MA Japanese and Linguistics
About this course
MA (Hons) in Japanese and Linguistics, a joint honours degree combining the study of a modern language in its cultural context with the scientific structure and social functions of human language. A compulsory year abroad in Japan is integrated into the programme structure. The first year introduces language proficiency at various entry levels alongside modules such as beginner, post-beginner, pre-intermediate (advanced), and the way language is structured. The second year explores political cultures and cultural politics in contemporary Japan, introduction to Japanese literature, linguistic theory and the structure of English, and cross-linguistic variation: limits and theories. The third year is spent studying abroad in Japan. The fourth year advances proficiency through spoken and written Japanese and translation from Japanese to English.
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: ABB (required: no specific A level subjects required) IB: 34 points with 655 at HL
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Admissions (2022 entry, home applicants)
Offer rate 21%: 12 offers from 57 applications, from the university's Freedom of Information return.
What students say
Based on about 25 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 92%
- Learning opportunities: 78%
- Assessment and feedback: 76%
- Academic support: 94%
- Organisation and management: 76%
- Learning resources: 87%
- Student voice: 81%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 20 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 85%
- Left higher education: 10%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 5%
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: 50%
- Working and studying: 10%
- Further study: 25%
- Unemployed: 5%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 30 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 5%
- London: 40%
- South East: 10%
- South West: 5%
- Wales: 5%
- Scotland: 40%
Who gets in
Based on about 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 95%
- No formal qualifications: 5%
Modules
- beginner
- post-beginner
- pre-intermediate (advanced)
- the way language is structured
- the regional and social variations of language in general, and of the English language in particular
- learn more about East Asian history, including Japan's relationship with China and Korea
- take a course in Japanese literature, politics or culture
- business, economics and informatics
- politics, social policy, social anthropology and international relations
- art and architectural history
- history, classics and archaeology
- Celtic and Scottish ethnology
- philosophy, divinity and law
- Political Cultures and Cultural Politics in Contemporary Japan
- Introduction to Japanese Literature
- Modern East Asian History
- Society and Culture in Pre-modern East Asia
- East Asian Youth: Spaces, Ecologies, Technologies
- Linguistic Theory and the Structure of English
- Cross-linguistic Variation: Limits and Theories
- Student Wellbeing Service
- Student Counselling
- Student Disability and Learning Support
- University emergency helpline (available 24 hours a day)
- spoken and written Japanese
- translation from Japanese to English
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MA Japanese and Linguistics at University of Edinburgh earn?
The median salary is £29,000 after 3 years, £34,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £25,500 and £46,000. The £34,500 median after five years is £4,500 more than the UK median for Linguistics.
What do graduates of MA Japanese and Linguistics at University of Edinburgh do next?
85% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on MA Japanese and Linguistics at University of Edinburgh?
92% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for MA Japanese and Linguistics at University of Edinburgh?
The typical offer is ABB at A level, or 34 points in the IB. The average entrant had 179 UCAS points.
What is the offer rate for MA Japanese and Linguistics at University of Edinburgh?
21% of home applicants received an offer for 2022 entry: 12 offers from 57 applications, according to the university's Freedom of Information return.
Does MA Japanese and Linguistics at University of Edinburgh include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has a compulsory year abroad.
How many students continue on MA Japanese and Linguistics at University of Edinburgh?
85% of students continued into their second year, and 10% left higher education.