Teaching & Learning

The Cardiff Japanese Studies Centre offers a number of degree schemes incorporating Japanese. All of our degree schemes follow the joint honours format. All students spend a period of study in Japan during their third year. In addition to the study of the language, the courses offered by CJSC will give students an extensive knowledge of various aspects of modern Japanese society.

Why Study Japan and Japanese?

Japan is an exciting country, and one that invigorates much interest. On top of this Japan is an important country, and companies and organisations need graduates who can understand Japan and appreciate the changes that are going on in its society

Whilst much is said these days about the rise in importance of China, the implication that we will see Japan's significance decrease is either extremely premature or totally misplaced. China has been an important nation during the whole of the post World War II era. Its rising economy does not change this, but merely adds another dimension. Similarly the importance of Japan does not rest solely upon its economic might, as impressive as that is at nearly three times the size of China's and about the same as the UK, France and Spain combined. Japan is a vital political ally, not just to the UK, other EU nations and the US, but also to China itself, other Asian countries and other countries around the world.

Japan is also a country from which others can learn. Learning does not mean copying. It means gaining a true understanding of that country. Only through such an understanding can we engage with that country and begin to consider what ideas and practices that are used there could be incorporated into our own country. This is not a simple process. A short trip to another country is not sufficient to gain an understanding of what one experiences. Careful and dedicated study of the country's history, society, culture and language are needed. This takes time and it requires the availability of appropriate resources - in the form of high quality and fully trained staff as well as books and other materials. This is what Cardiff Japanese Studies Centre provides in relation to the study of Japan.

It is an exciting time to be studying this vital nation. It is no surprise to us in the Centre, therefore, to see the number of students wanting to come to this leading British centre for Japanese Studies increasing so significantly over recent years

Our courses are designed to enable students to become proficient in Japanese and gain an understanding of Japan itself. Throughout the degree Japanese modules are accompanied by modules in the student's other degree subject, whether it be Business, French, German, Italian or Spanish

Within the Japanese modules during year one, the aims are to introduce the main components of Japanese grammar, familiarising students with it through practice and manipulation, which will entail the use of the on-site language resource room and of small group classes with native speakers of Japanese, and to introduce the aspects of Japanese society and history. In the second year, students will study various aspects of modern Japanese society whilst also following intermediate courses in Japanese. Year three includes a period of study in Japan. In the fourth year, students follow advanced courses in Japanese language as well as studying an appropriate aspect of Japanese studies that is of particular interest to them.

The degrees offer exciting prospects for anyone interested in Japan. Most graduates go on to work in areas that use and further develop their Japanese skills. With the huge amount of Japanese investment and interest in UK-based manufacturing, finance and marketing, the link with Japan continues to be a healthy one that is likely to foster many career opportunities for those fluent in Japanese

The undergraduate degree schemes contributed to by the Centre are:-

• BSc in Business Studies and Japanese - UCAS Code NT12
• BA in French and Japanese - UCAS Code TR41
• BA in German and Japanese - UCAS Code TR42
• BA in Italian and Japanese - UCAS Code TR43
• BA in Spanish and Japanese - UCAS Code TR44

EXCHANGE UNIVERSITIES IN JAPAN

• Asia Pacific University
• Chuo University
• Dokkyo University - also see here for more information on exchange details
• Hiroshima University - also see here for more information on exchange details
• ICU - also see here for more information on exchange details
• Keio University - also see here for more information on exchange details
• Kobe University

- also see here for more information on the International Student Centre


• University of Kitakyushu
• Meiji University
• Ristumeikan University- also see here for more information about the Study in Kyoto Program
• Toyo University
• Yokohama National University

FURTHER INFORMATION

A copy of the Centre's handbook is available here in PDF format.

Potential undergraduate applicants should read our Studying Japanese at Cardiff FAQ to find answers to frequently asked questions about the Centre.

If you would like any more information about the Centre, please do not hesistate to contact us at CJSC@Cardiff.ac.uk

SOME OTHER USEFUL PAGES

• Discover Japanese Studies - why study Japan and Japanese
• Cardiff University Library Catalogue
• Learning Central
• Alumni & Careers information (Login details required)
• Cardiff Japanese Studies Centre information on Facebook
• Cardiff Japan Club group on Facebook for current and former students
• Follow Cardiff Japanese Studies Centre on Twitter