Course summary
This multidisciplinary degree will develop advanced knowledge and the understanding of Japanese language and culture. You will study a core language module in each of your three years. You don’t need to have any previous knowledge of Japanese, but a pathway is available if you already have an A level or equivalent qualification in Japanese. You will also have the chance to choose from a selection of other modules relevant to the study of Japan from other departments. This includes Anthropology, Education, Government and International Affairs, Economics, and Theology and Religious Studies. In addition, you may choose to take additional language modules, including European languages, Chinese and Korean. You will spend your third year studying the Japanese language at a university in Japan. This is an amazing opportunity to experience Japanese culture first-hand and to put your language skills into practice and context. You can also apply to add a placement year to your degree, increasing the course from four years to five. In your final year, you will bring together all your learning and experience to write a dissertation on an aspect of Japanese studies. Year 1 You will take a double module in Japanese language, including the four skills of reading, writing, speaking and listening, a module in Japanese culture introducing the philosophy, art and literature of Japan, a module in Japanese history and two option modules from an extensive list. Core modules: Japanese Language 1 or Japanese Language 2B for post-A level entrants (double module) / Introduction to Japanese Culture / A module on Japanese history taught by MLaC or History. Year 2 You will take a double module in Japanese language, including the four skills of reading, writing, speaking and listening, a module in Japanese culture, a module in Japanese history and two option modules from an extensive list. Core modules: Japanese Language 2 (double) or Japanese Language 2A (single) / The Body and the Extremity of the Senses: Through Japanese Literature, Performance and Media Arts / A module on Japanese history taught by MLaC or History. Year 3 The third year is spent in Japan studying the language full-time at a Japanese university. You are required to take all the examinations specified by your host university, but the marks for these do not count towards the final degree mark. You will complete a 5,000-word project in English with a 1,000-character abstract in Japanese on some aspect of Japan, at your choice with guidance from Durham staff. Year 4 You will take a double module in Japanese language, a single text reading module in Japanese and a 40-credit Dissertation plus one other module Core modules: Japanese Language 4 (double) / Japanese Historical and Literary Texts / Dissertation in Japanese Studies. We review course structures and core content (in light of e.g. external and student feedback) every year, and will publish finalised core requirements for 2020 entry from September 2019. Study Abroad School of Modern Languages and Cultures We attach great importance to your time abroad, during the third year of your degree, which most students spend as a student at a university in Japan. This is a time of enormous linguistic and personal development from which you should gain a high level of fluency in your language(s) and enjoy a unique opportunity to make new friends, appreciate new cultures and learn to work and study in new ways. Employers at home and abroad are impressed by the lasting benefits, especially in increased linguistic confidence, intercultural agility and general self-motivation. During the year abroad you will complete an academic assignment related to each of the countries in which you stay. You will need to pass these in order to fulfil the requirements of the BA in Japanese Studies with Year Abroad. For more information on this course, please see our website.
Modules
Year 1 Core modules: Either Japanese Language 1A (for post-A level entrants). This module will consolidate and extend your grammatical knowledge, to enhance your communication skills in written and oral Japanese. Or Japanese Language 1B which will provide an introduction to all aspects of the Japanese language. You will get a thorough grounding in the major grammatical features of Modern Japanese, build up your vocabulary and develop skills in reading, writing, listening and speaking. Introduction to Japanese Culture: From Antiquity to the Present will introduce you to the cultural history of Japan and its philosophy, art and literature. It will help foster a consciousness of Japan's role in and experience of globalisation over the long term. You will also learn about critical concepts and methodologies for the analysis of textual and visual artefacts. Imagining East Asia in the Modern World covers cultural, social and political history of modern East Asia and the lives and experiences of different people living in and migrating to and from East Asia during the past five centuries. Examples of optional modules: People and Cultures Introduction to Chinese Culture French/German/Italian/Russian/Spanish Language International Security, Interdependence and Organisation Global Regions in International Relations Worldview, Faith and Identity Gallery 101: Designing an Art Exhibition. Year 2 Core modules: Either Japanese Language 2A. This module will further your knowledge of the Japanese language, including grammar and lexis. It will enhance your communicative proficiency in Japanese, in both writing and oral presentation and interaction, and further develop your listening and reading skills. You will also broaden your knowledge of traditional and contemporary Japan, and develop your intercultural awareness. Or Japanese Language 2B. This module will further develop your linguistic skills across the full range of reading, writing, listening and speaking. It will also prepare you for living abroad in terms of language, practical knowledge and cultural competence. Examples of optional modules: The Body and the Extremity of the Senses: Through Japanese Political Culture in Japan since 1688 Science and Technology in Modern Japan: A Cultural History Kinship and Religion Politics and Economics Chinese Cinema Classical Chinese French/German/Italian/Russian/Spanish Language Death, Ritual and Belief. Year 3 The third year is spent in Japan studying the language full-time at a Japanese university. Year 4 Your Dissertation will give you valuable experience and understanding of self-directed learning and the importance of choosing appropriate methodology when approaching a research project. It will help you to expand your data collection, analysis and presentation skills, and to develop your critical faculties in relation to existing literature on your topic area. Japanese Language 4 focuses on proficiency in oral and written Japanese. It aims to develop an ability to write and speak correct Japanese, in expressing ideas in a broad range of topical issues in historical and cultural context. To encourage individual talents and proclivities and help students to achieve their maximum potential. Critical Methods for the Study of Japanese Literature and History introduces you to advanced concepts and methodologies in literary and historical studies and their potential for reshaping scholarship on Japan and develops higher-level language skills for reading contemporary scholarship in Japanese. Examples of optional modules: Anthropology, Art, and Experience Anthropology of Sport Poison, Pollution and the Chemical Anthropocene Chinese Historical and Literary Texts East Asia in Historical Perspective: The Making of the Two Koreas China in Global Political Economy China in the Asian Century Emotion and Identity in Religion Polygraphing Japonisme The Work of Art: Professional Skills and Work Placement in the Visual Arts.
Assessment method
Language modules are assessed by a mixture of oral, listening and written examinations. Optional modules are assessed by essays, commentaries, projects and examinations. You will also complete a 12,000-word dissertation in your final year. During your year abroad you will complete a Year Abroad assignment.
How to apply
This course has limited vacancies, and is no longer accepting applications from some students. See the list below for where you normally live, to check if you’re eligible to apply.
EU
Wales
England
International
Scotland
Northern Ireland
Republic of Ireland
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- T202
- Institution code:
- D86
- Campus name:
- Durham City
- Campus code:
- O
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - Not accepted
A level - AAB
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DDD
Access to HE Diploma - D: 30 credits M: 15 credits
Scottish Higher - AAABB
Scottish Advanced Higher - AAB
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 36 points
Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015) - Not accepted
Extended Project - Not accepted
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017) - H2, H2, H2, H2, H3
Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal - D3, D3, M2
OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma - DDD
T Level
Our contextual offer for this programme is A level BBB (or equivalent, to include at least a grade B in any language to be studied Post-A Level). To find out if you’re eligible, please visit: https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/how-to-apply/what-happens-to-your-application/contextual-offers/
Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course
English language requirements
Durham University welcomes applications from all students irrespective of background. We encourage the recruitment of academically well-qualified and highly motivated students, who are non-native speakers of English, whose full potential can be realised with a limited amount of English Language training either prior to entry or through pre-sessional and/or in-sessional courses. It is the normal expectation that candidates for admission should be able to demonstrate satisfactory English proficiency before the start of a programme of study, whether via the submission of an appropriate English language qualification or by attendance on an appropriate pre-sessional course. Acceptable evidence and levels required can be viewed by following the link provided.
English language requirements
https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/international/entry-requirements/english-language-requirements/
Student Outcomes
The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
Republic of Ireland | £9250 | Year 1 |
Channel Islands | £9250 | Year 1 |
EU | £25500 | Year 1 |
England | £9250 | Year 1 |
Northern Ireland | £9250 | Year 1 |
Scotland | £9250 | Year 1 |
Wales | £9250 | Year 1 |
International | £25500 | 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
Provider information
Durham University
The Palatine Centre
Stockton Road
Durham
DH1 3LE