International Business with Japanese

International business with Japanese is a combination that reflects the economic and strategic importance of Japan within the global economy, while providing the management foundation needed to operate effectively in complex international business environments. Japan is one of the world's largest economies, a major source of technological innovation, and an important trading partner for the UK and the broader Western world. Japanese is a language that few Westerners learn to a high level, making those who do stand out in the graduate market, particularly in sectors with significant Japanese investment or partnership, including automotive, electronics, finance, and professional services.

At the University of Edinburgh, this four-year full-time degree develops genuine language competence in Japanese alongside a rigorous grounding in international business management. You will study Japanese language and culture, moving from basic communication through to the level of proficiency needed for professional contexts, while also developing business knowledge in strategy, marketing, finance, operations, and the management of international organisations. You will examine Japan's business culture, its approach to corporate organisation, its industrial history, and its role in global supply chains and innovation ecosystems.

Edinburgh's research environment and its connections with business and Japanese cultural institutions provide a strong context for this distinctive combination.

Graduates are well placed for careers in companies with Japanese operations or partnerships, Japanese firms operating in the UK and Europe, trading companies, investment banking, consulting, cultural organisations, and diplomacy. The rarity of Japanese language competence combined with business knowledge is a genuine competitive advantage. Many graduates continue into postgraduate study in international business, Japanese studies, or management, and some pursue careers in Japan itself.