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Japanese Studies with International Experience

  • BA (Hons)
  • 4 Years
  • Full-time with time abroad
  • 10/2025
  • Undergraduate
Main Site
Awarded by:
University of London
More about Birkbeck, University of London

Course options

2025-20262026-2027
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Course summary

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 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.

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.

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.

Modules

For information about course structure and the modules you will be studying, please visit Birkbeck’s online prospectus.

Assessment method

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

Ways to study this course

Campuses

  • Main Site

Study options

  • BA (Hons) • Full-time with time abroad • 4 Years

Start dates

  • 10/2025

Apply by
29 January

This is the equal consideration deadline. You can still apply after this date, but your application may not receive guaranteed consideration.

Application codes

Course code:
T211
Institution code:
B24
Campus name:
Main Site
Campus Code:
-
Points of Entry:
Year 1

Birkbeck, University of London has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.

See why these ratings were awarded
What does this TEF outcome mean?

How to apply

Apply by
29 January

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
T211
Institution code:
B24
Campus name:
Main Site
Campus Code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

International applicants

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.

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

UCAS Tariff - 104 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.

A level - BCC

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DMM

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.

Historical entry grades data BETA

This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted with (learn more). It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

Not enough data available

We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

LocationFeeYear
England£9535Year 1
Northern Ireland£9535Year 1
Scotland£9535Year 1
Wales£9535Year 1
International£18060Year 1

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

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.

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