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Japanese Studies (Graduate Diploma)

Graduate Diploma

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Key information

Key information for 2026-27

Start date:
October 2026
Study route:

  • One year full-time, on campus

  • Two years part-time, on campus

Status:
Fully approved
Location:
Birkbeck Campus, Central London
Awarding body:
University of London
Study options:
Full-time | Part-time | On campus

Course overview

Our Graduate Diploma in Japanese Studies is ideal if you have a passion for learning Japanese and exploring the culture of Japan but have a basic understanding of Japan already and have achieved beginners’ proficiency in the language. It gives you the chance to consolidate and expand your knowledge further.

  • Why choose this course?
    • You will be taught by specialists in contemporary Japanese culture and veteran native Japanese teachers with many years of language teaching experience.
    • It offers you a multidisciplinary approach to studying Japanese language and culture covering a range of skills and topics, including manga and anime, film, literature, history, linguistics, translation, visual arts and gender studies.
    • As the curriculum on this course is equivalent to the final year of our BA Japanese Studies, it is also ideal if you have substantial experience of Japan but are not qualified to undergraduate degree level in this subject. 

  • What will I learn?

    You will take a Japanese language module to help boost your Japanese skills to intermediate-level proficiency. You will also take content modules that give you an in-depth understanding of Japanese culture, society and linguistics.

    Cross-cultural modules will then give you the opportunity to learn from a team of specialists in different cultures and analyse comparative themes across a variety of linguistic, cultural and historical contexts. 

    You will also master transferable skills such as essay writing, oral presentations, video essays, written reports, critical and logical thinking, and translating.

  • How will I learn?

    Teaching takes place in small-group seminars giving you plenty of opportunity to participate and interact with your peers and tutors. You will be taught Japanese in an interactive classroom setting by our team of native Japanese teachers.

    This course is available to study full- or part-time. It has a mainly evening timetable with some Japanese classes taking place on Saturday during the daytime.

  • How often will I attend classes?

    Full-time: Two to three evenings a week, plus some Saturdays depending on the module, October to July.

    Part-time: One to two evenings a week, plus some Saturdays depending on the module, October to July.

  • Course disclaimer

    Birkbeck makes all reasonable efforts to deliver educational services, modules and programmes of study as described on our website. In the event that there are material changes to our offering (for example, due to matters beyond our control), we will update applicant and student facing information as quickly as possible and offer alternatives to applicants, offer-holders and current students.

    Most of our courses are taught in the evenings, however some of our courses offer a daytime timetable. Where there is an option to attend daytime teaching sessions, this is stated in the How will I learn? section.

More highlights

  • Our Japanese Studies team achieved first place in London for Teaching Satisfaction in the 2024 National Student Survey.
  • Birkbeck is surrounded by all the cultural richness that London has to offer, including cultural institutes, theatres, museums and galleries relevant to the study of Japanese language and culture, such as the Japan Society, Daiwa Foundation, Japan House London, Japan Foundation, British Museum, Victoria and Albert Museum and British Film Institute.
  • All teaching takes place in our central London location in Bloomsbury, a stone’s throw from research libraries. Our own library has thousands of books and resources on Japan and we are close to the SOAS library and British Library which also have an impressive collection of Japanese books, to which Birkbeck students can apply for free access.
  • Our students come from diverse backgrounds, ages, ethnicities, learning abilities, nationalities and identities. This diversity helps enrich your learning experience and enhance your ability to succeed in the world beyond academic studies.

Modules and Teaching

School of Creative Arts, Culture and Communication

The school's teaching and research is highly interdisciplinary, spanning cultures and periods. Academic and practice-based study will equip you for a career in the creative and cultural industries.

Visit the school

Entry requirements

Normally a second-class honours degree (2:2 or above) in a subject other than Japanese studies or modern languages.

Language skills in Japanese equivalent to A-level or JLPT N4 (also equivalent to a pass in Japanese 3). 

We welcome applicants without traditional entry qualifications as we base decisions on our own assessment of qualifications, knowledge and previous work experience. We may waive formal entry requirements based on judgement of academic potential.

On your application form, please list all your relevant qualifications and experience, including those you expect to achieve.

Apply now to secure your place. The earlier you apply, the sooner your application can be considered, and you can enrol. You do not need to have completed your current qualification to start your application.

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Fees

Graduate Diploma: One year full-time or two years part-time, on campus, starting in October 2026

Academic year 2026-27

Part-time home students: £3,780 per year
Full-time home students: £7,560 per year
Part-time international students: £6,950 per year
Full-time international students: £13,900 per year

Students are charged a tuition fee in each year of their course. Tuition fees for students continuing their course may be subject to annual inflationary increases. For more information, please see the Fees Policy.

Discover the financial support available to you to help with your studies at Birkbeck.

Birkbeck's campus is located in the historic and vibrant Bloomsbury area of central London - named one of the best places to live in London 2025 by The Times.

Careers and employability

On this Graduate Diploma in Japanese Studies you will also have the chance to participate in our industry programme which offers invaluable work experience at cultural or Japan-related organisations such as the Japan Society and Daiwa Foundation. 

On graduating successfully you will have gained an array of important transferable skills, including:

  • the ability to analyse and engage critically with cultural topics or products such as literature, film, manga and anime and other cultural artefacts
  • experience in producing various forms of work such as journalistic reviews, video essays and translations 
  • an increased confidence when presenting and debating complex issues in a succinct and convincing manner both in writing and orally
  • the ability to work independently and effectively manage your time and diverse deadlines.

Studying this course will prepare you for roles in a range of fields and professions, including:

  • language teacher in Japan
  • editor or a role in publishing
  • translator
  • events manager for Japanese organisations
  • marketing manager
  • journalist
  • social researcher
  • digital content creator
  • positions in hospitality, gaming, telecommunications and other industries.

We offer a comprehensive careers service - Careers and Enterprise - your career partner during your time at Birkbeck and beyond. At every stage of your career journey, we empower you to take ownership of your future, helping you to make the connection between your experience, education and future ambitions.

Student support

Birkbeck offers study, learning and wellbeing support to undergraduate and postgraduate students to help them succeed.

Our Learning Development Service provides a lively programme of free weekly workshops building essential academic skills - from writing and critical thinking to maths and referencing - offering flexible sessions, practical tips, and online resources to boost your skills and confidence.

Our Disability and Mental Health Service can support you if you have disabilities, specific learning differences, mental health conditions or neurodivergence, by providing practical support to help you achieve your academic potential.

Our Counselling Service aims to support you with any emotional and psychological difficulties that are affecting your experience and engagement with your studies at university. It is a free, non-judgemental and confidential service which consists of a consultation process followed by time limited counselling contact.

Find out more about the full range of student services we offer at Birkbeck.

How to apply

You apply directly to Birkbeck for this course, using the online application link.

You will need to prove your identity when you apply. Find out more about how to apply.

  • When should I apply?

    You are strongly advised to apply now, to ensure there are still places left, and to give you enough time to complete the admissions process, to arrange funding and to enrol.

    You don't need to complete your current programme of study before you apply - Birkbeck can offer you a place that is conditional on your results.

Related courses

Study routes for Japanese Studies (Graduate Diploma) (Graduate Diploma)

Please select a study route below to continue your application.

Please note that international students who require a Student visa to study in the UK can only apply for full-time, on campus routes.

Starting in October 2026

Full-time

Part-time