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma: DMM

    English language requirements

    If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement 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. We also accept other English language tests.

    If you don’t meet the minimum English language requirements,  or see our international study skills page for more details of how we can help.

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

    Visa and funding requirements

    If you are not from the UK and you do not already have residency here, you may need to apply for a visa.

    The visa you apply for varies according to the length of your course:

    • Courses of more than six months' duration: Student visa
    • Courses of less than six months' duration: Standard Visitor visa

    International students who require a Student visa should apply for our full-time courses as these qualify for Student visa sponsorship. If you are living in the UK on a Student visa, you will not be eligible to enrol as a student on Birkbeck's part-time courses (with the exception of some modules).

    For full information, read our visa information for international students page.

    Please also visit the international section of our website to find out more about relevant visa and funding requirements by country.

    Please note students receiving US Federal Aid are only able to apply for in-person, on-campus programmes which will have no elements of online study.

    Credits and accredited prior learning (APL)

    If you have studied at university (or have an HND or Foundation Degree), you may have accumulated credits through the modules you studied. It may be possible to transfer these credits from your previous study to Birkbeck or another institution.

  • Fees Fees

    Fees

    Japanese Studies with International Experience BA (Hons): 4 years full-time, on campus, starting in academic year 2025-26

    Academic year 2025–26, starting October 2025

    Full-time home students, 3 years of study: £9,535 per year
    Full-time international students, 3 years of study: £18,060 per year
    Full-time home students, international year: £1,430 per year
    Full-time international students, international year: £2,400 per year

    Japanese Studies BA (Hons): 3 years full-time, on campus, starting in academic year 2025-26

    Academic year 2025–26, starting October 2025

    Full-time home students: £9,535 per year
    Full-time international students: £18,060 per year

    Japanese Studies BA (Hons): 4 years part-time, on campus, starting in academic year 2025-26

    Academic year 2025–26, starting October 2025

    Part-time home students: £7,145 per year
    Part-time international students: £13,545 per year

    Japanese Studies with Foundation Year BA (Hons): 4 years full-time, on campus, starting in academic year 2025-26

    Academic year 2025–26, starting October 2025

    Full-time home students: £9,535 per year
    Full-time international students: £18,060 per year

    Japanese Studies with Foundation Year BA (Hons): 6 years part-time, on campus, starting in academic year 2025-26

    Academic year 2025–26, starting October 2025

    Part-time home students, Year 1&2: £4,765 per year
    Part-time international students, Year 1&2: £9,030 per year
    Part-time home students, Year 3+: £7,145 per year
    Part-time international students, Year 3+: £13,545 per year

    Students are charged a tuition fee in each year of their course. Tuition fees for students continuing on their course in following years may be subject to annual inflationary increases. For more information, please see the College Fees Policy.

    If you’ve studied at Birkbeck before and successfully completed an award with us, take advantage of our Lifelong Learning Guarantee to gain a discount on the tuition fee of this course.

    Tuition fee and maintenance loans

    Eligible full-time and part-time students from the UK don’t have to pay any tuition fees upfront, as government loans are available to cover them.

    Maintenance loans are also available for eligible full-time and part-time UK students, to assist with covering living costs, such as accommodation, food, travel, books and study materials. The amount you receive is means-tested and depends on where you live and study and your household income.

    Find out more about tuition fee and maintenance loans for full-time and part-time students at Birkbeck.

    Discover the financial support available to you to help with your studies at Birkbeck.

    International scholarships

    We provide a range of scholarships for eligible international students, including our Global Future Scholarship. Discover if you are eligible for a scholarship.

  • Teaching and Assessment Teaching and Assessment

    Teaching

    At Birkbeck, most of our courses are taught in the evening and all of our teaching is designed to support students who are juggling evening study with work and other commitments. We actively encourage innovative and engaging ways of teaching, to ensure our students have the best learning experience.

    Teaching may include formal lectures, seminars, and practical classes and tutorials. Formal lectures are used in most degree programmes to give an overview of a particular field of study. They aim to provide the stimulus and the starting point for deeper exploration of the subject during your own personal reading. Seminars give you the chance to explore a specific aspect of your subject in depth and to discuss and exchange ideas with fellow students. They typically require preparatory study.

    In addition, you will have access to pastoral support via a named Personal Tutor.

    Methods of teaching on this course

    Teaching consists of lectures, student activity - either singly or in small groups - and open discussion. Varied use is made of support materials and technologies, including Moodle. Short student presentations offer the opportunity for formative feedback, and may be used to prepare a written assignment.

    The Foundation Year is composed mainly of interactive lectures for large groups and tutorial-style classes that support the development of knowledge, skills, confidence and self-awareness.

    Teaching hours

    Our evening hours are normally between 6pm and 9pm (6-7.30pm and 7.30-9pm). Some programmes also offer teaching during the day and this will be clearly signposted to you where it is available.

    On our taught courses, you will have scheduled teaching and study sessions each year. Scheduled teaching sessions may include lectures, seminars, workshops or laboratory work. Depending on the modules you take, you may also have additional scheduled academic activities, such as tutorials, dissertation supervision, practical classes, visits and field trips. On our taught courses, the actual amount of time you spend in the classroom and in contact with your lecturers will depend on your course, the option modules you select and when you undertake your final-year project (if applicable).

    Alongside your contact hours, you will also undertake assessment activities and independent learning outside of class. The amount of time you need to allocate to study both for taught sessions (this might include online sessions and/or in-person sessions) and personal study will depend on how much you are studying during the year and whether you are studying full time or part time.

    Birkbeck’s courses are made up of modules and allocated ‘credit’. One credit is equivalent to ten hours of learning time. Modules are usually in 15, 30 or 60 credit units. A 15-credit module will mean around 150 hours of learning, including taught sessions and independent study or group work. This is spread out over the whole period of that module and includes the time you spend on any assessments, including in examinations, preparing and writing assessments or engaged in practical work as well as any study support sessions to help you in your learning.

    On our distance-learning and blended-learning courses, discussion, collaboration and interaction with your lecturers and fellow students is encouraged and enabled through various learning technologies.

    Timetables

    Timetables are usually available from September onwards and you can access your personalised timetable via your My Birkbeck Profile online (if you have been invited to enrol).

    Indicative class size

    Class sizes vary, depending on your course, the module you are undertaking, and the method of teaching. For example, lectures are presented to larger groups, whereas seminars usually consist of small, interactive groups led by a tutor.

    Independent learning

    On our taught courses, much of your time outside of class will be spent on self-directed, independent learning, including preparing for classes and following up afterwards. This will usually include, but is not limited to, reading books and journal articles, undertaking research, working on coursework and assignments, and preparing for presentations and assessments.

    Independent learning is absolutely vital to your success as a student. Everyone is different, and the study time required varies topic by topic, but, as a guide, expect to schedule up to five hours of self-study for each hour of teaching.

    Study skills and additional support

    Birkbeck offers study and learning support to undergraduate and postgraduate students to help them succeed. Our Learning Development Service can help you in the following areas:

    • academic skills (including planning your workload, research, writing, exam preparation and writing a dissertation)
    • written English (including structure, punctuation and grammar)
    • numerical skills (basic mathematics and statistics).

    Our Disability and Dyslexia Service can support you if you have additional learning needs resulting from a disability or from dyslexia.

    Our Counselling Service can support you if you are struggling with emotional or psychological difficulties during your studies.

    Our Mental Health Advisory Service can support you if you are experiencing short- or long-term mental health difficulties during your studies.

    Assessment

    Assessment is an integral part of your university studies and usually consists of a combination of coursework and examinations, although this will vary from course to course - on some of our courses, assessment is entirely by coursework. The methods of assessment on this course are specified below under 'Methods of assessment on this course'. You will need to allow time to complete coursework and prepare for exams.

    Where a course has unseen written examinations, these may be held termly, but, on the majority of our courses, exams are usually taken in the Summer term, during May to June. Exams may be held at other times of the year as well. In most cases, exams are held during the day on a weekday - if you have daytime commitments, you will need to make arrangements for daytime attendance - but some exams are held in the evening. Exam timetables are published online.

    Find out more about assessment at Birkbeck, including guidance on assessment, feedback and our assessment offences policy.

    Methods of assessment on this course

    In-class tests, oral presentations, essays and other written tasks.

  • Careers and employability Careers and employability

    Careers and employability

    Graduates can pursue career paths in Japanese organisations or businesses, education, translation, research or journalism. Possible professions include:

    • translator
    • secondary school teacher
    • social researcher
    • journalist.

    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.

  • How to apply How to apply

    How to apply

    You apply via UCAS for our full-time undergraduate courses or directly to Birkbeck for our part-time undergraduate courses.

    Full-time (UCAS entry)

    If you are applying for a full-time undergraduate course at Birkbeck, you have to apply through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). To apply, go to the UCAS website and click on ‘Sign in’. You will have to register, giving UCAS a few personal details, including your name, address and date of birth, and then you can start working on your application.

    The first UCAS deadline is in January, and the majority of university applications through UCAS are made by then. Find the exact deadline date on the UCAS website. We welcome applications outside of the UCAS deadlines, so you can still apply through UCAS after the January deadline, depending on the availability of places. We also take late applications via the UCAS Clearing system in August.

    Part-time

    If you are applying for a part-time undergraduate course (4 or 6 year), you apply directly to Birkbeck by using the Apply now button. You will need to prove your identity when you apply - read more about suitable forms of identification.

    You apply directly to Birkbeck for this course, using the online application link. Please note that online application will open in September.

    When to apply

    You are strongly advised to apply now, to ensure there are still places on your chosen course and to give you enough time to complete the admissions process, to arrange funding and to enrol.

    You don't need to complete your current programme of study before you apply - Birkbeck can offer you a place that is conditional on your results.

    You will also receive information about subject-specific induction sessions over the summer.

    Help and advice with your application

    Get all the information you need about the application, admission and enrolment process at Birkbeck.

    Our online personal statement tool will guide you through every step of writing the personal statement part of your application.

    Apply for your course

    Apply for your course using the apply now button in the key information section.

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Related courses

Course structure

Course structure listing

Course structure and modules for Japanese Studies with International Experience BA (Hons): 4 years full-time, on campus, starting October 2025

You must complete modules worth a total of 420 credits, consisting of 120 credits in each of Years 1, 2 and 4, and 60 credits for your year abroad.

Year 1

  • Japanese 1, 2, 3 or 4 (depending on level at entry)
  • Two compulsory modules
  • Level 4 option module: Culture and Text and/or Culture and Image

Year 2

  • Japanese 2, 3, 4 or 5 (depending on entry level), or Japanese 2 (intensive) and Japanese 3 (intensive)
  • Four Level 5 option modules:
    • Popular Culture in Japan and East Asia, or Theorising Japanese Cinema
    • Comparative Themes in the Novel, or Comparative Themes in Cinema
    • Reading Transnational Cultures, or Representations of Gender, Love and Sexuality, or Culture and Crisis, or Film and Politics
    • Korean 1 (if you passed Japanese 3 in Year 1 and are taking Japanese 4 or 5 in Year 2)

Year 3

  • Year abroad

Year 4

  • Japanese 4 or 5 (depending on starting level)
  • Five Level 6 option modules:
    • Manga and Anime, or Advanced Seminar in Japanese Culture and Society and Advanced Seminar in Japanese Linguistics and Translation
    • Cross-cultural option, e.g. Film and Politics, or Representations of Gender, Love and Sexuality
    • Languages and cultures dissertation
    • Korean 1 or 2 (if you passed Japanese 3 or 4 in Year 2 and are taking Japanese 4 or 5 in Year 3)
    • Industry placement
Compulsory modules
Japanese language modules
Korean language modules
Indicative option modules

Please note that not all modules are available every year; the list above is indicative.

Course structure and modules for Japanese Studies BA (Hons): 3 years full-time, on campus, starting October 2025

You must complete modules worth a total of 360 credits.

Year 1

  • Japanese 1, 2, 3 or 4 (depending on level at entry)
  • Two compulsory modules
  • Level 4 option module: Culture and Text and/or Culture and Image

Year 2

  • Japanese 2, 3, 4 or 5 (depending on entry level), or Japanese 2 (intensive) and Japanese 3 (intensive)
  • Four Level 5 option modules:
    • Popular Culture in Japan and East Asia, or Theorising Japanese Cinema
    • Comparative Themes in the Novel, or Comparative Themes in Cinema
    • Reading Transnational Cultures, or Representations of Gender, Love and Sexuality, or Culture and Crisis, or Film and Politics
    • Korean 1 (if you passed Japanese 3 in Year 1 and are taking Japanese 4 or 5 in Year 2)

Year 3

  • Japanese 4 or 5 (depending on starting level)
  • Five Level 6 option modules:
    • Manga and Anime, or Advanced Seminar in Japanese Culture and Society and Advanced Seminar in Japanese Linguistics and Translation
    • Cross-cultural option, e.g. Film and Politics, or Representations of Gender, Love and Sexuality
    • Languages and cultures dissertation
    • Korean 1 or 2 (if you passed Japanese 3 or 4 in Year 2 and are taking Japanese 4 or 5 in Year 3)
    • Industry placement

Please note, if you complete at least 90 credits of Korean language modules and achieve Korean 3, the award title will be BA Japanese Studies with Korean.

Compulsory modules
Japanese language modules
Korean language modules
Indicative option modules

Please note that not all modules are available every year; the list above is indicative.

Course structure and modules for Japanese Studies BA (Hons): 4 years part-time, on campus, starting October 2025

You must complete modules worth a total of 360 credits.

Year 1

  • Japanese 1, 2, 3 or 4 (depending on level at entry)
  • Compulsory module
  • Level 4 option module: Culture and Text, or Culture and Image, or Rethinking Japan

Year 2

  • Japanese 2, 3, 4 or 5 (depending on entry level), or Japanese 2 (intensive) and Japanese 3 (intensive)
  • Level 4 option module from those listed above
  • Four Level 5 option modules:
    • Popular Culture in Japan and East Asia, or Theorising Japanese Cinema
    • Comparative Themes in the Novel, or Comparative Themes in Cinema
    • Reading Transnational Cultures, or Representations of Gender, Love and Sexuality, or Culture and Crisis, or Film and Politics
    • Korean 1 (if you passed Japanese 3 in Year 1 and are taking Japanese 4 in Year 2)

Year 3

  • Japanese 3, 4 or 5
  • Three option modules:
    • One Level 5 option from those listed above
    • One Level 6 option from those listed below
    • Korean 1 or 2 (if you passed Japanese 3 in Year 2 and are taking Japanese 4 in Year 3)

Year 4

  • Japanese 4 or 5
  • Five Level 6 option modules:
    • Manga and Anime, or Advanced Seminar in Japanese Culture and Society and Advanced Seminar in Japanese Linguistics and Translation
    • Cross-cultural option, e.g. Film and Politics, or Representations of Gender, Love and Sexuality
    • Languages and cultures dissertation
    • Korean 1, 2 or 3 (if you passed Japanese 3 in a previous year and are taking Japanese 4 in Year 4)
    • Industry placement

Please note, if you complete at least 90 credits of Korean language modules and achieve Korean 3, the award title will be BA Japanese Studies with Korean.

Compulsory module
Japanese language modules
Korean language modules
Indicative option modules

Please note that not all modules are available every year; the list above is indicative.

Course structure and modules for Japanese Studies with Foundation Year BA (Hons): 4 years full-time, on campus, starting October 2025

For the Foundation Year, you undertake three core modules and choose one option module: either The Arts: Questioning the Contemporary World or a language module.

If you successfully complete these modules, you will automatically advance on to our three-year, full-time, evening study BA Japanese Studies.

Foundation Year core modules
Foundation Year option modules

Other language options may be available. Please contact the Foundation Year programme team for further information.

Course structure and modules for Japanese Studies with Foundation Year BA (Hons): 6 years part-time, on campus, starting October 2025

In Foundation Year 1 you take two core modules and in Foundation Year 2 you take one core module and choose one option module.

If you successfully complete these modules, you will automatically advance on to our four-year, part-time, evening study BA Japanese Studies.

Foundation Year 1 core modules
Foundation Year 2 core module
Foundation Year 2 option modules

Other language options may be available. Please contact the Foundation Year programme team for further information.