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 an Arabic-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 Arabic and Japanese from beginner level, but if you already have some knowledge of either language we can normally accommodate you. You’ll become proficient in Arabic while building your understanding of the cultural, religious and historical contexts that have shaped the Middle East and North Africa. You’ll also learn about contemporary relevant issues of these regions, and explore themes such as cultural identity, sexuality, gender and race. 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 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. 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.