Chinese and Japanese Studies

Key Facts

• Program Title: Chinese and Japanese Studies
• Degree Type: Bachelor of Arts
• Duration: 5 years
• Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
• Application Deadline: 30 June 2026
• Location: University of Leeds, United Kingdom
• Field of Study: Language Studies
• Language of Instruction: English

Program Structure

Year 1 – Foundations in Chinese and Japanese Language and Culture

• Introduction to Chinese Language (Mandarin)
• Introduction to Japanese Language
• Chinese Culture and Society
• Japanese Culture and Society
• Introduction to East Asian History and Politics

Year 2 – Developing Language Skills and Cultural Understanding

• Intermediate Chinese and Japanese Language Skills
• Classical Chinese and Japanese Literature
• Chinese and Japanese Cinema
• East Asian Politics and International Relations
• Elective Modules in Chinese or Japanese History, Literature, or Art

Year 3 – Advanced Language Skills and Cultural Analysis

• Advanced Chinese and Japanese Language Proficiency
• Translation and Interpretation (Chinese-Japanese-English)
• East Asian Business and Economy
• Modern Chinese and Japanese Literature
• Elective Modules in Chinese-Japanese Cultural Studies, Philosophy, or Art

Year 4 – Specialization and Study Abroad

• Advanced Topics in Chinese and Japanese Studies
• Language and Society in Contemporary China and Japan
• Independent Research Project in Chinese or Japanese Studies
• Elective Modules in Advanced Chinese or Japanese Language and Culture
• Study Abroad in China or Japan (optional)

Year 5 – Final Specialization and Independent Research

• Contemporary Issues in China and Japan
• Independent Research Project in Chinese and Japanese Studies
• Advanced Research Methods in East Asian Studies
• Elective Modules in Comparative East Asian Studies, Literature, or Media
• Dissertation or Final Project

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Arts in Chinese and Japanese Studies at the University of Leeds will be well-prepared for careers in international business, translation, diplomacy, education, and cultural exchange. With advanced proficiency in Mandarin and Japanese, alongside a deep understanding of East Asian cultures, graduates can pursue roles in multinational corporations, government agencies, embassies, NGOs, and tourism. Career opportunities also exist in media, publishing, international relations, and language services. Graduates can work as translators, interpreters, foreign service officers, cultural consultants, or international business managers, facilitating connections between China, Japan, and the global community.

Why Choose This Program

The University of Leeds offers an immersive and comprehensive program in Chinese and Japanese Studies, combining language proficiency with a deep understanding of East Asian culture, history, and society. The program offers students a unique opportunity to study two of the most influential languages and cultures in East Asia, with access to native-speaking faculty, language immersion, and opportunities for study abroad in China or Japan. By choosing this program, students will develop strong linguistic skills, cultural awareness, and research expertise, equipping them to work in a variety of roles requiring advanced knowledge of Chinese and Japanese. The program's interdisciplinary approach prepares students for a wide range of careers in international fields related to East Asia.

Contact Information

For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +44 (0)113 243 1751
Email: admissions@leeds.ac.uk
Address: University of Leeds, Woodhouse Lane, Leeds LS2 9JT, United Kingdom