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Japanese Studies at Birkbeck, University of London - UCAS

Course options

2025 - 2026
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There are other course options available which may have a different vacancy status or entry requirements – view the full list of options

Course summary

Our Graduate Diploma in Japanese Studies is designed to develop your Japanese language skills and increase your knowledge of Japanese culture, as well as improving your research and study skills. The course will help you gain fluency in the Japanese language and a critical understanding of Japanese culture and society. It is ideal if you wish to expand your knowledge of Japanese and Japanese culture in preparation for a Master's degree. It is also aimed at those who do not have a BA honours qualification in Japanese studies or those with a qualification at, or near, BA level. Highlights

  • You will be taught by specialists from a centre of teaching and research excellence that prides itself on research-led teaching in French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean and Spanish, making it an outstanding multidisciplinary team.
Careers and employability Graduates can pursue career paths in Japanese organisations or businesses, in translation or teaching, and as researchers or journalists. Possible professions include:
  • translator
  • teacher
  • researcher
  • journalist
  • diplomatic services operational officer
  • interpreter.
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

Assessment is via a combination of essays, in-class tests and presentations.

How to apply

International applicants

If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, the requirement for this programme 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. If you don't meet the minimum IELTS requirement, we offer pre-sessional English courses and foundation programmes to help you improve your English language skills and get your place at Birkbeck.

Entry requirements

Normally a second-class honours degree (2:2 or above) in a subject other than Japanese studies or modern languages. Language skills in Japanese equivalent to A-level or JLPT N4 (also equivalent to a pass in Japanese 3). Applications are reviewed on their individual merits and your professional qualifications and/or relevant work experience will be taken into consideration positively. We actively support and encourage applications from mature learners.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

England £7380 Year 1
Northern Ireland £7380 Year 1
Scotland £7380 Year 1
Wales £7380 Year 1
International £13560 Year 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.
Japanese Studies at Birkbeck, University of London - UCAS