School of Languages, Cultures and Linguistics & Japan and Korea section

MA Japanese Studies and Intensive Language

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Key information

Duration
Two years (full-time), four-year (part-time)
Start of programme
September
Attendance mode
Full-time or part-time
Location
On Campus
Fees

Home: £12,710
International: £26,330

Entry requirements

We will consider all applications with 2:2 (or international equivalent) or higher. In addition to degree classification we take into account other elements of the application such as supporting statement. References are optional, but can help build a stronger application if you fall below the 2:2 requirement or have non-traditional qualifications.

 

Rwanda: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor (4-year)

Equivalent to 2:ii: Lower Second Class Honours or 65-69% or 14/20

Saudi Arabia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor degree

Equivalent to 2:ii: GPA of 3.0/4.0 or 3.5/5.0 or overall 70%

Information for prospective students from Saudi Arabia

Singapore: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor degree

Equivalent to 2:ii: CAP 3.5/5.0 or 3.0/4.0

Information for prospective students from Singapore

Slovakia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bakalár / Bachelor

Equivalent to 2:ii: 70% or 2.0 overall or C

South Africa: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor (4-year)

Equivalent to 2:ii: 60%

Information for prospective students from South Africa

South Korea: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor degree

Equivalent to 2:ii: GPA 2.7/4.0 or 3.0/4.3 or 3.3/4.5

Information for prospective students from South Korea

Spain: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Título de Grado / Título de Licenciado / Título de Ingeniero / Titulo de Arquitecto

Equivalent to 2:ii: 6.5/10 or GPA 1.75/4.0

Information for prospective students from Spain

Sri Lanka: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor Special Degree or Professional Degree (4-year)

Equivalent to 2:ii: 55% or 2:2 or GPA 3.0/4.0

Information for prospective students from Sri Lanka

Sudan: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor (5-year)

Equivalent to 2:ii: 65%+ or B

Sweden: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor degree / Kandidatexamen / Yrkesexamen

Equivalent to 2:ii: B (90 credits) and C (90 credits) or Very Good (70 credits) and Good (110 Credits) or C (180 credits)

Information for prospective students from Sweden

Switzerland: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Diplom / Diplôme / Lizentiat / Staatsdiplom / Diplôme d’Etat

Equivalent to 2:ii: Overall 4.5/6 or 7/10 or 2.5/5

Information for prospective students from Switzerland

Syria: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Licence / al-ijaza-fi / Bachelor

Equivalent to 2:ii: 70%+ or 'Good'

Taiwan: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor degree

Equivalent to 2:ii: 68-70% or GPA 2.8/4.0-3.0/4.0

Information for prospective students from Taiwan

Thailand: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor degree

Equivalent to 2:ii: GPA 3.0/4.0

Information for prospective students from Thailand

Tunisia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Diplôme National d'Ingénieur / Diplôme National d'Architecture / Licence / Maîtrise

Equivalent to 2:ii: 12 out of 20

Turkey: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Lisans Diplomasi

Equivalent to 2:ii: GPA 2.6/4 from the top universities and 3.0/4 from all others

Information for prospective students from Turkey

Uganda: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor degree

Equivalent to 2:ii: 2:2 (Lower Second) or B or GPA 3.0/5.0

Information for prospective students from Uganda

Ukraine: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor degree or Specialist Diploma

Equivalent to 2:ii: 8/12 or 3.8/5

United Arab Emirates: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor degree

Equivalent to 2:ii: GPA 3.0/4.0 or 3.2/5.0

Information for prospective students from the United Arab Emirates

United States of America: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor degree

Equivalent to 2:ii: GPA 3.0/4.0

Information for prospective students from the USA

Vietnam: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor degree (4-year)

Equivalent to 2:ii: Overall score of 6.5/10

Information for prospective students from Vietnam

Yemen: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Master's degree

Equivalent to 2:ii: Overall 'Good' (71-77%) or Aden University 80-83% (or 3.0/4.0)

Zambia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Master's degree

Equivalent to 2:ii: 65% or B or Credit or GPA 1.7/2.5 or 3.3/5.0

Zimbabwe: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor degree

Equivalent to 2:ii: 2:2 or 65%

Information for prospective students from Zimbabwe

Afghanistan: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Master's degree

Equivalent to 2:ii: 80% or 3.3/4.0 

Argentina: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Titulo / Grado de Licenciado

Equivalent to 2:ii: 7/10

Information for prospective students from Argentina

Australia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor degree

Equivalent to 2:ii: 2:2 or Credit or 65%

Information for prospective students from Australia

Austria: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor degree

Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.5/5.0 and overall Pass (Bestanden)

Bahrain: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor degree

Equivalent to 2:ii: 75% or GPA 3.0/4.0

Information for prospective students from Bahrain

Bangladesh: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor’s from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology or Master's degree

Equivalent to 2:ii: 60% or GPA 3.0/4.0

Information for prospective students from Bangladesh

Belgium: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Licentiaat or Licencié

Equivalent to 2:ii: 13/20 or 65%

Information for prospective students from Belgium

Botswana: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor degree (5-year) or Master's from University of Botswana

Equivalent to 2:ii: GPA 3.5/5.0 or 65% or B- or Good

Brazil: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Título de Bacharel / Título de Licenciado (4-year)

Equivalent to 2:ii: 7/10 or 70%

Information for prospective students from Brazil

Brunei: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor degree

Equivalent to 2:ii: Lower Second Class Honours with 50% overall

Information for prospective students from Brunei

Bulgaria: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor degree

Equivalent to 2:ii: 4.3/6

Information for prospective students from Bulgaria

Cameroon: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Diplôme d'Ingénieur/ Diplôme d'Études Supérieures de Commerce (5-year)

Equivalent to 2:ii: 12-13 assez bien (fair); 70-74; or B+

Canada: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor degree

Equivalent to 2:ii: GPA 3.0/4.0 or 74-77% or overall B

Information for prospective students from Canada

China Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor degree (4-year)

Equivalent to 2:ii: 
73% or 2.6/4.0 (C9 unis)
75% or 2.8/4.0 (Double First unis)
80% or 3.25/4.0 (all other unis)

Information for prospective students from China

Colombia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Licenciado / Titulo (4-year) 

Equivalent to 2:ii: 3.5/5.0

Information for prospective students from Colombia

Croatia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Baccalaureus / Baccalaurea (Bachelor degree)

Equivalent to 2:ii: Overall score 3/5

Cyprus: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor degree

Equivalent to 2:ii: 6.5/10

Czech Republic: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor degree (180 ECTS)

Equivalent to 2:ii: 1.75/4.0 or High C 'dobre’ (good)

Information for prospective students from the Czech Republic

Denmark: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor degree

Equivalent to 2:ii: 7/12 or 8/13 or grade C

Information for prospective students from the Denmark

Egypt: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor degree

Equivalent to 2:ii: 70% or 3.0/4.0

Information for prospective students from Egypt

Estonia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bakalaurusekraad / University Specialist's Diploma / Professional Higher Education Diploma

Equivalent to 2:ii: 4.0/5.0

Finland: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor / Kandidaatti / Kandidat (180 ECTS credits)

Equivalent to 2:ii: 3/5 or 2/3

France: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Licence or Diplôme from a grande école

Equivalent to 2:ii: 11.5 out 20

Information for prospective students from France

Gambia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Master's degree (2-year)

Equivalent to 2:ii: GPA 3.0/4.3 or 64% or B

Germany: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor degree (180 ECTS)

Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.6/5

Information for prospective students from Germany

Ghana: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor degree

Equivalent to 2:ii: 2:2 (Second Class Lower Division) or GPA 3.25/5.0 or 60%

Information for prospective students from Ghana

Greece: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor degree

Equivalent to 2:ii: 6.50/10

Information for prospective students from Greece

Hong Kong: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor degree

Equivalent to 2:ii: Upper second class or GPA 2.7/4.0 or 75% or B Minus

Information for prospective students from Hong Kong

Hungary: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor (Alapfokozat) or Diploma (Egyetemi Oklevél)

Equivalent to 2:ii: 3.5/5.0

Iceland: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor degree (Baccalaureus or Bakkalarprof)

Equivalent to 2:ii: 7.0 out of 10

India: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor degree

Equivalent to 2:ii: CGPA: 55-60% or 5.5/10 - 6.0/10

Information for prospective students from India

Iraq: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor degree (Licence/Karshani)

Equivalent to 2:ii: 0.7

Israel: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor degree

Equivalent to 2:ii: 70% or C+

Information for prospective students from Israel

Italy: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Laurea (180 ECTS)

Equivalent to 2:ii: 100/110

Information for prospective students from Italy

Japan: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor degree

Equivalent to 2:ii: 70% or C+ or 3.0

Information for prospective students from Japan

Jordan: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor degree

Equivalent to 2:ii: 3.0/4.0 or 70%

Information for prospective students from Jordan

Kazakhstan: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelors (Bakalavr Diplomi) or Specialist Diploma

Equivalent to 2:ii: GPA 3.0/4.0 or GPA 4.0/5.0 or B

Information for prospective students from Kazakhstan

Kenya: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor degree

Equivalent to 2:ii: 2:2 or 60%

Information for prospective students from Kenya

Kuwait: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: GPA 2.67/4.0

Information for prospective students from Kuwait

Kyrgyzstan: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree or specialist diploma (min 4 years) from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 3.5/5.0 or 2.67/4.0

Latvia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bakalaura Diploms (Bachelor's) or Profesionālā Bakalaura Diploms (Professional Bachelor's) from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 6/10

Lebanon: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree / Licence from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 70% or C or 2.7/4.0 or 12/20 

Information for prospective students from Lebanon

Liberia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Master's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 75% or 2.8/4.0

Libya: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from selected institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 65% or 2.8/4.0 

Lithuania: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelors/Bakalauro (180 ECTS) from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 7/10

Information for prospective students from Lithuania

Luxembourg: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 12/20

Macedonia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 7/10 or 2:2

Malawi: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Master's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 60% or 2.4/4.0

Malaysia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.6/4.0 or B- (Class 2 Division 2)

Information for prospective students from Malaysia

Maldives: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from the Maldives National University (MNU)

Equivalent to 2:ii: 50%

Malta: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: Lower Second Class / 60% / Category IIB

Mexico: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Titulo de Licenciado from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 7.5/10

Information for prospective students from Mexico

Morocco: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Licence/Licence d'Etudes Fondamentales/Licence Professionnelle from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 11/20

Information for prospective students from Morocco

Namibia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 60% or 2.5/4.0

Nepal: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Master's degree / Bachelor's (4-year) from select institutions 

Equivalent to 2:ii: 55% or 2.4/4.0

Information for prospective students from Nepal

Netherlands: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 6/10 or 2.7/4.0

Information for prospective students from the Netherlands

New Zealand: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (3 or 4 years) from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: Lower Second Class Hons

Nigeria: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: Lower Second Class Hons

Information for prospective students from Nigeria

Norway: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelors/Bachelorgrad (180 ECTS) or Candidatus/a magisterii from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: Overall C

Information for prospective students from Norway

Oman: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.7/4.0

Information for prospective students from Oman

Pakistan: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (4-year) from HEC recognised institution or 2 year BA + 2 year MA from HEC recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: CGPA 2.7 or 55%

Information for prospective students from Pakistan

Palestine (State of): Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor degree (4-year) from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 75% or or 2.7/4.0

Papua New Guinea: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's (Honours) degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: Class II Division B

Peru: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Licenciado or Professional Title from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 12/20

Philippines: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Master’s from recognised institution or Centre of Excellence; or Bachelor's from prestigious institution or Centre of Excellence.

Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.5/4.0 or 80% or 2.5/5.0 or Cum Laude

Poland: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Licencjat or Inżynier from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 3.8/5.0

Information for prospective students from Poland

Portugal: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Licenciado  (180 ECTS) from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 12/20

Qatar: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.7/4.0 or 3.3/5.0

Information for prospective students from Qatar

Romania: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Diplomă de Licenţă/Diplomă de Inginer/Diplomă de Urbanist Diplomat from a recognised university

Equivalent to 2:ii: 7/10

Information for prospective students from Romania

Russia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Diplom Bakalavra or Specialist Diploma from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 3.5/5.0

Information for prospective students from Russia

Rwanda: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (4-year) from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: Lower Second Class Hons; 60%; or 13/20

Saudi Arabia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 3.5/5.0 or 2.7/4.0 or 70%

Serbia and Montenegro: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 7 / Good 

Sierra Leone: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's Honours degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: Lower Second Class Hons; 55%; 3.4/5.0; 2.75/4.0

Singapore: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 3.3/5.0 or 2.8/4.0

Slovakia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (Bakalár) from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 70%; or 2.0 overall; or C

Slovenia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Diploma o pridobljeni univerzitetni izobrazbi (University Degree) or Diploma o pridobljeni visoki strokovni izobrazbi / Diplomirani (Diploma of Professional Higher Education) or Diplomant or Univerzitetni diplomant (first degree)

Equivalent to 2:ii: 7 out of 10

Solomon Islands: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (4-year) from the University of the South Pacific

Equivalent to 2:ii: B/3.0

Somalia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Do not accept national qualifications for direct entry

Equivalent to 2:ii: N/A 

South Africa: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (4-year) from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 60%

South Korea: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: GPA 2.5/4.0; or 2.8/4.3; or 3.0/4.5

Spain: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Título de Grado / Título de Licenciado / Título de Ingeniero / Titulo de Arquitecto from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 6/10 or 1.5/4.0

Sri Lanka: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor Special Degree or Professional Degree (4-year) from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 55% or 2:2 or 3.0/4.0

Saint Kitts and Nevis: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from the University of the West Indies

Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.7/4, B-, 60% or Lower Second Class Hons

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from the University of the West Indies

Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.7/4, B-, 60% or Lower Second Class Hons

Sudan: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (5-year) from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 60% or B

Sweden: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's Degree/Kandidatexamen/Yrkesexamen from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: Pass OR Godkänd (with a minimum of 90 credits at Good - C)

Switzerland: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Diplom/Diplôme;Lizentiat;Staatsdiplom/Diplôme d’Etat from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 4/6; or 6/10: or 3/5 

Syria: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (Licence/ al-ijaza-fi) from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 65%+ or 'Good' from a public university

Taiwan: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 65-70% or GPA 2.6/4.0 - 2.8/4.0

Tanzania: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 2:2; or Lower Second; or GPA 2.7/5.0

Thailand: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.6/4.0

Trinidad and Tobago: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's Degree from UWI

Equivalent to 2:ii: B-, 60% or 2.5; or Lower Second Class Hons

Trinidad and Tobago: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Diplôme National d'Ingénieur/ Diplôme National d'Architecture/ Docteur en Médecine / Vétérinaire/ Licence/ Maîtrise from recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 11 out of 20

Turkey: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Lisans Diplomasi from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: Top Unis: 2.5/4.0 All others: 2.8/4.0

UAE: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: GPA 2.6/4.0 or 75% or C+

Uganda: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 2:2 (Lower Second) or 3.0/5.0 or B

Ukraine: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree or specialist diploma from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 7 out of 12; or 3.5 out of 5

USA: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: GPA 2.7/4.0

Vietnam: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (4-year) from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 6.0/10 or 2.5/4.0

Yemen: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Master's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 70% or 2.7/4.0
 

Zambia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Master's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 65%; B; Credit; 1.7/2.5; or 2.7/4.0; or 3.3/5.0
 

Zimbabwe: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (3 or 4 years) from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 2:2 (60%)
 

See international entry requirements and English language requirements

Course overview

This MA is designed to provide intensive language training at different proficiency levels - depending on entry level - within a Masters programme in Japanese Studies

The MA Japanese Studies and Intensive Language programme allows students to:

  • cultivate or further develop a basic expertise in particular aspects of Japanese Studies
  • choose modules that meet their own needs, with respect to their interest in Japan and future career plans
  • develop their abilities to synthesize information, to think critically, to manage a complex research project and to present results in verbal and written form
  • achieve a high level of language proficiency
  • master transferable language and analytical skills in order to prepare for a variety of potential future professional or research careers

You can view all the intensive language options available in the combined courses tool below. 

Why study Japanese and Intensive Language at SOAS?

  • SOAS is ranked 12th in the UK for Modern Languages (QS World University Rankings 2023).
  • We are ranked 6th in the UK for employability (QS World University Rankings 2023).
  • We are home to the largest concentration of Japan specialists outside of Japan.
  • You will not only learn the essential language skills but also an in depth understanding of the region’s culture covering subjects from literature, history, cinema, and politics.
  • Your command of a language will set you apart from graduates of other universities.

Use our combined courses tool to see a breakdown of course structure

Teaching and learning

The MA Japanese Studies and Intensive Language programme allows students to develop in four key areas:

Knowledge

  • Students will acquire a comprehensive understanding of Japan’s past and present, within the parameters of the modules and disciplines chosen, and of her connections to the wider East Asian Region through the core module.
  • Students will acquire an advanced understanding of the theoretical and methodological tools of the relevant disciplines.
  • Students who choose to take language will improve their knowledge of and ability to use Japanese in their everyday life and, depending on the level achieved, professional career.

Intellectual (thinking) skills

  • Students will learn how to assess data and evidence critically from a variety of sources and how to resolve problems of conflicting sources and conflicting interpretations.
  • Students will learn the strengths and disciplines of particular disciplinary and theoretical approaches, cultivating their ability to draw on a variety of such approaches.
  • Students will learn how to design and manage an independent research project, formulating the problem to be addressed, identifying the data to be analyzed, and synthesizing the findings to present well-supported conclusions.

Subject-based practical skills

  • Students will learn how to read critically, to participate effectively in seminar discussions, and to present their work in both oral and written form.
  • More specific skills will depend on the particular modules taken.

Transferable skills

  • Students will learn how to access and evaluate electronic and other data effectively and efficiently.
  • Students will learn how to solve complex problems, for example concerning economic development, historical causation, literary interpretation, or political decision-making.
  • Students will learn how to communicate effectively in a variety of settings and formats.

Through your study of language study

  • you will acquire/develop skills in both written and spoken language.
  • develop a procedural knowledge of rules governing both oral and written linguistic usages and of multiple norms regulating intercultural communication, analytical skills (problem solving, formal operations), critical skills and creativity.
  • develop the ability to engage with people or texts from different linguistic and cultural backgrounds, understanding the role of different linguistic or cultural frames of reference.

SOAS Library

SOAS Library is one of the world's most important academic libraries for the study of Africa, Asia and the Middle East, attracting scholars from all over the world. The Library houses over 1.2 million volumes, together with significant archival holdings, special collections and a growing network of electronic resources.

Scholarships

Title Deadline date
Felix Scholarships

Employment

Graduates from the Department of East Asian Languages and Cultures develop competencies in intercultural awareness, analysis and communication. Demand for specialists with advanced proficiency in the languages of China, Japan and Korea has significantly increased in recent years, and graduates with these skills are highly sought after by employers.

Recent graduates have been hired by organisations including:

  • Accenture
  • Amazon
  • Bloomberg LP
  • Department for Work and Pensions
  • European Alliance for Human Rights in North Korea
  • European Commission
  • Google
  • ITN
  • Japanese Government
  • Korea Trade Centre (KOTRA)
  • KPMG
  • Mizuho Bank
  • Nagahama Board of Education
  • Nanjing Museum
  • Pinsent Masons LLP
  • PwC
  • Seoul Metropolitan Government
  • Shelterbox
  • UNDP

Find out about our Careers Service.

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