Course details

Summary

Gain fascinating insights into Japan’s rich culture and history

Let your love of languages give you an edge in the international job market.

WHAT IS IT LIKE?

Massey’s BA (Japanese) will equip you with advanced language skills in spoken and written Japanese, coupled with a solid understanding of the cultural background underpinning this complex and powerful society.

With your BA (Japanese), you can expect to acquire competence approximately equivalent to Level Two of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (Nihongo Noryoku Shiken). No prior Japanese language learning is required. However, if you have studied some Japanese previously, please contact the programme coordinator for advice on the appropriate entry level.

Relevant in a global context

The increasingly multicultural and global nature of society means it is important to learn new languages and about other cultures, and how they interact with, and are affected by, your own and other cultures. The BA (Japanese) shows you the world from the Japanese perspective, and how Japan has interacted with the rest of the world.

The BA (Japanese) produces many of its own digital study materials, relevant to Australasian students, so you will gain skills that are applicable to your own communities.

Uniquely combines culture and language

Language does not exist in isolation, and becomes more powerful when it is learnt in a cultural context. You will use film, anime and literature to examine social, historical and political developments. Through exploring this context, you will also explore your own culture and identity.

Careers

With a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Japanese, you will have career prospects in many vital spheres, including:

• Business
• Development
• Education
• Foreign affairs
• Trade and commerce
• Tourism
• Policy analysis

Requirements

The only compulsory course is the introductory Japanese culture course at 100-level, from there you structure you major according to your interests, although the majority of the courses are language ones. To complement the language courses there are courses on Japanese culture, literature and cinema which are taught in English.

If you already have some knowledge of the Japanese language you will need to contact the Programme Coordinator before you embark on language courses, so that you commence your studies at the most appropriate level for you.

Major requirements

Note: Native Japanese speakers must consult the Programme Coordinator before enrolling to discuss the appropriate selection of language courses.

A major in Japanese consists of 135 credits (nine courses). How you structure your major will depend on your prior knowledge of the Japanese language.

Entry criteria

Students must have successful completion of a qualification equivalent to the New Zealand Year 13 - NCEA Level 3 University Entrance.

English Language Requirements:

• IELTS score of 6.0 (no band less than 5.5)
• TOEFL iBT score of 80 overall (min 19 in Writing)
• PTE Academic score of 50 Overall (min 42 in communicative skills)
• Cambridge English score of 170