Japanese Studies

About

This is a four-year multidisciplinary degree where the compulsory Japanese language and culture modules will be taught at the School of Modern Languages and Cultures (MLaC) and in the Department of History.

You will choose a selection of other modules relevant to the study of Japan from other departments, including Anthropology, Education, Government and International Affairs, Economics, and Religious Studies. Alternatively, students may choose to take additional modules in MLaC including European languages and Chinese. All students will spend their third year studying the Japanese language at a university in Japan. Students are not expected to have any previous knowledge of Japanese. 

Content

Year 1

Core modules:
• Japanese Language 1 (double)
• Introduction to Japanese Culture
• Introduction to Japanese History.

Year 2

You will take a double module in Japanese language, including the four skills of reading, writing, speaking and listening, a module in Japanese culture, a module in Japanese history and two option modules from an extensive list.

Core modules:
• Japanese Language 2 (double)
• Japanese Culture: The Body and the Extremity of the Senses.

One of the level 2 Japanese history modules currently: 
• Translation and the making of Modern Japan
• Power and Primacy: Sino-Japanese Relations in the Long Twentieth Century.

Year 3

The third year is spent in Japan studying the language full-time at a Japanese university. You are required to take all the examinations specified by your host university, but the marks for these do not count towards the final degree mark. You will complete a 5,000 word project in English with a 1,000 character abstract in Japanese on some aspect of Japan, at your choice with guidance from Durham staff.

Year 4

You will take a double module in Japanese language, a single text reading module in Japanese and a 40-credit Dissertation plus one other module

Core modules:
• Japanese Language 4 (double)
• Japanese Historical and Literary Texts
• Dissertation in Japanese Studies.

Study Abroad

We attach great importance to your time abroad, during the third year of your degree, which you may spend as an English assistant in a school, as a student in a foreign university, or perhaps in employment with an overseas organisation. This is a time of enormous linguistic and personal development from which you should gain a high level of fluency in your language(s) and enjoy a unique opportunity to make new friends, appreciate new cultures and learn to work and study in new ways. Employers at home and abroad are impressed by the lasting benefits, especially in increased linguistic confidence and general self-motivation. During the year abroad you will complete an academic assignment related to each of the countries in which you stay. You will need to pass these in order to fulfil the requirements of the BA in Modern Languages with Year Abroad.

Subject requirements, level and grade

In addition to satisfying the University’s general entry requirements, please note:

• We welcome applications from those with other qualifications equivalent to our standard entry requirements and from mature students with non-standard qualifications or who may have had a break in their study. Please contact our Admissions Selectors for more information. 
• We look for aptitude in language study but there is no requirement for an A2 foreign language or equivalent qualification
• Students taking the History route of Japanese Studies must have an A in A2 History or equivalent qualification.
• We do not include General Studies or Critical Thinking as part of our offer
• Key skills qualifications are welcomed, but are not taken into account as part of the entry requirements
• We are pleased to consider applications for deferred entry.

Preferred Tests:

a. IELTS: 6.5 (no component under 6.0)

b. TOEFL iBT (internet based test): 92 (no component under 23)

c. Cambridge Proficiency (CPE): Grade C

d. Cambridge Advanced (CAE): Grade A

e. Cambridge IGCSE First Language English at Grade C or above [not normally acceptable for students who require a Tier 4 student visa]

f. Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language at Grade B or above [not normally acceptable for students who require a Tier 4 student visa]

g. GCSE English Language at grade C or above

h. Pearson Test of English (overall score 62 (with no score less than 56 in each component))

Alternative accepted tests when those listed in a.-h. above are unavailable to the applicant (if the applicant requires a Tier 4 visa to study, advice on the suitability of these alternatives must be sought from the Student Recruitment and Admissions Office):

i. Certificate of Attainment (Edexcel)

j. GCE A-levels (AQA, CIE, Edexcel, CCEA, OCR, WJEC) at grade C or above in an essay based, humanities or social science subject from the following list: History, Philosophy, Government and Politics, English Language, English Literature, Geography, Religious Studies, Economics, Business Studies, Law and Sociology. Modern or Classical Languages are not acceptable in meeting this requirement.

k. International Baccalaureate with a minimum of grade 5 in Standard Level English or a minimum of grade 5 if taken at Higher Level.

l. NEAB (JMB) Test in English (Overseas)

m. Singapore Integrated Programme (SIPCAL) at grade C or above in an essay based, humanities or social science subject from the following list: History, Philosophy, Government and Politics, English Language, English Literature, Geography, Religious Studies, Economics, Business Studies, Law and Sociology. Modern or Classical Languages are not acceptable in meeting this requirement.

n. Singapore Polytechnic Diploma and Advanced Diplomas at GPA 3.0 or above

o. WAEC and NECO Grade B3 or above from Nigeria and Ghana

The Japanese Studies program at Durham University offers a range of financing options to support students throughout their academic journey. Tuition fees vary depending on the student's domicile status, with domestic (UK) students paying a lower rate compared to international students. For UK students, tuition fees are approximately £9,250 per year, subject to annual review and potential increases, while international students are charged around £22,000 per year. These fees cover access to lecture courses, seminars, library resources, and academic support services.

In addition to tuition fees, students should budget for living expenses, including accommodation, food, transportation, entertainment, and study materials. Durham University is located in a region with a relatively high cost of living, and estimates suggest students will need approximately £10,000 to £12,000 annually for living costs. On-campus accommodation options are available, with costs ranging from £4,000 to £8,000 per year, depending on the type of room and amenities. Some students opt for private housing, which may be more or less expensive depending on location and preferences.

Durham University provides several financial aid options to assist students in funding their studies. Scholarships specifically for Japanese Studies students are limited; however, university-wide scholarships such as the Durham University Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarships and International Scholarships are available for outstanding applicants. These are awarded based on academic merit and are highly competitive. Additionally, students can explore government-sponsored loans, such as the UK Student Finance system, which offers maintenance loans to help cover living costs for UK residents. International students may be eligible for scholarships provided by their home governments or external organizations, which can significantly reduce financial burdens.

Part-time work opportunities are available on campus, allowing students to earn supplementary income while studying. The university’s Career Service offers guidance on part-time employment options, and students should consider balancing work commitments with their academic responsibilities. Furthermore, Durham University has partnerships with various organizations that provide internships and bursaries for students enrolled in Japanese Studies, helping to offset some costs and enrich their educational experience.

In conclusion, financing a Japanese Studies program at Durham University involves a combination of tuition fees, living expenses, scholarships, government assistance, and part-time work. Prospective students are advised to plan their finances carefully, apply early for scholarships, and explore all available funding sources to ensure a smooth and affordable university experience.

The Durham University Japanese Studies programme offers an in-depth exploration of Japan's language, culture, history, society, and contemporary issues. Designed for students with a keen interest in Japan, the course combines language acquisition with cultural and contextual understanding, fostering both linguistic proficiency and cultural literacy. The programme typically includes modules in Japanese language, covering grammar, vocabulary, and conversation skills, as well as modules on Japanese history, politics, religion, literature, and modern societal developments. Students are encouraged to develop a comprehensive understanding of Japan’s diverse cultural landscape, including traditional practices, modern technological advancements, and social dynamics.

The programme often emphasizes language immersion, with opportunities for students to engage in intensive language study, participate in exchange programmes, or undertake internships in Japan. These experiences aim to enhance language skills and provide practical insights into Japanese society and workplaces. Throughout the course, students may also analyze Japanese media, film, and arts, fostering critical thinking about cultural representations and contemporary issues.

Students completing the degree acquire a set of transferable skills, including cross-cultural communication, analytical thinking, research competence, and proficiency in a second language. The programme prepares graduates for careers in areas such as diplomacy, international business, academia, translation, tourism, or further postgraduate research. Durham University's rich academic resources, including access to specialists in Asian studies and Japanese language tutors, support students’ academic and personal development. Overall, the programme aims to produce well-rounded graduates with a deep understanding of Japan, ready to contribute to global fields requiring Japanese language skills and cultural expertise.