Japanese and History

Japanese and history is a combination that connects the serious study of one of Asia's most distinctive and influential nations with the discipline of historical investigation. Japanese is the language of a society with a cultural and intellectual tradition of extraordinary depth, spanning literature, philosophy, aesthetic theory, film, manga, and architecture, as well as one of the world's largest economies and most significant geopolitical presences. History develops your ability to investigate the past from primary evidence, to construct arguments about human experience, and to understand how the present emerged from the choices and forces of previous eras.

At the School of Oriental and African Studies, this four-year, full-time programme benefits from SOAS's unparalleled depth in Asian and African studies, including one of the strongest Japanese studies programmes in the UK. The programme includes a foundation year, providing a structured introduction to both disciplines before you enter the main degree. You will develop your Japanese language skills to a substantial level alongside historical study of Japan, Asia, and the wider world, giving you both the linguistic competence to engage directly with Japanese sources and the analytical framework to interpret them historically.

SOAS's research focus on the Global South means your historical studies will be enriched by perspectives beyond the European-centred narrative that dominates many history programmes.

Graduates are well-placed for careers in diplomacy, international business, translation, journalism, education, cultural organisations, and international organisations with an interest in Japan and East Asia. The combination of Japanese language and historical knowledge is genuinely scarce in the UK graduate market. Many graduates continue to postgraduate study in Japanese studies, history, international relations, or area studies.