Oxford Brookes University

What you'll study

The programme develops your communicative competence in Japanese alongside modules on history, society, culture and media. Teaching typically progresses from core language work in pronunciation, grammar, kanji, reading and listening comprehension to more advanced skills in conversation, translation and specialised registers.

• Year 1: foundation/elementary language skills, introduction to kanji, basic grammar and vocabulary, Japanese society and culture, and study skills for language learning.
• Year 2: intermediate language (oral presentation, extended writing, reading authentic texts), further kanji study, modules on contemporary Japanese media and popular culture, and an introduction to translation and interpreting.
• Year abroad (optional/available): many students spend a year in Japan on study or work placements to consolidate language skills and gain cultural immersion.
• Final year: advanced language modules, specialist options such as business Japanese, translation project, Japanese literature or politics, and a dissertation or independent project focused on an aspect of Japan studied in Japanese or English.

Assessment is a mix of coursework, language tests, oral examinations and longer pieces such as dissertations or translation project work. Small-group tutorials, language labs and conversation classes complement lectures and seminars.

Entry requirements

Applicants need a strong academic record and a clear interest in languages and Japan. Typical entry is via A-levels, BTECs or an equivalent qualification; mature applicants and those with appropriate work or study experience are considered. Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate proficiency through an approved English language qualification. Prior experience of Japanese is welcome but many cohorts include beginners, with separate pathways for beginners and post-beginners.

Career prospects

Graduates move into a wide range of roles where language skills and cultural understanding are valued. Common career paths include:

• translator and interpreter roles in the public and private sectors;
• international business and corporate roles involving trade, marketing or client relations with Japan;
• teaching English or languages both in the UK and overseas;
• government, diplomacy and policy work with a focus on Japan or East Asia;
• media, publishing, research and cultural organisations, including museums and festivals;
• graduate study in areas such as applied linguistics, translation studies, East Asian studies or international relations.

Work placements, language proficiency gained through a year abroad, and the university’s careers support help graduates present strong applications to employers and postgraduate programmes.

Why study at Oxford Brookes University

Oxford Brookes combines accessible campus facilities with a focus on employability and applied learning. The university offers language resources such as multimedia language labs, small-group conversation classes and modules that link language study with contemporary Japanese topics. Strong links with partner institutions in Japan and support for year-abroad arrangements help students gain authentic language experience. Students benefit from personalised teaching, a supportive learning community and the university’s careers and placement services to prepare for international and multilingual careers.