Japanese

Hapāni

Qualifications

Overview

Japan is one of the most influential nations in the Asian-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.

What will my study involve?

Become an expert in the Japanese language, history, and culture.
Exchange programmes with various universities throughout Japan including Bunkyo University and Kwansei Gakuin University.
Japanese can be studied alongside a range of bachelor’s degrees, or you can complete a certificate or diploma in Japanese with other studies.

Courses

See all Japanese courses

Japanese major

For the major in the Bachelor of Arts, complete the following courses:

100-level

200-level

300-level

JAPA326 Advancing Japanese B
One 300-level JAPA course

It is highly recommended that you complete some Japanese language courses during their major study. The 100-level language courses are for absolute beginners or those with very little previous experience in Japanese language. Those with a high level of Japanese language proficiency may be given direct entry to 200-level language courses.

JAPA326 is an advanced language course required for all Japanese major students.

Japanese minor

For the minor in the Bachelor of Arts, Commerce, Digital Screen, Health Sciences, 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

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:

interpreting and translation
tourism
international relations
education.

Find out more about what you can do with a degree in Japanese.

'I'm glad I took the opportunity to learn another language...'

Victoria Wang

Japanese, Management

'It is incredibly fun and rewarding and can lead you to places you don't even realise...'

Avalon Andrews

Japanese, Linguistics

'The language skills that I learnt at UC have helped me immensely in my work as a coach and ...

Tze Chieh Contessa Loh

Cultural Studies, Japanese

Contact us

Department of Global, Cultural and Language Studies

Phone +64 3 369 3377
Email japanese@canterbury.ac.nz

Location
Level 5, James Logie building – see campus maps

Postal address
Te Kaupeka Toi Tangata | Faculty of Arts
Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury
Private Bag 4800
Christchurch 8140
New Zealand

Browse related subjects to Japanese

Choose an area that you are interested in and learn how UC's extensive range of study options can let you study what you want to.

Computational Linguistics

Computational Linguistics combines linguistics, engineering, and science to evolve the way we use machines. It involves learning how to program computers to ...

Cultural Studies

In Cultural Studies, you will analyse film, social media, graphic novels, art, fashion, sport, everyday activities, and many more, with the aim of understanding ...