Course summary

Develop your Japanese language skills and your historical knowledge alongside history modules which complement your Japanese studies and cover various political, social and cultural themes. You'll also spend part of your degree studying in Japan, immersing yourself in Japanese society. Master the skills of historical research and combine intensive language training with an in-depth study of Japanese culture. Study past societies from 1000 BCE to the modern day, exploring political, social, economic and cultural themes - providing you with the critical foundations to understand the dynamic country of Japan. Engaging with real research throughout your studies, you’ll develop the skills to exercise independent judgement, be critical of accepted opinions, and to construct effective arguments. Study on one of the UK’s longest running Japanese studies programmes, with over 60 years of experience creating leaders within the field. Our award-winning teaching staff will give you the insights, language skills and disciplinary knowledge to critically appreciate Japanese society, history, politics and culture. As well as studying the phonetic scripts (Kana), picking up the 2000 Sino-Japanese characters (Kanji), you’ll spend a year studying at a Japanese university. In your final year you will develop a dissertation project on a topic of your choice supported by world-leading researchers. Why study this course?

• An immersive, hands on experience - become a specialist in your chosen areas of history and gain lived-experience in Japan.

• History Research-led Special Subject - in small-group seminars, explore the details of your favourite area of history with a true expert on the topic, and become a specialist in your chosen area.

• Build transferable skills - become highly-skilled in research, critical thinking, written and verbal communication, presentation, and digital media creation.

• One of the first Japanese studies programmes - our Japanese studies programme has a 60-year history and a thriving research culture - giving you endless opportunities to tap into world-leading expertise.