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Introduction to Majors

A major is the main subject area that you choose to study in your degree. You will study courses up to Stage III level in this subject.

As well as gaining skills, knowledge and experience in your chosen area, you will learn how to think creatively, solve problems and communicate effectively, all essential skills to help you thrive in any career you choose.

Please see the main programme link below to see further details for the programme.

Subject Overview

Are you interested in Japanese anime, kimono and cosplay, or the history of samurai or Zen Buddhism? Studying Japanese at the University of Auckland will allow you to combine language learning with courses in Japanese culture and society, history, and religion.
Passionate teachers will help you learn one of the world’s most challenging languages in a well-structured, interactive, and enjoyable way. At the same time, you will develop cultural knowledge that will open your mind to new ways of thinking and allow you to interact with Japanese people comfortably both here in Auckland and beyond. There are courses for total beginners of Japanese as well as those who have studied Japanese before.

Knowledge and Skills

Postgraduate study in Japanese
You can take advanced courses and undertake your own research in areas such as:
- Japanese language
- Linguistics
- Literature
- History
- Religion and society
- Cultural and identity studies
- Teaching Japanese as a foreign language

Potential Careers

New Zealand and Japan enjoy significant trade and cultural ties. Japan has the world’s third-largest economy and continues to be an important trading partner for New Zealand. With a major in Japanese, you can develop the in-depth skills and knowledge needed to bridge cultural gaps and work in social and business environments. Many of our top graduates choose to expand the possibilities of their Japanese major with a conjoint degree.

Graduates in Japanese move into a wide range of careers in international organisations, NGOs, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and other areas of government. You might also work for a multinational or New Zealand company in Asia or within New Zealand’s Asian communities. Teaching is another popular option, with many of our graduates choosing to complete a period of OE teaching English in Japan.

Other information

Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Japanese
A BA or Bachelor of Global Studies with a major in Japanese or Head of School or nominee approval.

Schedule Notes

Prerequisite: A major in Japanese, or an equivalent subject approved by the Academic Head or nominee

Plan Schedule / Plan Rules

Complete 120 points comprising:

  • 90 points from Electives Courses, and
  • One of the following:
  • 30 points for all Research Project - 1 Semester, or
  • 30 points for all Research Project - 2 Semesters, or
  • 30 points for all Research Essay - 1 Semester, or
  • 30 points for all Research Essay - 2 Semesters

Research Project - 1 Semester

Complete 30 points for ALL of the following:

Research Project - 2 Semesters

Complete 30 points for ALL of the following:

Research Essay - 1 Semester

Complete 30 points for ALL of the following:

Research Essay - 2 Semesters

Complete 30 points for ALL of the following:

Disclaimer

Please note that while regulations and programme rules for future academic years may be displayed or made available in advance, they remain subject to change. Official, final approved programme regulations for the upcoming academic year will be available when the University Calendar is published in late October of the preceding year. Any information available prior to Calendar publication should be treated as provisional.