Japanese

Japanese is one of the most demanding and rewarding languages a British student can undertake, with a writing system that combines two syllabic scripts with thousands of Chinese-derived characters, and a grammatical structure that differs from European languages in nearly every fundamental respect. That challenge is also the point: acquiring Japanese at a high level develops exceptional linguistic discipline, cultural sensitivity, and cognitive flexibility, and opens doors to one of the world's major economies and a cultural tradition of extraordinary depth.

At the School of Oriental and African Studies, which has one of the longest-established and most respected traditions in Asian language teaching in the UK, this four-year BA programme includes a foundation year, giving you a structured introduction to degree-level study before you engage with the full linguistic and cultural curriculum. You will develop competence in all aspects of the written and spoken language, working progressively through modern Japanese to the level expected of a well-educated speaker, while also gaining an introduction to classical Japanese and to the history, literature, politics, film and society of both modern and traditional Japan. SOAS's location in London places you in close contact with Japan's substantial presence in the city, from business communities to cultural institutions and diplomatic networks.

The foundation year broadens access to the programme, supporting students who may not have had the background for direct entry to the first year of the degree, and building the academic skills that intensive language learning requires.

Graduates of Japanese programmes go on to work in a wide range of fields, including diplomacy and government, international business and finance, translation and interpreting, journalism, education, and the creative industries. Japan's commercial reach and cultural influence mean that strong Japanese language skills are genuinely valuable to employers across sectors. Many graduates pursue postgraduate study in Japanese studies, Asian history, linguistics, or international relations, and some move into academic careers.