Overview

Japanese

Introduction

Japan is one of the most influential nations in the Asia-Pacific region — culturally, economically, and diplomatically. The nation plays an important role in Aotearoa New Zealand’s economy and learning Japanese will be a great asset to your studies.

Studies in Japanese involve more than just reading, writing, and speaking. It will also involve learning the culture and the impact it has on Aotearoa and the world.

Japanese

What will my study involve?

Become an expert in Japanese language, history, and culture.
Exchange programmes with various universities throughout Japan including Waseda University, Bunkyo University, and Kwansei Gakuin University.
Japanese can be studied as a major or minor in a range of bachelor's degrees, through a certificate or diploma in languages alone or alongside other studies, or as a single course.

Japanese

Courses

See all undergraduate Japanese courses

Major and Minor students in Japanese will start with the language course appropriate to their Japanese language proficiency level.

The 100-level language course JAPA125 Elementary Japanese A is for beginners or those with very little previous experience in Japanese language.

Those with prior knowledge of the Japanese language may be given direct entry to higher level courses by showing evidence of previous study or sitting a placement test.

Contact japanese@canterbury.ac.nz if you would like to know more.

Japanese major

The Japanese major in the Bachelor of Arts consists of both language and culture courses of at least 135 points including at least 105 of those points above 100-level. The following courses are required:

100-level

JAPA108 Introduction to Japanese Culture

200-level

JAPA208 Japanese Society OR JAPA212 Japanese Society and Culture in Film and Literature

300-level

JAPA326 Advancing Japanese B

Japanese minor

For the minor in the Bachelor of Arts, Commerce, Digital Screen, Health, Product Design, Science, Social and Environmental Sustainability, Sport, or Youth and Community Leadership, complete the following courses:

75 points in 100 to 300-level JAPA courses, with at least 45 points above 100-level, and including at least one Japanese language course

Japanese

Career opportunities

Knowing languages is a highly sought-after skill. It helps with cross-cultural relationships and allows you to pursue a career in different parts of the world.

Many UC graduates have been granted opportunities to continue their studies or careers in Japan.

Career pathways can include: