(Full time) 2021 start
Italian B and Japanese BA
Overview
This five - year degree gives you the chance to study both Italian and Japanese from beginners level. You'll gain advanced communication skills in these two languages whilst also gaining an insight into the history, politics and cultures of Italian, Japanese and East Asian culture.
You'll spend one year studying abroad at a partner university in Italy and a further year in a Japan, this is an excellent opportunity to put your language skills into practice and gain first-hand experience of the local culture.
By studying two major world languages, you'll develop a range of transferable skills which are highly regarded by employers. These include critical thinking, enhanced communication, analytical and cultural awareness skills.
Specialist facilities
As well as our great library resources, you'll have access to our Language Centre which has digital language labs, audio/video practice booths and Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL).
If you think you might consider a career in interpreting, there’s also our Electronic Resource Information Centre, which offers specialised computing facilities for translation studies and Interpreter Training Suites.
Course content
In your first year, you’ll study core modules that develop your language skills in both Japanese and Italian, including speaking, writing, reading and listening. You'll also start to study key aspects of culture and society in Italy, Japan and the wider region of East Asian.
In your second year, you'll further enhance core language skills in both languages with opportunities to specialise further in topics of interest to you through optional modules such as film, religion and society. You could also choose to gain experience in teaching through the Linguists into Schools module.
You'll spend your third year studying abroad in a partner university in Italy which will include weekly tuition in Italian language and culture with termly examinations. You'll then spend the fourth year in Japan undertaking a study or work placement. During these two years, you'll also work on a Residence Abroad project, focusing on a topic of your choice, supported by an academic supervisor
You'll return to Leeds for your final year which will involve working on an extended project which could be a dissertation, translation or digital documentary. You'll also have the flexibility to choose from a range of language and cultural modules which will ensure you graduate with advanced language skills as well as contextual knowledge of Italian and Japanese cultures.
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
Our tutors are experts in their fields, and their teaching is informed by their own cutting-edge research.
We use a range of teaching methods to help you benefit from their expertise, including lectures, seminars, tutorials or occasionally workshops. However, independent study is also central to this degree, since it allows you to develop your skills in research and analysis. You will be able to apply your skills and knowledge in a Final Year Research Project on a topic of your own choice.
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
We also use different types of assessment. Usually we use a mixture of exams and essays, but you may also be assessed on oral presentations or group work in some modules. Support will be on hand throughout your time at Leeds for example, youll be able to attend extra classes on exam technique, structuring an essay and public speaking if you need them.
Entry requirements, fees and applying
Entry requirements
A-level: AAB
GCSE: 4/C in a foreign language.
Other course specific tests:-
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. Grade 4/C in a foreign language at GCSE is required. An interview and a piece of written work may also be required. -
BTEC
DDD.
Other BTEC qualifications are also considered. Please contact the Admissions Office for more information.
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Cambridge Pre-U
D3, M1, M2
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International Baccalaureate
35 points overall including 16 at Higher Level with 4 in a foreign language at Standard Level
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Irish Leaving Certificate (higher Level)
H2, H2, H2, H2, H3, H3
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Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers
AB in Advanced Highers and AABBB in Highers OR A in Advanced Highers and AABBB in Highers OR AAAABB in Highers. -
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. -
Other Qualifications
European Baccalaureate: 80%
Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the Schools Undergraduate Admissions Team.
Alternative entry
We’re committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.
Access to Leeds is a contextual 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 contextual admissions.
Typical Access to Leeds offer: BBB 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: See fees section below
International: £20,250 (per year)
Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2024/25
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students are set by the UK Government and will be £9,250 for students starting in 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 UK undergraduate students starting in 2025/26
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students starting in 2025/26 have not yet been confirmed by the UK government. When the fee is available we will update individual course pages.
Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2024/25 and 2025/26
Tuition fees for international students for 2024/25 are available on individual course pages. Fees for students starting in 2025/26 will be available from September 2024.
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
Careers support
Postgraduate study in languages at Leeds or elsewhere provides an opportunity to continue to learn and prepare for a PhD and a career in academia.
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
Residence abroad
This five-year course involves two periods of study abroad.
In Year 2, you’ll follow a year-long course provided by one of our partner universities in Japan and you'll also spend a year in Italy.
Read more about the Italian residence abroad
Read more about the Japanese residence abroad