BA (Hons) Japanese Studies · University of LancashireBachelor's degree · 3 years
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University of Lancashire · Undergraduate

BA (Hons) Japanese Studies Bachelor's degree at the University of Lancashire

BA (Hons) Japanese Studies at University of Lancashire. You'll develop Japanese language proficiency alongside cultural and contextual understanding, with modules spanning core theory, research methods, applied practice and specialist options.

BA (Hons)
Award
3
Years
Full-time
Study mode
80%
in work/study (15m)

About this course

We have exchange agreements with almost 100 universities in different countries. From the provider’s course page.

BA (Hons) Japanese Studies is a Bachelor's degree (BA (Hons)) at the University of Lancashire, based in Main Campus. It runs 3 years, studied full-time.

For Languages and area studies graduates from this provider, 80% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 45% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £25,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)

For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Modern Languages, see the sections below.

Course evidence score

The arithmetic mean of the official measures available for this course: NSS satisfaction, graduate activity and continuation.

7.6
/ 10
Strong
3 of 3 official measures
Student satisfaction
What students say in the National Student Survey
Strong73

Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)

Graduate outcomes
In work or further study 15 months after graduating
Excellent80

Limited evidence Published sample: 10; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 80% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)

Continuation
Students who continue past their first year
Strong75

Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 75% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)

Curriculum & modules

Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.

Year 1 6 modules
  • The Shaping of the Asia PacificCompulsory
    Module details

    On this module you'll consider the evolution of the Asia Pacific as a region of growing international significance within a global and historical context. You'll get an overview of the diversity, differences, divisions and commonalities that make up the region. You'll also understand the people, their issues and their achievements within the region.

  • East Asian Popular CultureCompulsory
    Module details

    This module aims to analyse the interaction between different forms of popular culture in East Asia through a variety of theories, case studies and frameworks. You will understand how popular culture can reinforce or challenge established social order.

  • Beginners JapaneseCompulsory
    Module details

    This module introduces Japanese grammar, vocabulary, and basic communication skills for beginners, focusing equally on speaking, listening, reading, and writing. It also gives you self-study skills for continued language learning and cultural competence.

  • Background to JapanCompulsory
    Module details

    This module will introduce you to the study of Japan, its history, culture, traditions and society and a variety of interpretative approaches to Japan, from both Western and Japanese perspectives. You'll then have opportunities to carry out research in this area.

  • Humanities in ContextOptional
    Module details

    This module will develop the skills required in the study of humanities at university. You'll be introduced to specific subjects such as History, Philosophy or Politics. The module covers these subjects as academic disciplines, outlining some of the techniques and challenges of humanities-based inquiry. You'll develop employability skills such as oral communication, group-working, problem-solving and project management.

  • Social Science in ContextOptional
    Module details

    Develop the skills required in the study of social science subjects at University. Introduce you to the nature of these subjects as academic disciplines, outlining some of the techniques and challenges of social science-based inquiry. Enable you to develop and practice employability skills such as oral communication, group-working, problem-solving and project management.

Year 2 6 modules
  • Cultural Transformations and Cross Cultural Encounters in the Asia PacificCompulsory
    Module details

    You'll look at Asia Pacific cultural interactions and changes in a global and historical way. You'll look at how Western and Asian perceptions in a range of contexts like business and culture differ. You'll also look at the tensions in East-West cultural exchanges.

  • Taiwan in the Asia PacificCompulsory
    Module details

    The module analyses the chronology and interpretations of Taiwan within the Asia Pacific. You will learn about Taiwan's history, values, and limitations through case studies, methodologies, and written assessments. This module will help prepare possible dissertation topics.

  • Japanese Language and Society 1Compulsory
    Module details

    This module builds on your previous language skills. You'll develop your ability to communicate in Japanese across various contexts. You'll also deepen your understanding of Japanese culture, and develop as an independent learner and language user.

  • Japanese Language and Society 2Compulsory
    Module details

    This module aims to help you achieve confidence and competence in Japanese communication across various contexts. You'll enhance your analytical skills for understanding Japanese society and culture. You'll also develop more as an independent learner and language user.

  • Aspects of Japanese SocietyCompulsory
    Module details

    This module explores aspects of Japanese society to prepare you for the period abroad by enhancing your understanding of various aspects of Japanese society through language activities.

  • Research MethodsOptional
    Module details

    This module aims to support you in your development of the academic skills required to succeed in your undergraduate studies. The module will address the range of research skills required for undergraduate success.

Year 3 6 modules
  • International Relations of the Asia PacificCompulsory
    Module details

    The module explores international relations in the Asia Pacific. It will draw on realism, liberalism, and constructivism to, consider the role of regional powers, including Japan, China, and both Koreas, as well as US influence. You will study the imposition of colonialism and responses to contemporary challenges.

  • Sustainable Development in the Asia Pacific RegionCompulsory
    Module details

    Analyse the processes of modernisation and colonial or imperial legacies within the region as well as their impacts on sustainable development. Compare, contrast and analyse the different paths and processes of socio-political, economic, environmental development within the region.

  • Translation ProjectCompulsory
    Module details

    On this module you will complete a lengthy piece of translation (from a modern language into English). The module will enable you to contend with challenges of translation against the background of a detailed study of a specialised subject.

  • Japanese Language 3Optional
    Module details

    This module greatly expands your ability to communicate in a wide range of interactive and formal situations. Topics and accompanying materials will be carefully selected to increase your understanding of contemporary Japanese society and working environment, with content varying year-on-year to reflect the most up-to-date situations.

  • Japanese Language StudiesOptional
    Module details

    The aim of this module is to build on your period abroad experience. You will learn and further develop your language skills to communicate with confidence, fluency and accuracy.

  • Decoding Japan through Cultural Readings and TranslationOptional
    Module details

    In this module you will read and analyse Japanese texts of various types. You will develop advanced skills in language processing by analysing cultural issues in Japanese society.

Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.

Course in depth

What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.

What you'll study

This degree offers intensive Japanese-language study combined with cultural and linguistic depth. The University of Lancashire has exchange agreements with almost 100 universities in different countries, enabling study abroad opportunities. A course like this usually moves from core language foundations, grammar, speaking and writing, alongside cultural and historical study in Year 1. Year 2 deepens language production through advanced conversation, translation and interpreting, whilst specialist cultural studies explore periods, authors and media in greater detail. Year 3 typically includes a year abroad or immersed study, with final-year work building near-native proficiency and a research project in Japanese or on Japanese culture. You'll usually encounter specialisations such as translation, interpreting, cultural studies, linguistics and two-language combinations.

Who it's for

You're drawn to Japanese language, culture and society, and want to develop fluency within a structured academic framework. You enjoy close engagement with texts, media and ideas across cultural contexts, and you're genuinely curious about how language shapes understanding. Studying here means accessing exchange opportunities that most universities cannot offer; if international immersion appeals to you, this course is built for it. You're organised enough to manage independent project work and keen to translate linguistic skill into real-world application.

Careers & job market

Across Modern Languages degrees nationally, 85% of graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating. Of those working, 70% are in highly skilled roles or pursuing further study. Graduate earnings from Modern Languages courses nationally stand at £24,000–£33,500 starting out, rising to £25,500–£36,000 after three years and £32,725–£46,200 after five years. These figures reflect the national graduate population, not a guarantee specific to this university or course.

University & format

The BA (Hons) Japanese Studies is studied full-time over 3 years at the University of Lancashire's Main Campus. Instruction is in English. The University is a recognised UK degree-awarding body, and this degree is nationally recognised. The University holds a Silver award for teaching quality in the Office for Students' TEF 2023.

Student satisfaction

How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.

The teaching on my course
78%
Learning opportunities
69%
Assessment and feedback
73%
Academic Support
89%
Organisation and management
69%
Learning resources
70%
Student voice
61%

Share of students responding positively.

Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)

Applicant information

The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.

Application timelineWhat happens next
  1. 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted

    Your application needs a reference before you can send it.

  2. 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications

    Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.

  3. 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice

    Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.

  4. 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline

    18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.

Show 5 later dates
  1. 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens

    Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.

  2. 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers

    Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.

  3. 2027 entryClearing opens

    Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.

  4. 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications

    Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.

  5. 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice

    Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.

Open daysAttend our next Open Day

See and book current events. Dates can fill or change.

Entry & how to get in

Most entrants held A-levels or equivalent89% of accepted students came in with A-levels or equivalent (entrants over recent years).
Typical UCAS tariff: 112 - 127 pointsThe most common UCAS tariff band among accepted students. This is what entrants had, not a stated requirement.
Entry requirements are set by the universityGrades, subjects and contextual offers vary. Check the University of Lancashire's official course page for the current offer.

Who gets in

What recently admitted students actually held, official admissions data, not a stated requirement.

UCAS tariff of entrants

Grades are the A-level equivalent of each points band. Tap a band to check your own chances below.

Qualifications held on entry

QualificationShare
A-levels or equivalent89%
an Access course5%
another higher-education qualification3%
a previous degree1%
a Baccalaureate1%
Other1%

Entry & your chances

An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.

Offer-based entry

Entry is set by the university and based on your offer. Use your predicted grades to see how you compare, then check the university's stated requirements.

Will you get in? Plot your grades

Pick your predicted A-levels and watch your UCAS points land on the real spread of students admitted to this course.

Each bar is the share of admitted students in that UCAS-points band (lower → higher). Grades show the A-level equivalent.

Add your grades to see where you land

Your points will drop onto the distribution above, with an honest above / within / below read.

Based on the official admitted-student tariff distribution. Many universities make contextual (reduced-grade) offers, so a result below the range doesn’t rule you out.

How to apply

Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.

Apply by13 January 2027, 18:00 UK timefor this course
Typical gradesBBBA-level equivalent admitted students held
UCAS codeAP30quote this on your application
  1. 1
    Register on UCAS Hub

    Create your UCAS application and add this course (code AP30). One application covers up to five choices.

  2. 2
    Write your personal statement

    A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.

  3. 3
    Submit by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time

    UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.

  4. 4
    Reply to your offers

    When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.

  5. 5
    Results day & confirmation

    On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.

💡 Many universities make a contextual (reduced-grade) offer, for example based on your school’s results, time in care, or where you live. Ask University of Lancashire whether you’re eligible before you apply; it can lower the grades you need.

Fees & funding

What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.

Tuition per year

Homeup to £9,790 / yr
International£17,325 / yr

Provider fee page (England 2026/27 cap where not stated).

Check fees at University of Lancashire →

For students who normally live in England

illustrative Maintenance Loan per year
£9,790tuition used per year, illustrative full-time England fee-cap scenario
illustrative borrowing over 3 years

2026/27 Student Finance England figures. Maintenance support is means-tested and this two-point view is not an entitlement calculator. The course total uses its published length and home fee where both are available; a missing full-time fee uses the clearly labelled England-cap scenario, while part-time fees and unknown lengths are never guessed. Use the official calculator. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland use separate systems: SAAS, Student Finance Wales, and Student Finance NI.

Starting on or after 1 January 2027?

The Lifelong Learning Entitlement is a separate system. A new learner’s tuition entitlement is currently stated as £39,160 (about 480 credits at 2026/27 fee levels), subject to prior study and eligibility. Check the official LLE guide.

Paying for it

  • Tuition Fee Loan: can cover eligible tuition up to the applicable limit and is paid straight to the provider.
  • Maintenance Loan: up to £10,830/yr away from home outside London (England, 2026/27), means-tested on household income.
  • Repayment: 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below it; written off after 40 years.
  • Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.

England figures shown; Scotland, Wales & NI run their own schemes, check gov.uk.

Funding matched to this course

Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for

All University of Lancashire funding →

Named awards published by the university. Compare the eligibility and application route before budgeting for one.

Financial Support Package£500–£750 a year
Means-tested2026/27

Undergraduates from low-income households, subject to eligibility

How it worksAutomatic assessment after enrolment when Student Finance shares household-income data.
TimingNo separate application
Check eligibility →
Means-tested2026/27

Eligible undergraduate students with experience of care

How it worksApply through the Student Hub after enrolment.
TimingNine months after the academic year starts
Check eligibility →
Means-tested2026/27

Eligible undergraduate or taught-postgraduate unpaid carers

How it worksApply through the Student Hub after enrolment and provide evidence.
TimingNine months after the academic year starts
Check eligibility →
Sanctuary ScholarshipFee waiver + up to £5,000 a year
Means-tested2026/27

Forced migrants who are not eligible for student finance

How it worksComplete the university application form; an offer is not required to apply.
TimingCheck the current application form
Check eligibility →

Amounts, exclusions and deadlines can change. An award is not guaranteed unless the university confirms it.

StudyKit · free

Still deciding what to study?

StudyKit brings course choice, applications and funding together in one place, with a personal AI assistant. Find what really fits you and start your UCAS application step by step.

Career quizApplication walkthroughSalary & CV check

Careers & earnings

What Modern Languages graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.

Graduate earnings: this course

WhenMedianTypical rangeGraduates
15 months after£25,000£22,000 – £26,00010
3 years after£20,000£11,500 – £23,50035
5 years after£25,000£18,000 – £30,50040

Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Limited evidence. Published sample: 10; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23.

Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course

80%
in work or further study 15 months on
45%
in highly skilled work or study
75%
continue past their first year
90%
find their work meaningful
55%
say work fits their future plans
  1. 1Graduate roleFirst role after the degree · 0–2 yrs
  2. 2Specialist / PractitionerWorking in modern languages · 2–5 yrs
  3. 3Senior / LeadLeading work and people · 5–10 yrs
  4. 4Head of / ExpertSenior leadership or deep expertise · 10+ yrs

How pay grows: this course vs Modern Languages nationally

Starting (15 months) HESA GO
£25,000
£24,000 – £33,500
After 3 years LEO
£20,000
£25,500 – £36,000
After 5 years LEO
£25,000
£32,725 – £46,200
national rangethis course’s medianaxis £18,000 – £48,500

National figures for Modern Languages graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.

Work out your pay

Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.

What happened to 100 students?

Choose an outcome to translate the published percentage into a simple 100-person view. Each dot represents one percentage point, not an individual tracked student.

80 of 100

were in work or further study

15 months after graduation

55% working15% working and studying10% in further study45% in highly skilled work or study

Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2022-23. Limited evidence. Published sample: 10; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23. Each tab is a separate published measure; categories can overlap and should not be added together.

Value compared with similar courses

How this course’s 5-year median earnings compare with Modern Languages courses at the same study level.

This course £25,000Peer median £38,500Middle 50% £31,000–£42,500
3rd percentile

Compared with 931 courses with compatible official earnings data. This is a course-value comparison, not a quality ranking.

UK occupations graduates enter

Published graduate destinations, joined conservatively to UK SOC 2020, ONS pay and Skills England demand.

  • Teaching ProfessionalsSOC 2020 231 · 20% of published destinations · ASHE median £42,660
  • Elementary occupationsSOC 2020 9 · 20% of published destinations · ASHE median £19,087
  • Sales occupationsSOC 2020 71 · 15% of published destinations · ASHE median £15,975
  • Business and public service associate professionalsSOC 2020 35 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £38,760
  • Administrative occupationsSOC 2020 41 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £27,006

Discover Uni JOBLIST/JOBTYPE; ONS ASHE 2025 provisional, all employee jobs; Skills England Occupations in Demand 2025. SOC is shown only for an exact normalised label match; demand is shown only at exact four-digit SOC. Published sample: 75; response rate: 55%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.

Job market & outlook

How Modern Languages graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.

85%
in work or further study 15 months after graduating, across Modern Languages courses nationally.
Graduate Outcomes
70%
of working graduates are in highly skilled work or further study.
highly skilled
90%
of students continue past their first year (still enrolled or completed).
continuation

How AI is changing the work

AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.

What AI takes off your plate

  • Routine information gathering
  • First-draft writing and summaries
  • Standard analysis and admin
  • Repetitive processing tasks

More human than ever

  • Judgement and original thinking
  • Working with and leading people
  • Owning and sense-checking AI output
  • Ethics and accountability

The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.

Roles & employers

Where Modern Languages graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.

Where they work

  • Translation agencies
  • International businesses
  • Government (FCDO)
  • Tourism & education

Is this course right for you?

The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.

💷

Student finance

For comparison, the standard full-time England tuition cap is up to £9,790 per year in 2026/27; the actual fee varies by course and provider. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years.

📈

Where graduates go

80% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £25,000. See the full breakdown in Careers & earnings above.

🎯

Your entry chances

Use the UCAS points calculator above to see how your predicted grades compare with admitted students, and whether a contextual offer could apply.

Official-data snapshot

Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 7.6 out of 10: NSS 72.7% · in work or study 80% · continued 75%.

Who studies here and in this subject?

Provider- and UK subject-level context.

University of Lancashire

All students23,865
International20.5%
Aged 25+43.6%

Language and area studies across the UK

Students75,355
Aged 25+23.7%

HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.

Local crime-data context

A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.

Around Main Campus

2,263 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.

Violent Crime 753Anti Social Behaviour 464Shoplifting 194Criminal Damage Arson 169Public Order 166

Police.uk street-level API. Approximate locations, not confined to campus. England, Wales and Northern Ireland; not Scotland.

Is Modern Languages right for you?

Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.

International students

What applying to University of Lancashire from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.

Tuition fees

International tuition is £17,325 / year for this course (from the provider’s fee page). You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.

English language

Most UK undergraduate courses ask for around IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0), or an accepted equivalent. If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.

Student visa

You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.

Scholarships & funding

Many universities offer international/global scholarships (often £2,000–£6,000/yr), check University of Lancashire’s funding pages.

Living costs

Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.

Working while you study

A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.

Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with University of Lancashire and gov.uk before you apply.

Common questions

Entry is offer-based and set by the university. The most common tariff band among recent entrants was 112 - 127 UCAS points. Use the calculator on this page to see where your predicted grades would put you; many universities also make lower contextual offers.
Set by the University of Lancashire. Most accepted students held A-levels or equivalent. Check the university's course page for the exact offer.
For Languages and area studies graduates from this provider, 80% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 45% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £25,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
For comparison, the standard full-time England tuition cap is up to £9,790 per year in 2026/27; the actual fee varies by course and provider. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years. See Fees & funding on this page to work out your numbers.
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