Japanese Studies

Japanese Studies opens a window onto one of the world's most distinctive and significant cultures. Japan has a history stretching back thousands of years, a tradition of literature, art and philosophy that is entirely its own, and a contemporary influence in technology, design, popular culture and international relations that is genuinely global. It is also one of the world's third-largest economies, with deep cultural and commercial ties to the rest of the Asia Pacific region.

Studying Japanese is challenging and rewarding in equal measure, and the cultural understanding that comes with it is something very few people in the English-speaking world possess.

At Durham University, the four-year full-time programme develops your proficiency in the Japanese language, including reading and writing in the Japanese script, alongside a substantive engagement with Japan's culture, politics, history and global role. You will also develop understanding of the Asia Pacific region more broadly, situating Japan within its geopolitical neighbourhood. The foundation year option provides additional preparation for students who are new to the subject or who want to build their academic skills before beginning the full degree.

Durham's strong research culture in Japanese and East Asian studies enriches the programme, and the university's connections with Japan and the wider region support the international dimensions of the degree.

Graduates of Japanese Studies programmes work in international business, trade, diplomacy, translation and interpreting, the creative industries, journalism, education and the technology sector. Japan's cultural and commercial presence ensures that Japanese language skills remain genuinely valuable in the labour market. Postgraduate study in Japanese studies, East Asian politics, international relations, translation or area studies is a natural continuation.