Undergraduate

Japanese Studies

This major offers you a passport to appreciating one of Asia's foremost economic and cultural powerhouses.
3
Years Full Time

Contact us

Address

Student Central

The University of Western Australia (M355), 35 Stirling Highway, Perth, Western Australia 6009

Telephone

131 UWA (131 892)

International

(+61 8) 6488 1000

Hours

8.30am - 5pm AWST, Monday - Friday

Frequently asked questions

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Careers and further study

This course opens up a world of future study pathways and career opportunities.

Career Pathways

There is high demand for graduates with knowledge of Japan and Japanese. By graduating with a major in Japanese, you can find employment opportunities in federal and state government departments, private industry, and community groups. Combining Japanese with a major in another discipline—such as anthropology, economics, geography, history, industrial relations and politics— will make you particularly attractive to employers.

Studying Japanese can lead to career opportunities such as:

  • Journalist
  • Foreign Affairs and Trade Officer
  • Teacher*
  • Translator*

*Postgraduate study required

There is high demand for graduates with knowledge of Japan and Japanese. By graduating with a major in Japanese, you can find employment opportunities in federal and state government departments, private industry, and community groups. Combining Japanese with a major in another discipline—such as anthropology, economics, geography, history, industrial relations and politics— will make you particularly attractive to employers.

Studying Japanese can lead to career opportunities such as:

  • Journalist
  • Foreign Affairs and Trade Officer
  • Teacher*
  • Translator*

*Postgraduate study required

Further Study

This major lays the foundation for further study options at honours and postgraduate level.

You may be interested in the Master of Translation Studies.

This major lays the foundation for further study options at honours and postgraduate level.

You may be interested in the Master of Translation Studies.

POSTGRADUATE

Hear about the Master of Translation Studies

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Fees and scholarships

Learn more about the fees that apply to you for this course. For fee type definitions and further assistance, see the Fee Calculator Help page. You can also search our database for scholarships that are relevant to you or this course

Domestic Student Fees

Indicative annual course fee
2025
Commonwealth Supported Place $10,248.76

Eligible Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) students can use the HECS-HELP loan program to pay their tuition fees. For Full-Fee Paying (FFP) places, students are charged an annual course fee.

Find out more information about tuition fees, or visit the fee calculator for a more accurate cost.

Scholarships

Scholarships are available to students from a diverse range of backgrounds, including academic achievement, financial need, educational disadvantage, leadership and community service, artistic or sporting achievements, and being from a rural or remote area.

Cost of living

There are a few things to consider before applying to study at university. One could be your cost of living. This can depend on factors such as lifestyle, accommodation, tuition fees, medical insurance, textbooks and more. For an indication of expenses and average costs, see our Cost of living page.

International Student Fees

There is no current fee information available for this course. Please visit the fee calculator to browse course fees from a previous year, or other courses.

Scholarships

Scholarships are available to students from a diverse range of backgrounds, including academic achievement, financial need, educational disadvantage, leadership and community service, artistic or sporting achievements, and being from a rural or remote area.

Cost of living

There are a few things to consider before applying to study at university. One could be your cost of living. This can depend on factors such as lifestyle, accommodation, tuition fees, medical insurance, textbooks and more. For an indication of expenses and average costs, see our Cost of living page.

Admission requirements

The University of Western Australia welcomes applications from international and domestic school-leavers. If you’re interested in studying this major, find out the admission details below.

Minimum entry requirements

Below you’ll find a list of admission equivalencies for this course's Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR).

Admission requirements

For applicants with recent secondary education, information on admission criteria is available on our entry requirements page or on the UWA Handbook for course specific requirements and prerequisites.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENT

English competency

English is the language of instruction and assessment at UWA and you will need to meet the English language requirements of the University to be eligible for a place.

Minimum overall IELTS score of 6.5, with no band less than 6.0.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENT

How to apply

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Ready for the next step?

Find out how to apply through our simple online application process. 

We'll guide you through our entry requirements, admission pathways available to you and application deadlines for your chosen course. 

We can’t wait for you to join us!  

Apply now

Course details

This major offers you an insight into one of Asia’s foremost economic and cultural powerhouses. You’ll learn and develop reading, writing, speaking and listening skills, while exploring contemporary Japanese society and culture. Studying Japanese language, culture and society means taking a significant step towards being Asialiterate – an important attribute for future global citizens, particularly in Australia.

About the course

This major offers you an insight into one of Asia’s foremost economic and cultural powerhouses. 
Japanese Studies

Quick details

Status
  • Available
Locations
  • Perth (Crawley campus)
Attendance
  • Full-time
  • Part-time
Delivery
  • On-campus
Starting dates
  • Semester 1
Weekly contact time
  • 3-4 hours per unit
Level of study
  • Undergraduate
Course Code
  • MJD-JPNSB
Full time/part time duration
  • 3 years (BA); 4 years (BPhil [Hons])
Japanese Studies
Status
  • Available
Locations
  • Perth (Crawley campus)
Attendance
  • Full-time
  • Part-time
Delivery
  • On-campus
Starting dates
  • Semester 1
Weekly contact time
  • 3-4 hours per unit
Level of study
  • Undergraduate
Course Code
  • MJD-JPNSB
Full time/part time duration
  • 3 years (BA); 4 years (BPhil [Hons])
Degrees course is available in
  • Bachelor of Arts
  • Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours)
  • Bachelor of Modern Languages

Chloe Ip

Chloe Ip

Regina Mobley

Regina Mobley

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Why take a second major

  • Expand your skills - Taking a second major either in a complementary area or in something like Economics or Business Law will show you have developed transferable skills such as, teamwork, critical thinking, digital literacy and presentation skills – which are highly sought after in the workforce.
  • Add it to your resume – Employers are looking for graduates who have skills in a variety of areas. Two majors will expand your career prospects and help you stand out amongst the crowd.
STUDENT STORY

Meet our students

Course Structure

This major is suitable for complete beginners and for students who have completed secondary school language studies. It is possible to combine Japanese Studies with a second major from within our other bachelor's degrees. 

Popular combinations

You'll learn to

  • show competence in the Japanese language in the four skills of language acquisition – reading, writing, listening and speaking
  • operate effectively in daily conversations or complex discussions in social and academic work situations
  • understand and engage with Japanese-language texts and Japan-relevant English-language material – written, audio or visual – of an intellectual nature in particular areas of interest and expertise
  • understand how culturally specific social structures affect interpersonal communication, and determine how to apply this knowledge to your own interactions in a culturally sensitive manner
  • engage effectively in the key debates on Japanese history, society and culture in a professional manner
  • demonstrate transferable skills such as digital literacy, information management, group working, research skills and critical thinking
VIDEO

Hear about the Bachelor of Modern Languages

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Put theory into practice

Current UWA students are eligible to take one of our professional experience units. These units bridge the gap between university and the workplace by providing opportunities to gain hands-on, practical experience. You can master new skills, make connections and network, get a taste of the opportunities in the workforce and add experience to your resume, all before graduating.

Find out more about Work Integrated Learning.

FACILITY

Mutsumi no ma and Japanese Garden

Mutsumi no ma
FACILITY

Your degree options

This major is offered as a degree-specific, or first, major for these degrees. It is also offered as a second major in our other bachelor's degrees.

UWA is ranked in the top 8 universities in Australia for modern languages (QS 2024)

Why study this course?

  • Study with experts in Japanese studies and language education
  • Attend conversation practice and functions in UWA’s traditional Japanese tatami room
  • Join the Japanese Students’ Association for language practice, cultural exchange and networking
 

A day in the life of a translation studies student

Step into Claire's life and experience what it's like to be a Master of Translation Studies student for the day. 

Become a bilingual citizen of the world at the largest language hub in Western Australia

Become a bilingual citizen of the world at the largest language hub in Western Australia
Language

Why you should take a language as your second major or minor

Interested in the study of languages? Study with us at the largest language hub in the state

Language