Course summary
Over the past 150 years, Japan has experienced change at breakneck pace, but has nevertheless retained its fascinating cultural heritage. Study with us and you will develop the linguistic and analytical skills to engage critically, and in a truly interdisciplinary way, with this dynamic society – as well as understanding its place in East Asia, now one of the world’s most important and influential regions. Edinburgh is the only university in Scotland to offer undergraduate honours degrees in Japanese and our programme has been carefully designed around the goal of making you an expert on Japan. It introduces skills and knowledge step-by-step, and we encourage you to see the connections between language, history, politics, culture and international relations at every stage. By the end of the programme you will have demonstrated your expertise through your dissertation, which will draw upon four years of rigorous Japanese Studies training. You will also have had the opportunity to study other subjects from a wide range offered by the University of Edinburgh and to spend a year studying in Japan. Research-led options Our research spans a wide range of Japanese Studies fields, including pre-modern and modern history, politics, international relations, religion, theatre, cinema, linguistics, and literature. Our range of Japanese Studies option courses reflects this diversity, which means you will be able to choose a path through your programme that suits you. Teaching excellence We consistently receive excellent feedback from students in Japanese. Our courses are mostly taught in seminars and tutorials, so you will have plenty of opportunity to contribute to class discussion and receive feedback on your progress. Language classes are active, innovative, inclusive, and always informed by the best practice in the field. Our final year students regularly pass the Japanese Language Proficiency Test at N2 and N1 level.
Course details
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
15Jan
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:
- T210
- Institution code:
- E56
- Campus name:
- Central area campus
- Campus code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
Standard Qualification Requirements
Please note that the Japanese degrees involve beginners language study and are not suitable for native or near-native speakers. For degrees that have a subject requirement for a language other than English, students may not use their own native language to meet this requirement. In these instances, English or an alternative language other than native will be acceptable. Full, detailed entry requirements including English language requirements, an explanation of typical offers, and other accepted qualifications, including international qualifications, are available on the University of Edinburgh’s website along with important information on how to apply. You must submit a fully completed UCAS application that includes details of the qualifications you are taking, including full predicted grades for qualifications not yet completed, your personal statement and your reference.
Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course
Minimum Qualification Requirements
Please click the following link to find out more about minimum qualification requirements for this course
Unistats information
Operated by the Office for Students
Student satisfaction
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
Go onto work and study
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Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £9250* | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9250* | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9250* | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £9250* | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £1820* | Year 1 |
| EU | £22000 | Year 1 |
| International | £22000 | Year 1 |
*This is a provisional fee and subject to change.
Additional fee information
Scotland
In 2020-21 the fee level set by the Scottish Government was £1,820. The 2021-22 fee rate is expected to be confirmed by the Scottish Government in early 2021. Students must apply to the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) for payment of their tuition fees.
England/Wales/N Ireland
The Rest of UK (RUK) rate is yet to be confirmed and was £9,250 for 2020 entry. For 2021 entry this may increase in line with inflation and will be subject to government limits.
EU
On 9th July 2020 the decision was made by the Scottish Government to end free university tuition for European Union (EU) students starting in 2021-22. Funding policy for EU nationals and associated groups starting a course of study in academic year 2021-22 or later will be in line with international fees – we will provide further information as soon as we can
International - Full time international students will pay a fixed annual fee rate for the duration of their programme
Provider information
The University of Edinburgh
Student Recruitment and Admissions
33 Buccleuch Place
Edinburgh
EH8 9JS