About this major

Celebrating its 100th year in 2017, the University's Department of Japanese Studies is one of the oldest of its kind in the English-speaking world. Offering training in the Japanese language, as well as in Japanese culture, this major prepares you to be an active participant in our multicultural world.

With a large network of partner universities in Japan, you will have the opportunity to undertake an unforgettable in-country exchange program experience, further honing your language and cultural skills.

Culture units use Japanese materials to present various aspects of ancient to contemporary Japan ranging across disciplines from history and literature to popular culture.

Even if you have no previous knowledge of the language, you will gain basic literacy in Japanese and the ability to express yourself in everyday situations. If you finish your major at the highest level, you will graduate with quite a fluent proficiency of the language.

Students will follow the appropriate pathway specified in the unit of study tables, based on their individual language level. Students completing any of the pathways for a major will be awarded a major in Japanese Studies.

Appropriate language units are determined either by language level and grade therein achieved in Higher School Certificate (as listed in the pathways linked above) or International Baccalaureate, and/or by one-on-one interviews prior to commencement. If you are unsure of your language level or which pathway is appropriate for you, please contact the Department for advice.

The Japanese Studies (introductory) pathway is suitable for complete beginners or students with very little language experience.

For more information on the program structure and content including unit of study information, please refer to the Arts and Social Sciences Handbook.