The course combines Japanese language modules with the study of specific aspects of Japanese culture and society taught by specialists.
In Year 1 you will study Japanese language from beginners', GCSE or post-GCSE level. You will also take the compulsory module, Introduction to Japanese Society and Culture, which provides essential background knowledge of Japanese society, geography and history. You may choose optional introductory modules in Arts, Business, Computing or Social Anthropology as preparation for advanced work relating to Japan.
In Year 2 you will develop your language skills further. You’ll combine this with modules that allow more detailed study of the arts, culture and society of Japan, and place Japan in a broader international context.
In Year 3 you will attend a university in Japan, studying the Japanese language and key aspects of the society and culture. The intensive language courses and lectures you receive in Japan will complement your programme of studies at Oxford Brookes. You can be sure to find an exchange placement to suit you as we currently have 15 partner universities based in Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka, and Kyushu.
The language modules you take in Year 4 will build on the greater fluency and range of expression you developed during your year in Japan. At the same time, you can select from a range of modules exploring specific aspects of Japanese life, institutions and culture at an advanced level.
Study modules
As courses are reviewed regularly, the module list you choose from may vary from that shown here. You can view detailed descriptions of some of the modules here.
Year 1
Year 1 core compulsory modules include:
- Introduction to Japanese Society and Culture
- Japanese Reading and Writing I
- Japanese Language Skills - to suit your level of ability (beginner, GCSE, or post-GCSE)
Elective modules include:
- Introduction to the Arts of Japan
- Introduction to Social Anthropology
Years 2 and 4
- Japanese Language Skills
- Japanese Oral Skills
- Japanese Reading and Writing
- Advanced Japanese Communication
- Understanding Manga and Anime
- The Making of Modern Japan
- Contemporary Japanese Cinema
- Japanese Religions
- Japan at Play
- Work and the Japanese
- Methodology of Foreign Language Teaching
- Advanced Japanese Communication
- Advanced Japanese Reading and Translation
- Minorities and Marginality, Class and Conflict in Japan
- Japanese Cinema and Contemporary History
- Japan: Myth and Reality
- Tandem Language Learning
- Japan through Contemporary Texts
Study abroad
You will spend Year 3 entirely in Japan, studying at one of the universities with which we have exchange arrangements. Our partner, the University of Tsukuba, is rated within the top 10 universities in Japan by Times Higher Education University Rankings 2017.
Read about why recent graduate Andrew Banks chose Aoyama Gakuin University in Shibuya, Tokyo for his year abroad here.
Our university partners are:
- Aichi Shukutoku University
- Aoyama Gakuin University
- Kansai Gaidai University
- Kitakyushu University
- Kyushu Sangyo University
- Kyoto Gaikokugo (Gaidai) University
- Gakushuin University
- Meiji Gakuin University.
- Nagasaki University
- Nagoya University of Foreign Studies
- J F Oberlin University
- Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University
- Ryūkoku University
- Tsukuba University
- Tsuru University
- Yamanashi University
You will attend intensive language courses and lectures which complement your programme of studies at Oxford Brookes. By carrying out an independent research project on contemporary Japan and immersing yourself in Japanese life and social activities with fellow students, you will acquire a high level of linguistic and cultural competence.
We will provide extensive pastoral care throughout your year abroad.
Whilst studying in Japan you will pay a reduced tuition fee to Oxford Brookes (as a guide, 2016 fees: £1,350 for Home/EU students, and £3,420 for International students). You will be responsible for your own travel, food, and accommodation costs. Living costs vary dramatically depending on where in Japan you choose to study and depend on the Yen-GBP exchange rate. Some of our university partners often offer full or partial scholarships.
Free language courses for students - the Open Module
Free language courses are available to full-time undergraduate and postgraduate students on many of our courses, and can be taken as a credit on some courses.
Please note that the free language courses are not available if you are:
- studying at a Brookes partner college
- studying on any of our teacher education courses or postgraduate education courses.
Attendance pattern
You will have up to eight hours per week in Year 1 and Year 2 focusing on grammar, listening, reading and writing, and conversation. In addition, you will have up to four content modules per year. These are normally taught between two to three hours per week per credit.
Programme changes
On rare occasions we may need to make changes to our course programmes after they have been published
on the website. For more information, please visit our
Changes to programmes
page.