Course summary

In this varied five-year degree, you’ll learn two major world languages and deepen your understanding of the modern world by exploring the histories and cultures of the nations that speak them. You’ll spend one year in Japan and another in a Russian-speaking country, improving your language skills and gaining first-hand experience of these cultures and societies to enrich your understanding of these fascinating countries. We teach Japanese and Russian from beginner level, but if you already have some knowledge of either language we can normally accommodate you. Playing a significant role in the global economy and international politics, Japan is home to a rich culture and history and a varied, changing society. Boasting cultural ‘cool’ and high-tech innovation, Japan also faces complex social changes in the 21st century. This course will allow you to develop your Japanese language skills while exploring the diversity of Japanese society, politics, history and culture to understand its regional and global importance. With approximately 170 million native speakers and tens of millions who speak it as a second language, Russian is a lingua franca not only in the Russian Federation, but also in many parts of Eastern Europe, Central Asia and diasporic communities worldwide. The global response to Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine will require talented individuals able to demonstrate both linguistic and intercultural skills. Our course will equip you with the ability to navigate this challenging environment with confidence. The School of Languages, Cultures and Societies at Leeds is an exciting place for your undergraduate experience. Our diverse international community of students and staff, student-led societies and outstanding pastoral support creates a friendly and dynamic atmosphere for all our students.