Overseas Japanese Studies subjects
Overseas intensive subjects offer you the opportunity to complete an entire Japanese Studies subject overseas in a condensed amount of time. Subjects typically run from one to four weeks.
こんにちは!
The study of Japanese language and society gives the individual insight not only into a deep and diverse culture but also provides important contrasts when considering various nations' roles in the Asia-Pacific region.
Learn about Japanese language and society
Understand Japan’s position in Asia and delve into a culture full of fascinating contradictions: an influential economy with rising unemployment; a conservative society home to radical and ground breaking artists and underground cultures; a country whose political and economic systems survived complete defeat in the Pacific War to rise to power again in the 1980s.
You’ll take a placement test to make sure you’re in the right class for your level, whether you’re a beginner or already have some knowledge of Japanese. But you won’t just have the opportunity to learn the Japanese language – you’ll be able to focus on cultural aspects including history, society, media, contemporary Japan and politics. There are opportunities to undertake study in Japan, both through exchange and in-country subjects.
Where can Japanese studies take you?
Japanese investment in Australia includes financial services, information technology, agribusiness and communications technology – so knowledge of Japanese culture, history and language can open up many career opportunities. With intercultural competence, you might go on to work in international relations, translation and interpretation, teaching, communications, commercial organisations, diplomacy or government.
I decided to study Japanese via the Diploma in Languages rather than as a breadth track, because I thought the opportunity to study the rich culture and history of Japan would help me to appreciate the language in a deeper and more meaningful way.
Daniel HoDaniel Ho is currently studying a Bachelor of Science, with a Diploma in Languages (Japanese).
Where do I start?
Before you begin studying a language, there are a couple of steps you will need to take:
1. Pick how you’ll study your chosen language
There is a wide range of options available to students interested in studying Japanese.
2. Apply/Enrol
You’ll need to create an account and apply for your chosen course before taking the language questionnaire and placement test.
Visit your chosen course page and begin the application process.
3. Online placement test
The language questionnaire and online placement test makes sure you're placed in the right class for your ability and background in Japanese. It's important to note that you should not study for this test or get a friend to take it for you as it will assess your current ability. Your test results will determine what level class you're placed in.
Once you have completed your placement test, you will be placed in one of the below entry points:
Japanese Studies 1 entry point
Students who have never studied Japanese before or have only rudimentary knowledge of the language usually enter the progression at Japanese 1.
Japanese Studies 3 entry point
Students who have completed VCE Japanese (Second language), IB or have an equivalent language level usually enter the progression at Japanese 3.
Japanese Studies 7 entry point
Students who perform at an advanced level in Japanese, for example those who hold N3 of JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test) or have lived or studied in Japan usually enter the progression at Japanese 7.
Super advanced Japanese entry point
Students with a very advanced level of language study, including for example those who attended several years of Japanese medium school or have spent several years in a Japanese speaking environment would normally begin their study of Japanese with one of the advanced language subjects.
Please note the highest level you can study Japanese language to is Japanese 8