Studying Japanese gives you a broad knowledge of the language, culture and literature of Japan.
Subject overview
You can combine language learning with Japan-related courses in culture and society, history, linguistics, literature and religion.
Language proficiency and cultural awareness are intimately connected, so with a background in Japanese you can develop an in-depth understanding of Japanese culture.
Where can Japanese take you?
New Zealand and Japan enjoy significant trade and cultural ties. With a background in Japanese you can acquire an in-depth understanding of Japanese culture. You can develop the skills and knowledge needed to bridge cultural gaps and work in social and business environments.
Graduates in Japanese have careers in international organisations, NGOs, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and other areas of government. You might also work for a multinational company or a New Zealand company in Asia, or within New Zealand’s Asian communities.
Career options with an Arts degree
Undergraduate study in Japanese
What you can study in Japanese
There are Japanese language courses for every level, whether you are a beginner or not. You can gain proficiency in Japanese sufficient to be able to converse confidently and read material published for native speakers. At Stages II and III there are opportunities to study in Japan.
Non-language courses develop your knowledge of the language’s social and cultural contexts. You can study Japanese culture and society, literature, history, popular culture, media or linguistics. Several courses incorporate materials in Japanese, allowing you to enhance your language skills while you acquire in-depth knowledge of Japanese culture and society.
Structuring your major in Japanese
You can take a major in Japanese as one of your two BA majors (a double major). You will need to pass at least 120 points (eight courses) towards each of your majors, including at least 45 points (three courses) at Stage III.
If you first enrolled in a BA prior to 2018
- For a single major you must pass at least 135 points, including at least 60 points above Stage II.
- For a double major you must pass at least 120 points in each of two majors, including at least 45 points above Stage II in each major.
- For a BA minor you must pass at least 90 points, including at least 60 points above Stage I.
Taking a Module in Japanese
If you would like to study Japanese alongside your two BA majors, you can complete a Module.
A Module is an optional grouping of three courses on a particular theme which enables you to add extra value to your Bachelor of Arts.
Courses
Explore the undergraduate courses you can take as part of a major in Japanese. You would normally take Stage I courses in your first year, Stage II in your second and Stage III in your third.
Required courses
You must pass the following courses as part of the Japanese major:
- ASIAN 100, JAPANESE 150 and 332
- Two courses from JAPANESE 222, 240-270, 292
- One course from JAPANESE 307-324, 340, 341, 343, 370, 381-392
Enrolling in Japanese language courses for the first time
If you have no or limited knowledge of Japanese, please enrol in JAPANESE 130 or JAPANESE 130G.
You will need to complete a Language Proficiency Declaration to ensure you are enrolling in the right course for your level. This will be provided to you through Student Services Online after you have enrolled.
Read more about first time language course enrolment.
Scholarships and awards
Help and advice
For help with planning your degree and enrolling in your courses, please contact the Arts Students’ Centre.
If you would like to find out more about studying Japanese, you can contact our Undergraduate Adviser.
Postgraduate study in Japanese
What you can study in Japanese
You can take advanced courses and undertake your own research in areas such as:
- Japanese language
- Linguistics
- Literature
- History
- Religion and society
- Cultural and identity studies
- Teaching Japanese as a foreign language
Entry requirements
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Japanese
A BA or Bachelor of Global Studies with a major in Japanese or Head of School or nominee approval.
Master of Arts in Japanese
120-point (one-year) MA
A BA(Hons) or PGDipArts in Japanese with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher, or approval of the Head of School or nominee. There are higher requirements for some research options.
240-point (two-year) MA
A BA with a major in Japanese or approval of the Head of School or nominee. You must have a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher in at least 45 points above Stage II in the major.
Structuring your specialisation in Japanese
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Japanese
Consult the BA(Hons) schedule for how to structure your study and for the courses you may take.
2020 BA(Hons) schedule for Japanese
Master of Arts in Japanese
Consult the MA schedule for how to structure your study and for the courses you may take.
Courses
Explore the courses you can take as part of a specialisation in Japanese:
Scholarships and awards
Help and advice
For help with planning your degree and enrolling in your courses, please contact the Arts Students’ Centre.
If you would like to find out more about studying Japanese, you can contact a Postgraduate Adviser.