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 have the chance to spend one year in Japan and another in a Russian-speaking country. 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. We teach Japanese from beginner level, although if you have some knowledge, we can usually accommodate you. If you have A-level Russian or equivalent, this degree will give you the opportunity to build on your knowledge. 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.