BA Japanese Studies with Year Abroad
About this course
BA (Hons) in Japanese Studies with Year Abroad, a multidisciplinary degree centred on Japanese language, culture, and history. Core topics include Microelectronics, Research Methods, and Communication & Writing. This four-year course includes a compulsory year abroad spent studying the language full-time at a university in Japan. The first year covers the foundations through Japanese Language 1A or Japanese Language 1B, Modern East Asian History and Introduction to Japanese Culture. The second year builds proficiency with Japanese Language 2A or Japanese Language 2B, Science and Technology in Modern Japan: A Cultural History and Introduction to Anime: Aesthetic, Technology, Seriality. The third year consists of a compulsory study abroad period in Japan. The final year involves advanced study through Dissertation, Japanese Language 4 and Critical Methods for the Study of Japanese Literature and History. Optional modules allow students to explore areas such as Modern China's Transformations, Designing for Digital Culture, Music and Place, and World Philosophies.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
A level: AAB You are not expected to have any previous knowledge of Japanese, but if you do have an A level (or equivalent) in Japanese, then you may be able to enter the Advanced stream from Year 1. IB: 35 with 665 in higher level subjects. Please see above for subject requirements.
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Admissions (2022 entry, home applicants)
Offer rate 73%: 95 offers from 130 applications, from the university's Freedom of Information return.
What students say
Based on about 7 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 86%
- Learning opportunities: 69%
- Assessment and feedback: 78%
- Academic support: 91%
- Organisation and management: 64%
- Learning resources: 73%
- Student voice: 45%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 75%
- Left higher education: 25%
What graduates do next
Based on about 8 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 45%
- Working and studying: 30%
- Further study: 10%
- Unemployed: 10%
Most common jobs
- Teaching Professionals: 35%
- Secretarial and related occupations: 10%
- Managers, directors and senior officials: 10%
- Elementary occupations: 10%
- Finance Professionals: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 80%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 55%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 20%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 525 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 6%
- North West: 5%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 6%
- East Midlands: 3%
- West Midlands: 3%
- East of England: 6%
- London: 50%
- South East: 13%
- South West: 5%
- Wales: 1%
- Scotland: 1%
- Northern Ireland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 10 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 100%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Silver for student experience, Gold for student outcomes.
Modules
- Japanese Language 1A or Japanese Language 1B
- Modern East Asian History
- Introduction to Japanese Culture
- Example optional modules
- Japanese Language 2A or Japanese Language 2B
- Science and Technology in Modern Japan: A Cultural History
- Introduction to Anime: Aesthetic, Technology, Seriality
- Example optional modules
- Study abroad
- Dissertation
- Japanese Language 4
- Critical Methods for the Study of Japanese Literature and History
- Example optional modules
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BA Japanese Studies with Year Abroad at Durham University earn?
The median salary is £30,000 after 15 months, £29,000 after 3 years, £38,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £30,500 and £53,000. The £38,500 median after five years is £7,500 more than the UK median for Asian studies.
What do graduates of BA Japanese Studies with Year Abroad at Durham University do next?
85% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BA Japanese Studies with Year Abroad at Durham University?
86% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BA Japanese Studies with Year Abroad at Durham University?
The typical offer is AAB at A level. The average entrant had 160 UCAS points.
What is the offer rate for BA Japanese Studies with Year Abroad at Durham University?
73% of home applicants received an offer for 2022 entry: 95 offers from 130 applications, according to the university's Freedom of Information return.
Does BA Japanese Studies with Year Abroad at Durham University include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has a compulsory year abroad.
How many students continue on BA Japanese Studies with Year Abroad at Durham University?
75% of students continued into their second year, and 25% left higher education.