(Full time) 2020 start
Chinese and Japanese Studies BA
Overview
This challenging and varied degree allows you to learn two major world languages from scratch and spend two years studying abroad.
Core modules will build your skills in both languages and introduce you to the culture and history of each country. You’ll also choose from a wide range of optional modules exploring the history, culture, business practices, religions and politics of these two fascinating countries and East Asia more broadly.
But the most exciting element of the degree is the chance to spend one year in China and a second in Japan, improving your language skills and gaining first-hand experience of Chinese and Japanese culture.
You could study East Asian religions or Japanese cultural history, the rise of the non-profit sector in contemporary China or the complex dynamics of Sino-Japanese relations. You could even try translation or interpreting. It’s a great opportunity to develop language skills and gain an insight into two of the world’s biggest economies.
Specialist resources
With over fifty years of acquisitions, the Chinese collection housed in the beautiful Brotherton Library is one of the best collections of modern Chinese books in the country. The University Library also has impressive holdings of books in English about China, backed up by a wide range of digital materials.
Course content
In your first year you’ll focus on intensive language classes to develop your speaking, listening, reading and writing skills in Chinese and Japanese, while choosing modules introducing you to the culture and history of China, Japan or East Asia. This will lay the foundations for the next two years, when you’ll spend a year each in China and Japan studying dedicated language courses to improve your skills while you experience life in each culture.
When you return to Leeds, you’ll spend the next two years taking advanced language classes to refine your spoken and written language skills and explore the media in each country. You’ll also choose from a variety of optional modules on topics as diverse as Japanese cinema, international relations in the Asia Pacific or modern Chinese history. You’ll even have the option to learn Cantonese or learn about specialised uses of Chinese and Japanese in professional contexts.
In your final year you’ll also undertake an independently researched dissertation on a topic of your choice to showcase your knowledge and skills.
Course structure
The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.
Discovery modules
Throughout your degree you will benefit from a range of opportunities to expand your intellectual horizons outside or within your subject area.
This course gives you the opportunity to choose from a range of discovery modules. They’re a great way to tailor your study around your interests or career aspirations and help you stand out from the crowd when you graduate. Find out more about discovery modules on our Broadening webpages.
Learning and teaching
Read more about How we teach Japanese Language
On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.
Assessment
Exams and essays are our usual forms of assessment, but some modules may also assess you on oral presentations or group work. We’ll provide plenty of support to help you handle this – throughout your time at Leeds you’ll be able to attend extra classes on issues like public speaking and exam technique.
Entry requirements, fees and applying
Entry requirements
A-level: AAB-AAA including a foreign language.
Other course specific tests:Where an applicant is taking the EPQ in a relevant subject this might be considered alongside other Level 3 qualifications and may attract an alternative offer in addition to the standard offer. If you are taking A Levels, this would be ABB at A Level and grade A in the EPQ.
We welcome applications from mature students with Access qualifications, and from students with a wide range of qualifications.
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Access to HE Diploma
Pass diploma with 60 credits overall, including at least 45 credits at level 3, of which 30 credits must be at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit or higher. An interview and a piece of written work may also be required. This course has additional subject specific requirements. Please contact the Admissions Office for more information.
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BTEC
We will consider this qualification in combination with other qualifications. Please contact the Admissions Office for more information.
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Cambridge Pre-U
D3, M1, M1 to D3, D3, M1 including a foreign language.
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International Baccalaureate
35 points overall with 16 - 17 at Higher Level including 6 at Higher Level in a foreign language.
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Irish Leaving Certificate (higher Level)
H2, H2, H2, H2, H3, H3 to H2, H2, H2, H2, H2, H2 including a foreign language
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Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers
AB - AA in Advanced Highers and AABBB in Highers or A in Advanced Highers and AABBB - AAABB in Highers. This course has additional subject specific requirements. Contact the Admissions Office for more information.
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Welsh Baccalaureate
The Welsh Baccalaureate is not typically included in the academic conditions of an offer made to you for this course. If you choose to undertake the Welsh Baccalaureate we would strongly encourage you to draw upon these experiences within your personal statement, as your qualification will then be taken into account both when your application is initially considered by the selection panel and again when reviewed by the admissions tutor at the time your A-level results are passed to us.
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Other Qualifications
European Baccalaureate: 80% - 85% including 80% in a foreign language.
Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the Schools Undergraduate Admissions Team.
Alternative entry
Were committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.
Access to Leeds is an alternative admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.
Find out more about Access to Leeds and alternative admissions.
Typical Access to Leeds offer: BBB including a foreign language at A Level and pass Access to Leeds.
International Foundation Year
International students who do not meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study may be able to study the University of Leeds International Foundation Year. This gives you the opportunity to study on campus, be taught by University of Leeds academics and progress onto a wide range of Leeds undergraduate courses. Find out more about International Foundation Year programmes.
English language requirements
IELTS 7.0 overall, with no less than 6.5 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.
Improve your English
If you're an international student and you don't meet the English language requirements for this programme, you may be able to study our undergraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.
How to apply
Apply to this course through UCAS. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.
International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK students. Our network of international representatives can help you with your application. If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.
Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.
Admissions policy
University of Leeds Taught Admissions Policy 2024
Fees
UK/EU: See fees section below
International: £19,500 (per year)
Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2023/24 and 2024/25
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students are set by the UK Government and will remain capped at £9,250 for 2023/24 and 2024/25. The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation only as a consequence of future changes in Government legislation and as permitted by law.
Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2023/24 and 2024/25
Tuition fees for international students for 2023/24 and 2024/25 are available on individual course pages.
Tuition fees for a study abroad or work placement year
If you take a study abroad or work placement year, you’ll pay a reduced tuition fee during this period. For more information, see Study abroad and work placement tuition fees and loans.
Read more about paying fees and charges.
There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.
Financial support
If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.
Career opportunities
This degree gives you proficiency in two important world languages, as well as an insight into the fascinating culture of some of the world’s most influential economies. These will open doors to a wide range of careers in East Asia and around the world, but you will also develop transferable skills which are highly sought by employers.
You’ll have strong research skills, allowing you to find information from a wide range of sources and draw your own conclusions. Then you’ll be able to communicate and defend them clearly. Teamwork, adaptability and time management are also among the key qualities you can develop. Spending time abroad will also demonstrate that you are resilient, independent and adaptable.
As a result, graduates have pursued diverse careers. Many join the Japanese government’s Japan Exchange and Teaching programme (JET), which recruits graduates to work in teaching and international relations positions. Others have moved into teaching, tourism, publishing, business, broadcasting, overseas aid work, PR, and language-based roles such as translating and interpreting throughout China, Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan and across East Asia as well as in the UK, USA and Europe.
Many also progress to postgraduate study or further training in fields such as translation or interpreting.
Careers support
We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.
Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.
The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more about Careers support.
Study abroad and work placements
Residency abroad
You'll spend two years abroad studying a dedicated language course for non-native speakers at one of our partner institutions in each country. Of course, you’ll also have plenty of time to travel and explore everything that China and Japan have to offer.
It’s a fantastic opportunity to develop your language skills and gain a new appreciation of both Chinese and Japanese cultures. It can also really enhance your CV. For many of our students, it’s the highlight of their degree.
Read more about Residence Abroad in East Asian Studies