Japanese, MA (Hons)

Over the past 150 years, Japan has undergone rapid transformation while preserving its rich cultural heritage. Our programme equips students with essential linguistic, intercultural, and analytical skills to engage critically with this vibrant society through an interdisciplinary approach. Language courses focus on developing proficiency in modern Japanese for speaking, listening, reading, and writing, welcoming beginners and advanced learners alike. Students will explore Japan's role in East Asia, drawing on expertise in the languages, histories, and cultures of China, Korea, and beyond.Edinburgh is Scotland's sole provider of undergraduate honours degrees in Japanese, with a curriculum designed to build expertise step by step, fostering connections between language, history, politics, culture, and international relations. By programme's end, students complete a dissertation based on four years of rigorous study and may pursue other university subjects or a year abroad in Japan. Our research covers diverse fields such as pre-modern and modern history, politics, religion, theatre, cinema, linguistics, and literature, reflected in flexible course options. Teaching emphasises interactive seminars and tutorials, with innovative language classes leading to high proficiency in the Japanese Language Proficiency Test.