Birkbeck, University of London
Japanese Studies with International Experience BA (Hons)
Birkbeck, University of London

Key Course Facts

Student Reviews

Below you can see course specific reviews of 20 graduates of Japanese Studies with International Experience BA (Hons) and other courses in languages and area studies at Birkbeck, University of London for each of the survey questions in comparison to the average for all UK degree courses in languages and area studies .

The NSS is commissioned by the Office for Students

Salary

Salary of all UK Graduates of languages and area studies

  15 months after graduation 3 years after graduation 5 years after graduation
Median salary £24000 £23397 £28956
25-75 percentile range £20000 - £28500 £16500 - £31259 £20544 - £38633

Course Description

Learning a language opens a door to another culture. Our BA Japanese Studies allows you to gain a near-fluent command of the Japanese language and combine it with study of Japanese culture. You will be able to choose from modules on Japanese history, society and contemporary culture including cinema, popular culture, manga and anime.

Entry requirements are flexible and you can join the degree at various levels of competence in Japanese, from complete beginner to advanced learner.

If you opt for the Foundation Year route, this will fully prepare you for undergraduate study. It is ideal if you are returning to study after a gap, or if you have not previously studied the relevant subjects, or if you didn't achieve the grades you need for a place on your chosen undergraduate degree.

On the International Experience route, you will normally spend your third year at a partner institution in Japan to allow you to develop your language skills and your knowledge of the culture.

Highlights

  • Offers a multidisciplinary approach to studying the language, modern history and contemporary culture of Japan.
  • You will be taught by specialists from a centre of teaching and research excellence in languages.
  • If you choose the International Experience route, you will have the opportunity to spend a year at a partner institution in Japan.

Careers and employability

Graduates can pursue career paths in Japanese organisations or businesses, education, translation, research or journalism. Possible professions include:

  • translator
  • secondary school teacher
  • social researcher
  • journalist.

We offer a comprehensive careers service - Careers and Enterprise - your career partner during your time at Birkbeck and beyond. At every stage of your career journey, we empower you to take ownership of your future, helping you to make the connection between your experience, education and future ambitions.

Jobs & Career Perspectives

15 months after graduation, graduates of this course were asked about what they do and, if they are working, about their current job and their perspectives.

Current jobs

Required skill level of job after 15 months

Jobs of graduates of this course (15 months after graduation)

Example below based on all graduates of Japanese Studies with International Experience BA (Hons) at Birkbeck, University of London

40% Librarians and Related Professionals
15% Administrative occupations
10% Artistic, literary and media occupations
10% Sales occupations
5% Business and public service associate professionals
5% Elementary occupations
5% Media Professionals
5% Caring personal services
5% Teaching Professionals

In-class tests, oral presentations, essays and other written tasks.

Entry Requirements / Admissions

UCAS Tariff of Accepted Students for this course

Requirements for international students / English requirements

IELTS academic test score (similar tests may be accepted as well)

    • 6.5
    • Mphil / PhD

If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.5, with not less than 6.0 in each of the sub-tests. We also accept other English language tests.
Get advice on which foundation courses are best for you to still study Japanese Studies with International Experience, BA (Hons), if you do not meet the minimum requirements in terms of UCAS score, A levels, or English language requirements.

Costs

Average student cost of living in London

Rent £518
Water, gas electricity, internet (at home) £50
Supermarket shopping £81
Clothing £35
Eating out £33
Alcohol £27
Takeaways / food deliveries £30
Going out / entertainment (excl.alcohol, food) £24
Holidays and weekend trips £78
Transport within city £17
Self-care / sports £20
Stationary / books £13
Mobile phone / internet £13
Cable TV / streaming £7
Insurance £51
Other £95
  
Average student cost of living £1092

London costs approx 34% more than average, mainly due to rent being 67% higher than average of other cities. For students staying in student halls, costs of water, gas, electricity, wifi are generally included in the rental. Students in smaller cities where accommodation is in walking/biking distance transport costs tend to be significantly smaller.

How to apply

Application deadline:

January 1, 2025

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.

Possible Entry Points:

  • year 1 (Default entry point)

University Rankings

Positions of Birkbeck, University of London in top UK and global rankings.

See all 17 university rankings of Birkbeck, University of London

About Birkbeck, University of London

Birkbeck, University of London (BBK) was established in 1823, and takes a different stance towards admissions than many other universities. Applicants are encouraged by BKK to apply even if they don’t possess the traditional qualifications normally required, as applications here are also considered based on an assessment of your knowledge on the subject, and any work experience you might have. Being located in the very centre of London, students will have all the advantages of the city’s public transport connections, as well as the chance to live in such a diverse and vibrant city with all that it offers.

List of 197 Bachelor and Master Courses from Birkbeck, University of London - Course Catalogue

Student composition of Birkbeck, University of London

undergraduates:
4800
postgraduates:
2810
Total:
7610
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Where is this programme taught

Main Site
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