Chinese and Japanese Studies BA
Year of entry 2026
- UCAS code
- TT12
- Start date
- September 2026
- Delivery type
- On campus
- Duration
- 5 Years (Full time)
- Study abroad
- Mandatory
- Contact
- lcsug@leeds.ac.uk
Course overview
China and Japan are the dominant powers in East Asia, playing a significant role in global politics, economics and society. This course offers you the opportunity to attain a high level of proficiency in both languages, and to gain a deep understanding of their history and cultures. It will equip you with the skills, knowledge and intercultural awareness to pursue a range of exciting global career opportunities on graduation.
In this varied and challenging course, you’ll learn Chinese and Japanese from beginners’ level, or intermediate if you have prior knowledge of either language. You’ll learn about Chinese and Japanese history, culture and society and the ways in which both countries are embedded in the East Asian region. But the most exciting element of the degree is the chance to spend one year in Japan and another in China, improving your language skills and gaining first-hand experience of these cultures and societies to enrich your understanding of these fascinating countries.
Alongside language modules, you’ll develop your critical thinking and research skills as you choose optional modules exploring various aspects of Chinese, Japanese and East Asian Studies, ranging from literature and visual cultures through to political economy and international relations
During the final of your course, you’ll take advanced modules in both languages, which use authentic materials and offer training in translation. You’ll also undertake a final-year project on a topic of your choosing, designed to showcase your knowledge and skills.
Specialist facilities
With four libraries on campus, you’ll find space for study, group work and research. Our Chinese collection is one of the best collections of modern Chinese books in the country, alongside our Japanese holdings and a growing East Asian Studies and Thai collection. The world-class Brotherton Library holds a wide variety of manuscript, archive and early printed material in its Special Collections – valuable assets for your independent research. You’ll have access to free classes and workshops so you can learn how to find resources and develop your study skills.
Our Language Zone gives you access to free learning resources, including space for personal study, language learning software, and video, audio, books and magazines. You'll also have access to our translation computer labs equipped with specialist software and our interpreter training booths to explore different career options.
Take a look around our libraries:
Course details and modules
Year 1
In your first year, you’ll focus on intensive language classes to develop your speaking, listening, reading and writing skills in Chinese and Japanese, selecting modules that introduce you to the culture and history of China, Japan and East Asia. You’ll learn both simplified and traditional Chinese characters from your first year. A joint honours degree allows you to study the same core topics as students on each single honours course, but take fewer optional modules so you can fit in both subjects.
Year 2
You’ll refine your skills in Chinese and Japanese. You’ll select optional modules on topics as diverse as Japanese cinema, international relations and the political economy of East Asia, modern Chinese and Japanese history, literature and visual cultures in China and Japan.
Years 3 and 4
Years 3 and 4 will lay the foundations for the next year, when you’ll spend a year in Japan followed by a year in mainland China or Taiwan, studying dedicated language courses at partner universities to improve your language proficiency and experience life in each culture
Year 5
Returning to Leeds for your final year, you’ll deepen your knowledge, studying advanced language modules and working on a final year research project. This could be a dissertation, translation or a public engagement project. You'll also have the flexibility to choose from a range of optional modules in areas that interest you. The international outlook and knowledge you develop alongside advanced language skills will allow you to consider career options in a range of fields.
Course structure
The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.
Year 1 compulsory modules
Modern China: History & Culture (20 credits) – To understand contemporary Chinese society and culture it is vital to be familiar with its recent history. This module provides an overview of the major events and trends in the political, social, and economic history of modern China, and shows how these have been reflected in literature, cinema and other cultural forms.
Modern Japan (20 credits) – The module introduces the students to key terms and developments in modern Japanese history, and in contemporary Japanese society and culture. The aim is to critique the common stereotypical conceptions of a monolithic and unchanging ‘Japan’ and ‘Japaneseness’ by exploring the rich dynamics of political, social and cultural change.
Year 1 optional modules
Basic Chinese Language 1 or Intermediate Chinese Language 1 (20 credits)
Basic Chinese Language 2 or Intermediate Chinese Language 2 (20 credits)
Beginning Japanese Language 1 or Intermediate Japanese Language 1 (20 credits)
Beginning Japanese Language 2Intermediate or Japanese Language 2 (20 credits)
Year 2 compulsory modules
Intermediate Chinese Language 1 or Upper-intermediate Chinese 1 (20 credits) – This module provides a solid foundation in Chinese lower intermediate grammar, vocabulary and writing skills, develops translation skills and enhances the use of Chinese language in a cultural context.
Intermediate Chinese Language 2 or Upper-intermediate Chinese 2 (20 credits) – This module covers themes such as popular culture, social change, cultural traditions and politics and history, introducing useful vocabulary, speech patterns and idiosyncratic language usage.
Intermediate Japanese 1 or Upper-intermediate Japanese 1 (20 credits) – This module provides a solid foundation in Japanese grammar and further development of both spoken and written skills.
Intermediate Japanese 2 or Upper-intermediate Japanese 2 (20 credits) – This module further develops the knowledge and skills mastered in Intermediate Japanese 1.
Year 2 optional modules
Japanese Cinema in the World (20 credits)
Death and Religion in Japan (20 credits)
Japan’s International Relations (20 credits)
Nature and Technology in Japanese Literature and Film (20 credits)
Japanese Development Assistance in a Globalising World (20 credits)
Society and Culture of Early Modern China (20 credits)
Chinese Cinema (20 credits)
Society and Culture of Early Modern China (20 credits)
Civil Society and the Non-Profit Sector in Contemporary China (20 credits)
An Introduction to Cantonese (20 credits)
Trauma Narratives in the Sinophone World (20 credits)
Year 3 and 4 compulsory modules
Two Years Abroad (120 + 120 credits)
Year 5 compulsory modules
Chinese 3: Advanced Skills (20 credits) – This module emphasises the active language skills students will need to gain a deeper understanding of China, to equip them for the workplace, for possible further study, and for lifelong engagement with China and its people generally.
Japanese 3: Advanced Communication Skills (20 credits) – This module aims to develop both written and spoken communication skills at the highest level to deal with a wide range of social and academic issues.
Final Year Project (40 credits) – This module provides you with the opportunity to undertake one of the following projects:
developing research and writing skills through a dissertation
developing research, writing and translation skills through the completion of both a translation and a research project essay
developing a digitised research-based podcast
Year 5 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
Advanced Chinese in Context (20 credits)
Chinese to English Translation (20 credits)
Religion in China (20 credits)
Globalising China and the Developing World (20 credits)
East Asia's Regional Political Economy (20 credits)
Advanced Japanese in Context (20 credits)
Advanced Japanese in Translation (20 credits)
Modern Japanese History (20 credits)
Sino-Japanese Relations (20 credits)
Learning and teaching
Your lecturers are all experts in their fields, so you’ll benefit from their knowledge in lectures, workshops, small-group seminars and tutorials. You’ll build your language skills in practical and highly interactive classes, and as you progress, some modules may be taught in your target languages.
Independent learning is also a major part of the course, allowing you to build your research skills and think critically about the information you find. The University Library runs comprehensive training programmes to help you make the most of our resources.
On this course, you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.
Assessment
We ensure inclusive assessment by making sure all our students are assessed in a range of ways. Listening, speaking, writing and reading are all tested, and our range of assessments includes essays, exams, literature reviews, annotated bibliographies, digital projects, poster presentations and translation projects. We offer training and support in these areas to equip you with the transferable skills needed for your future careers – for example, we run extra classes on skills such as public speaking, structuring essays and exam technique that you’ll be able to attend throughout your time at Leeds.
You’ll regularly receive detailed feedback on your coursework, helping you to keep track of your progress.
Entry requirements
Other course specific tests:
Where an applicant is taking the EPQ in a relevant subject this might be considered alongside other Level 3 qualifications and may attract an alternative offer in addition to the standard offer. If you are taking A Levels, this would be ABB-AAB at A Level (including a foreign language) and grade A in the EPQ.
We welcome applications from mature students with Access qualifications, and from students with a wide range of qualifications.
Alternative qualification
Access to HE Diploma
Pass diploma with 60 credits overall, including at least 45 credits at level 3, of which 30 credits must be at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit or higher. An interview and a piece of written work may also be required. This course has additional subject specific requirements. Please contact the Admissions Office for more information.
BTEC
BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma: DDM. Other BTEC qualifications are also considered. Please contact the Admissions Office for more information.
Cambridge Pre-U
D3, M1, M2 to D3, D3, M2 including a foreign language
International Baccalaureate
35 points overall with 16 - 17 at Higher Level including 6 at Higher Level in a foreign language.
Irish Leaving Certificate (higher Level)
H2, H2, H2, H2, H3, H3 to H2, H2, H2, H2, H2, H2 including a foreign language
Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers
AB in Advanced Highers including a foreign language and AABBB in Highers, or A in Advanced Higher foreign language and AABBB in Highers, or to AA in Advanced Highers including a foreign language and AABBB in Highers, or A in Advanced Higher foreign language and AAABB in Highers.
Welsh Baccalaureate
Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales
WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales is accepted in place of a third A-level subject at the same grade.
Other Qualifications
European Baccalaureate: 80% - 85% including 80% in a foreign language.
Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the School’s Undergraduate Admissions Team.
Alternative entry
We’re committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.
Access to Leeds is a contextual admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.
If you live in a neighbourhood where there is low participation in higher education, we may be able to give priority to your application.
Find out more about Access to Leeds and contextual admissions.
Typical Access to Leeds offer: BBB including a foreign language at A Level and pass Access to Leeds.
Alternative Entry Scheme for mature applicants
If you are a mature applicant and you don’t have the required A Levels or GCSE English and maths qualifications, you can complete our Alternative Entry Scheme (subject to meeting the eligibility criteria for the scheme). As part of this, you may be asked to take tests in English and maths and to write an essay.
Contact the Lifelong Learning Centre for more information.
Alternative Entry Scheme for mature applicants
If you are a mature applicant and you don’t have the required A Levels or GCSE English and maths qualifications, you can complete our Alternative Entry Scheme (subject to meeting the eligibility criteria for the scheme). As part of this, you may be asked to take tests in English and maths and to write an essay.
Contact the Lifelong Learning Centre for more information.
International
We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. Contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for more information.
International Foundation Year
International students who do not meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study may be able to study the University of Leeds International Foundation Year. This gives you the opportunity to study on campus, be taught by University of Leeds academics and progress onto a wide range of Leeds undergraduate courses. Find out more about International Foundation Year programmes.
English language requirements
IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.
Improve your English
If you're an international student and you don't meet the English language requirements for this programme, you may be able to study our undergraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.
Fees
UK: To be confirmed
International: £26,500 (per year)
Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2026/27
In November 2025, the UK government announced its intention to increase the tuition fee cap to £9,790 for the 2026/27 academic year and £10,050 for the 2027/28 academic year.
The government has not indicated its exact increase from 2028/29 onwards but the fee cap is expected, at a minimum, to rise annually in line with inflation and may also be subject to further government increases. This means the tuition fee you pay in future academic years will reflect any increases set by the government.
These figures are subject to final confirmation by the government. Once confirmed, we will publish the tuition fees for the 2026/27 academic year.
Read more about tuition fees.
Tuition fees for a study abroad or work placement year
If you take a study abroad or work placement year, you’ll pay a reduced tuition fee during this period. For more information, see Study abroad and work placement tuition fees and loans.
Read more about paying fees and charges.
Additional cost information
There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.
Scholarships and financial support
If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.
Scholarships are also available to help fund your degree. Find out more and check your eligibility below:
Applying
Apply to this course through UCAS. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.
Read our guidance about applying.
International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK students. Our network of international representatives can help you with your application. If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.
Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.
Admissions policy
University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2026
This course is taught by
School of Languages, Cultures and Societies
Contact us
School of Languages, Cultures and Societies Undergraduate Admissions
Email: lcsug@leeds.ac.uk
Career opportunities
A degree in Chinese and Japanese Studies equips you with the knowledge and skills to pursue a range of careers. Our graduates have gone on to work in the media, translation and interpreting, teaching, business and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, among many other fields.
Careers support
We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.
The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more about Careers support.
Study abroad
One of the highlights of this course is that you get the opportunity to spend your third and fourth years abroad studying in Japan and China or Taiwan. You'll study at one of partner universities, all of which have been selected for their high-quality methods of teaching and success in running language courses. You’ll immerse yourself in the culture and society of Japan, China or Taiwan and there’ll be time to travel and explore.
You'll have access to support and advice before, during and after your study abroad year and you’ll be able to network with returning students for first-hand advice about living overseas. You'll also have meetings with the residence abroad tutor and access to online information before you relocate.
We’ll be in touch with you during your year abroad and you’ll have support at your host institution, too. On your return, we’ll ask you to share your experiences and help you to make the most of your new and improved skills and experience.