Chinese Studies OR Japanese Studies

Chinese and Japanese are two of the world's most significant languages, spoken by more than a billion people between them and central to two of the most economically, culturally, and politically influential nations on earth. Studying either language at degree level is an intellectual challenge that rewards persistence with access to entirely different ways of organising thought, expressing ideas, and understanding the world. Beyond the language itself, both Chinese and Japanese studies open up rich and complex civilisations with their own literary traditions, philosophical systems, histories, and contemporary realities.

At the University of Newcastle Upon Tyne, this four-year full-time BA Honours allows you to immerse yourself in the study of the language, society, culture, politics, and history of China or Japan. You will develop your language skills systematically from the outset, building the reading, writing, speaking, and listening proficiency needed to engage with authentic sources, while also building an appreciation of different societies and cultures through historical, literary, and contemporary study. Entry typically requires around 136 UCAS tariff points.

Graduates with advanced Chinese or Japanese language skills are sought by employers in diplomacy and the foreign service, international business, finance, law, journalism, education, translation and interpreting, and cultural institutions. The depth of cultural understanding and analytical ability the degree develops is also valued in research, the civil service, and non-governmental organisations working in Asia or on Asia-related issues. Many graduates continue to postgraduate study in East Asian studies, linguistics, international relations, or related disciplines.