Japanese
Hapāni
Qualifications
- Certificate in Arts
- Certificate in Languages
- Diploma in Arts
- Diploma in Languages
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Commerce
- Bachelor of Digital Screen with Honours
- Bachelor of Health Sciences
- Bachelor of Science
- Bachelor of Social and Environmental Sustainability
- Bachelor of Sport
- Bachelor of Youth and Community Leadership
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.
- 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.
Japanese major
For the major in the Bachelor of Arts, complete the following courses:
100-level
200-level
- JAPA208 Japanese Society OR JAPA212 Japanese Society and Culture in Film and Literature
- Two 200-level JAPA courses
300-level
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
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.
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 ...