Course summary

In this fascinating and 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 amazing countries. We teach Japanese and Russian from beginners’ level, but if you already have some knowledge of either language we can also accommodate you. This programme also includes modules specifically designed for heritage speakers of Russian. Playing a significant role in the global economy and international politics, Japan is also 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. One of the strengths of East Asian Studies at Leeds is that we have expertise which spans the many diverse aspects of this fascinating region. 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. Our course will equip you with the linguistic and intercultural skills to navigate this rich and complex cultures 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.