Japanese

Overview

The Japanese language is a key to understanding dramatic social and cultural change in modern Japan.

This major in Japanese, which is open to beginners and those with some knowledge of the language, consists of three years of interactive Japanese language study on the Perth campus, with a choice of including (upon successful application) one or more semesters at a Japanese partner institution.

This course provides students with rigorous linguistic and socio-cultural training to become Japan specialists in their chosen careers.

3 Reasons To Study Japanese At Murdoch

• Develop the ability to engage in professional activities working with the people and culture of Japan.

• You can study a Japanese major and two minors in Asian Studies, Global Politics, Modern History or Anthropology, or alternatively study two majors in 3 years and graduate with several specialisations, further enhancing your career prospects.

• You can immerse yourself in Japanese culture and language through study for one or more semesters at one of our 10 partner universities across Hokkaido, Tokyo, Kyoto and Hyogo.

What You’ll Learn

Build the knowledge and skills you need to meet your career or study goals. In this course you will: 

• Develop proficiency in applications of contemporary Japanese including the comprehension of texts as well as written and oral communication. 

• Develop proficiency in use of the contemporary Japanese writing system (hiragana, katakana and several hundred of the most commonly used kanji characters).

• Evaluate the role and function of Japanese language in Japanese society, including worldviews, cultural practices and history. 

Your Future Career

When you graduate, you’ll have the language skills and cultural knowledge needed to work in a broad range of industries, both locally and internationally. Careers could include:

• Diplomat

• Interpreter or Translator

• Hospitality or Tourism Operator

• Teacher or Academic

• Professional in Japan

English Requirements

You must meet a minimum standard in English to study at Murdoch, which for most courses can be demonstrated by providing evidence that you have completed Year 11 and 12 in Australia at any level if you are a domestic student, or through either English proficiency tests, university preparation courses, English language courses, previous tertiary study or vocational education.

Other Requirements

The course is open to beginners as well as those with some Japanese language competency. Students with language competency may be granted exemption from lower level language units and be placed at the level appropriate to their level of competency. Such students may be required to take alternative units to replace the lower-level language units.