Arabic and Japanese BA

Year of entry

2024 course information

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UCAS code
TT62
Start date
September 2023
Delivery type
On campus
Duration
5 years full time
Work placement
Optional
Study abroad
Mandatory
Typical A-level offer
AAB (specific subject requirements)
Full entry requirements

Course overview

Students working in the Language Zone

Learn two languages from beginners’ level, experience studying abroad and deepen your understanding of the modern world.

Arabic is one of the world’s major languages, and you’ll develop language skills while gaining an understanding of the cultural, religious and historical contexts that have shaped the region. Japan is one of the world’s biggest economies, home to a rich culture and a varied, changing society, which you’ll explore while building your proficiency in Japanese.

You’ll spend two years abroad, with a year in Japan and a year in an Arabic speaking country giving you first-hand experience of the languages and cultures.

We teach Arabic and Japanese from beginners’ level, but if you already have some knowledge of either language we can normally accommodate you. A combination of core and optional modules will give you a firm grounding in the languages while you study the topics that suit your interests.

This course is a five-year degree.

Specialist facilities

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. Our additional library resources are also excellent, and the University Library offers a comprehensive training programme to help you make the most of them.

You’ll also have access to the Language Zone – the University language resource centre – with books, DVDs, magazines, audio/ video resources and language learning software. To practise your speaking skills, you can participate in language groups with other students or a language exchange with a native speaker.

Course details

You’ll spend your first year studying modules that develop your Arabic and Japanese language skills, and introduce you to the politics, history and culture of Japan and the Middle East and North Africa region. A joint honours degree allows you to study the same core topics as students on each single honours course, but you’ll take fewer optional modules so you can fit in both subjects.

All of this will prepare you for your time abroad, where you’ll take language classes and immerse yourself in the local culture. In your second year you’ll study at one of our Japanese exchange universities, and in your third year you’ll study in an Arabic speaking country, at an institute such as the Arabic Language Institute in Fes (ALIF), Morocco.

When you return, in year four you’ll take advanced language classes and choose optional modules on topics such as contemporary Arab media, translation, East Asian religions, Japanese cinema, or Middle East politics.

In your final year, you’ll continue with advanced language and optional modules and apply your knowledge and skills to an independent research project, translation or documentary on a topic that interests you.

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.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Arabic and Japanese BA in the course catalogue

Year 1 compulsory modules

Module Name Credits
Beginning Arabic 1 20
Beginning Arabic 2 20
Studying the Middle East: Culture, History, Politics and Religion 20
Basic Japanese Language (1) 20
Basic Japanese Language (2) 20

Year 1 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)

Module Name Credits
Modern Japan: History and International Politics 20
Japanese History and Society 20
Foundations of East Asia 20
Introduction to Religious and Philosophical Texts of East Asia 20
Introduction to East Asian Religions 20

Year 2 compulsory modules

Module Name Credits
Year Abroad in Japan 120

Year 3 compulsory modules

Module Name Credits
Arabic Year Abroad 120

Year 4 compulsory modules

Module Name Credits
Advanced Arabic Grammar and Translation 20
Essential Skills in Practical Arabic 20
Japanese 2A: Written Communication Skills 20
Japanese 2B: Spoken Communication Skills 20

Year 4 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)

Module Name Credits
Arab Media, Politics and Society 20
Modern Middle Eastern History 20
Japan's International Relations 20
Classics of Chinese Literature and Thought 20
Contemporary East Asian Culture 20
Japanese Literature in Translation: Gender and Sexuality in Modern Japan 20
Civil Society and the Non-Profit Sector in Contemporary China 20
East Asia's Regional Political Economy 20
Sino-Japanese Relations: Past and Present 20
Global Environmental Humanities 20

Year 5 compulsory modules

Module Name Credits
Advanced Skills in Arabic Language 20
Japanese 3: Advanced Communication Skills 20

Year 5 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)

Module Name Credits
Arabic Stylistics 20
Performing Islam: Piety and Environment in Dialogue 20
Advanced Media Arabic: Translation Skills in Text Typology 20
Women and Family in Chinese Society 20
Advanced Japanese in Context: Culture and Identity 20
Death and Religion in Japan 20
Religion and Violence 20
Final Year Project: Dissertation 40
Final Year Project: Digital Documentary (Podcast) 40
Decolonial Approaches 20

Discovery modules

Throughout your degree you will benefit from a range of opportunities to expand your intellectual horizons outside or within your subject area.

This course gives you the opportunity to choose from a range of discovery modules. They’re a great way to tailor your study around your interests or career aspirations and help you stand out from the crowd when you graduate. Find out more about discovery modules on our Broadening webpages.

Learning and teaching

Our tutors are experts in their fields, and their teaching is informed by their own research.

We use a range of teaching methods to help you benefit from their expertise, including lectures, seminars, tutorials or occasionally workshops. You’ll also build your language skills in practical classes, and as you progress, some modules may be taught in your target languages.

Independent study is central to this degree, since it allows you to develop your skills in research and analysis. You will be able to apply your skills and knowledge in a final year project on a topic of your own choice.

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 also use different types of assessment. Usually we use a mixture of exams and essays, but you may also be assessed on oral presentations or group work in some modules. Support will be on hand throughout your time at Leeds – for example, you’ll be able to attend extra classes on exam technique, structuring an essay and public speaking if you need them.

Entry requirements

A-level: AAB

GCSE: Grade 4/C in a foreign language

Other course specific tests:

When 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 at A Level and grade A in the EPQ.

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: DDD. Other BTEC qualifications are also considered. Please contact the Admissions Office for more information.

Cambridge Pre-U

D3, M1, M2

International Baccalaureate

35 points overall including 16 at Higher Level and 4 in a foreign language at Standard Level

Irish Leaving Certificate (higher Level)

H2, H2, H2, H2, H3, H3

Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers

AB in Advanced Highers and AABBB in Highers, or A in Advanced Highers and AABBB in Highers, or AAAABB in Highers

Welsh Baccalaureate

The Welsh Baccalaureate is not typically included in the academic conditions of an offer made to you for this course. If you choose to undertake the Welsh Baccalaureate we would strongly encourage you to draw upon these experiences within your personal statement, as your qualification will then be taken into account both when your application is initially considered by the selection panel and again when reviewed by the admissions tutor at the time your A-level results are passed to us.

Other Qualifications

European Baccalaureate: 80%.

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 an alternative 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.

Find out more about Access to Leeds and alternative admissions.

Typical Access to Leeds offer: BBB at A Level and pass Access to Leeds.

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 7.0 overall, with no less than 6.5 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: £9,250 (per year)

International: £22,250 (per year)

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2023/24 and 2024/25
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students are set by the UK Government and will remain capped at £9,250 for 2023/24 and 2024/25. The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation only as a consequence of future changes in Government legislation and as permitted by law.

Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2023/24 and 2024/25
Tuition fees for international students for 2023/24 and 2024/25 are available on individual course pages.

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.

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 about additional costs.

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.

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 Taught Admissions Policy 2024

This course is taught by

School of Languages, Cultures and Societies

Contact us

School of Languages, Cultures and Societies Undergraduate Admissions

Email: artsadmissions@leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:

Career opportunities

In this degree, you’ll become proficient in two major world languages, and experience studying and living abroad. You’ll develop a range of skills across disciplines that employers are actively looking for.

You’ll have strong research skills, and you’ll be able to analyse complex information from multiple sources before drawing your own conclusions. You’ll be able to communicate your views clearly, and have an understanding of cultural diversity, allowing you to work effectively with people whose backgrounds differ from yours.

Your knowledge and experience will open up a broad range of career choices and opportunities to connect with people across the Middle East, North Africa and Japan.

Our graduates have pursued careers in diverse fields such as translation and interpreting, education, journalism, business, law and the civil and diplomatic services.

Careers support

Postgraduate study in languages at Leeds or elsewhere provides an opportunity to continue to learn and prepare for a PhD and a career in academia.

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.

Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.

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 and work placements

This five-year course involves a year abroad both in year two and year three.

In your second year, you’ll study at one of our Japanese partner universities, and in your third year, you’ll study at an institute such as the Arabic Language Institute in Fes (ALIF), Morocco, or Jordan Language Academy in Amman.

Read more about the Japanese residence abroad

Read more about the Arabic residence abroad