
- UCAS course code
- QT32
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Overview
- Degree awarded
- Bachelor of Arts (BA)
- Duration
- 4 years
- Typical A-level offer
-
ABB.
- Typical contextual A-level offer
-
Grades BBB.Find out more about contextual admissions.
- Refugee/care-experienced offer
-
Applicants who have been in local authority care for more than three months or have refugee status may be eligible for an offer two grades below the standard requirements.Find out more about contextual admissions.
- Typical International Baccalaureate offer
-
34 points overall. 6,5,5 in Higher Level subjects
- How to apply
- Apply through UCAS
- UCAS course code
- QT32
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Course overview
- Investigate the sounds, words and grammar of the English language, and study its origin, development and regional variations.
- Gain advanced linguistic skills in Japanese and explore the culture, history and politics of Japan.
- Spend a year in Japan to consolidate your language learning.
- Study at a university ranked in the top ten in the UK for Languages, Literature and Linguistics (THE World University Rankings by Subject 2020).
Open days
We are carefully reviewing all our recruitment events in light of the developing coronavirus outbreak.
View the latest updates on measures we are taking .
As we're unable to host on-campus visits, or attend events like UCAS and overseas recruitment fairs at the moment, look at our virtual open day content to help you learn more about the University.
You will be able to watch videos about the university, including accommodation, student finance and course-specific sessions.
We'll update our website once plans for 2021 events are able to be confirmed.
Fees
Tuition fees for home students commencing their studies in September 2022 will be £9,250 per annum. Tuition fees for international students will be £21,500 per annum. For general information please see the undergraduate finance pages.
Policy on additional costs
All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).
Scholarships/sponsorships
Contact details
- School/Faculty
- School of Arts, Languages and Cultures
- Telephone
- +44 (0)161 275 3211
- ug.languages@manchester.ac.uk
- Website
- http://www.alc.manchester.ac.uk/
- School/Faculty overview
-
See: About us
Courses in related subject areas
Use the links below to view lists of courses in related subject areas.
Compare this course
Entry requirements
A-level
Grades ABB.
Applicants must have achieved a minimum of GCSE Grade B/6 standard in a Modern Language.
This programme is designed for students whose level of Japanese at entry ranges from complete beginner to approximately A-level standard. It is not suitable for students whose first language is Japanese.
AS-level
Unit grade information
The University of Manchester welcomes the provision of unit information where available. Like all other information provided by applicants this may be taken into consideration when assessing your application. Unit grades will not normally form part of an offer conditions.
GCSE
Applicants must demonstrate a broad general education including acceptable levels of Literacy and Numeracy, equivalent to at least Grade C or 4 in GCSE/iGCSE English Language and Mathematics. GCSE/iGCSE English Literature will not be accepted in lieu of GCSE/iGCSE English Language.
Please note that if you hold English as a second language iGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of our acceptable equivalent English Language qualifications or achieve a higher grade in your iGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact the academic School for clarification.
International Baccalaureate
Other international entry requirements
Scottish requirements
We normally require grades AABBB in Scottish Highers. In addition, one Scottish Advanced Higher is normally required at Grade B. Where a pre-requisite subject is required at A-level, then this Advanced Higher should be in that subject.
We also need a minimum Language achievement of Grade B at SCQF National 5.
English Language and Mathematics not taken at Higher/Advanced Higher must have been achieved at SCQF level 5 (minimum National 5 grade C / Intermediate 2 grade C / Standard Grade Credit level grade 3).
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the Academic School(s) to which you plan to apply.
Welsh Baccalaureate
The minimum grade required will normally be the same as the lowest grade listed in the A Level entry requirements.
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the academic School(s) you plan to apply to.
European Baccalaureate
We normally require: 77% to include a minimum of 8.0 in at least one essay-based subject.
AQA Baccalaureate
In making offers, the University will focus on the three A Levels taken within the AQA Baccalaureate. Students need to check the standard A Level requirements for their chosen course.
The units of broader study, enrichment activities and the Extended Project are considered to be valuable elements of the AQA Baccalaureate and we would therefore strongly encourage students to draw upon these experiences within their personal statement.
Foundation year
Applicants completing the INTO Manchester in partnership with The University of Manchester international foundation programme are required to achieve ABB in academic subjects and grade B in the EAP with writing and speaking grade B and listening and reading grade C.
Applicants completing the NCUK International Foundation year are required to achieve ABB in academic subjects and grade B in the EAP with writing and speaking grade B and listening and reading grade C.
Please read this in conjunction with our A-level requirements, noting any pre-requisite subjects.
For all other foundation programmes please see this list of approved UK foundation programmes .
Pearson BTEC qualifications
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma: we consider the National Extended Diploma for entry, preferably in a subject relevant to this course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Extended Diploma with grades Distinction, Distinction, Merit, in a humanities-related subject such as English, History or Politics.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma: we consider the National Diploma for entry, preferably in a subject relevant to this course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Diploma with grades Distinction, Distinction, plus one A-level at Grade B in an essay-based subject such as English Literature, History or Politics.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma: we consider the National Foundation Diploma for entry, preferably in a subject relevant to this course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Foundation Diploma with a Distinction grade, PLUS one A-level at Grade B in an essay-based subject such as English Literature, History or Politics, PLUS an EPQ or AS at Grade B.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate: we consider the National Extended Certificate for entry, preferably in a subject relevant to this course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Extended Certificate with a Distinction grade, PLUS two A-levels at Grades BB (one of these A-levels should be in an essay-based subject such as English Literature, History or Politics).
The University of Manchester welcomes applications from students who have achieved legacy BTEC qualifications (pre-2016) such as the BTEC Extended Diploma, BTEC Diploma, BTEC Subsidiary Diploma, and BTEC Certificate. The grades required are likely to be the same or vary similar to the new BTEC qualifications (first teaching 2016, awarded 2018). Please contact the Academic School for clarification.
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the academic School(s) to which you plan to apply.
OCR Cambridge Technical qualifications
In addition to any of the below, applicants will also need to have achieved a minimum of GCSE Grade B/6 in a modern foreign language.
Cambridge Level 3 Technical Extended Diploma (CTEC): we do not consider the Technical Extended Diploma for entry to this course.
Cambridge Level 3 Technical Diploma (CTEC): we consider the Technical Diploma for entry, preferably in a subject relevant to the chosen course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Diploma with grades Distinction, Merit, plus an additional level 3 qualification such as an A Level at grade A in an essay-based subject such as English Literature, History or Politics .
Cambridge Level 3 Technical Foundation Diploma (CTEC): we consider the Technical Foundation Diploma for entry, preferably in a subject relevant to the chosen course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Foundation Diploma with grades Distinction, Distinction, plus an additional level 3 qualification such as an A Level/A Level at min. Grade B an essay-based subject such as English or History, PLUS an EPQ or AS Level at grade B.
Cambridge Level 3 Technical Extended Certificate (CTEC) : we consider the Technical Extended Certificate for entry, preferably in a subject relevant to the chosen course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Extended Certificate with grade Distinction, plus two additional Level 3 qualifications such as A Levels at grades BB in an essay-based subject such as English or History.
The University of Manchester will consider applications from students who have achieved legacy CTEC qualifications (pre-2016) such as the CTEC Extended Diploma, CTEC Diploma, CTEC Subsidiary Diploma, and CTEC Certificate. The grades required are likely to be the same or vary similar to the new CTEC qualifications (first teaching 2016, awarded 2018). Please contact the Academic School for clarification.
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the Academic School(s) to which you plan to apply.
Access to HE Diploma
The specific course requirements are a minimum of 30 credits with a Distinction grade, plus 15 credits with a Merit grade, all in a Humanities-related subject. Where possible, 15 of the Distinction credits should be in the pre-requisite subject required for A-levels.
Applicants to Languages programmes are also required to have a minimum of GCSE grade B/6 in a modern language or in English Language.
Cambridge Pre-U
We consider applicants offering Pre-U Principal Subjects, or a mix of Pre-U and A Level subjects, provided a minimum of three distinct subjects overall is taken.
Candidates taking Pre-U principal subjects in conjunction with A levels are expected to achieve a combination of D3, M2, M2 in the Pre-U and ABB at A level in three distinct subjects.
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the Academic School(s) you plan to apply to.
Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
Core Maths
The University recognises the value of Level 3 Core Mathematics qualifications. Core Mathematics is not a compulsory element of post-16 study and as a result we will not normally include it in the conditions of any offer we make. However, if a student chooses to undertake a core mathematics qualification this may be taken into account when we consider a student's application, particularly for courses with a distinct mathematical or statistical element that does not require A Level Mathematics. Academic Schools may also choose to take a student's performance in Core Mathematics into account should places be available in August for applicants who narrowly miss the entry grades for their chosen course.
Where a course requires applicants to have at least grade 6/B or higher in GCSE Mathematics we would be likely to consider a pass in Core Mathematics at a minimum grade C or B as an alternative way to fulfil this requirement. Where an A Level in Mathematics is required then Core Mathematics will not be accepted in lieu of an A Level.
A Level and GCSE Mathematics requirements for our courses vary according to subject so we advise students to contact the academic School, who will clarify whether a student's portfolio of qualifications is acceptable for entry onto the chosen course.
Home-schooled applicants
Non-standard educational routes
English language
All applicants to the University (from the UK and Overseas) are required to show evidence of English Language proficiency. The minimum English Language requirement for this course is either:
- GCSE/iGCSE English Language grade C/4 or;
- IELTS 7.0 overall with no less than 6.5 in any one component, or;
- An acceptable equivalent qualification.
Please note that if you hold English as a second language iGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of our acceptable equivalent English Language qualifications or achieve a higher grade in your iGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact the academic School for clarification.
The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requires that every student from outside the UK and the EU must show evidence of a minimum level of English Language in order to be granted a UK visa (Tier 4 visa) to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level. This level is often referred to as the 'B2 level'.
Additionally, our individual Schools may ask for specific English Language proficiency levels that are necessary for their academic programmes. In most cases these requirements are likely to be higher than the B2 level. Further information about our English Language policy, including a list of some of the English Language qualifications we accept, can be found here .
English language test validity
Application and selection
How to apply
Advice to applicants
Mitigating circumstances may be personal or family illness, other family circumstances, change of teachers during a course, problems with school facilities or an unusual curriculum followed by your school or college.
We recommend that information on mitigating circumstances that have affected or are likely to affect your academic performance should be included in the referee's report.
We cannot usually consider information that is supplied after an adverse decision has been made on an application by our School.
If you encounter mitigating circumstances after you have submitted your application, please inform the admissions staff in our School as soon as possible.
Where mitigating circumstances have already been considered, for example by the relevant exam board, we will not be able to make further allowances.
How your application is considered
You will be invited to an interview prior to an offer being made for this course.
Interview requirements
You will be invited to an interview prior to an offer being made for this course. This will be one element of a Visit Day specifically tailored to you, where you will sample aspects of your chosen programme, meet academics individually, hear from current students and find out about the latest Year Abroad options.
Returning to education
Access courses are acceptable as an entry route to this course - please contact the UG Admissions Team.
Deferrals
Policy for applicants who resit their qualifications
Re-applications
Course details
Course description
Our BA English Language and Japanese course will enable you to investigate the sounds, words and grammar of the English language, and discover the origin of English, its development and variation across the UK and beyond, and how it is used in different situations.
You will acquire the skills required for analytical language study alongside the means to apply those skills to the study of historical and present-day English. In addition, you will practise key transferable skills, such as essay writing and how to give a presentation.
The course allows students to develop their proficiency in Japanese and to study the language within its cultural and historical context. You will start as an absolute beginner and go through to an advanced level over four years.
Language study offers much more than just language fluency. You'll explore diverse aspects of the culture, society, history, politics and literature of Japan, helping you to develop intercultural awareness and communication skills - both highly valued by employers.
You'll benefit from excellent teaching, student support and cutting-edge study facilities, as well as from the vibrancy and cultural diversity of Manchester itself, Western Europe's most multilingual city.
With placement options available at partner universities and in professional environments in Japan, a compulsory third year abroad gives our undergraduate students unforgettable and invaluable personal and professional experience.
Special features

Study or work abroad
Your year abroad will offer the opportunity to gain first-hand experience of life in Japan and further develop your language skills.
Learn from language experts
Language courses are mainly taught by native speakers of each language, giving you a richer learning experience.
Access outstanding resources
You'll have the opportunity to access cutting-edge resources, including one of the largest holdings of linguistics texts in the UK, and to conduct research using English manuscripts held in our prestigious Special Collections.
Get involved with interesting projects
Our students are encouraged to take an active role in funded teaching-enhancement projects, whose outputs benefit them individually and collectively.
For example, some of our students have developed an online atlas of dialect variation in the UK.
Enjoy cultural activities
Join the Japan Society North West for an exciting range of cultural events such as sushi-making demonstrations, Taiko drumming workshops, dining experiences and an annual Japan Day celebration.
Teaching and learning
You will learn through a mixture of formal lectures, seminars and tutorials, spending approximately 12 hours a week in formal study sessions.
For every hour spent at University, you will be expected to complete a further two to three hours of independent study. You will also need to study during the holiday periods.
The individual study component could be spent reading, producing written work, revising for examinations or working in the University's Language Centre.
Applicants should be aware that learning Japanese is very intensive and that a great deal of time is required for this throughout the course (extending through the summer period between Years 1 and 2, particularly for beginners).
The first few weeks may be particularly intensive for those who have not encountered Japanese script, and we strongly advise all applicants to ensure that they have learned at least the hiragana script prior to Week 1 of teaching. Guidance on materials to help with this can be obtained from language tutors.
Coursework and assessment
You will be assessed in various ways, including:
- written and oral examinations;
- presentations;
- coursework (which may include library research, linguistic fieldwork and data collection, or web-based research).
Many course units are assessed through a mixture of techniques.
In your final year, you can choose to write a dissertation.
Course unit details
It is probably true to say that you will be doing more hours of study than many other students but if you put in the work your achievements will be correspondingly high. If you are concerned that Japanese is not the same as European languages in terms of workload then you should probably not be considering this course. If you are planning to work part-time you must ensure that you are able to put in sufficient study hours. Hard work is essential for learning Japanese - especially the written language - but doing so is an extraordinarily rewarding experience that opens numerous doors and produces very high levels of satisfaction.
Course content for year 1
English Language
- The first year provides you with an introduction to the full range of course options included in English linguistics and the basis for further and more specialised study. This diversity is essential in order to experience English language study at university level and make informed choices about your future course units. All students study obligatory course units on topics including the history of English, sounds of English, sociolinguistics and English grammar, adding up to one half of the year's credits.
- For Joint Honours students, half your credits come from the other component of your programme.
Japanese
- The first and second-year language courses include an Independent Language Learning Programme for post-beginners, from which you build a portfolio of independent work by making linguistic notes on, Japanese videos, satellite TV, or newspapers, for example. This enables you to develop not only your linguistic expertise, but also your skills in independent learning - a vital requirement in today's knowledge-based society.
- The intensive language teaching programme puts a heavy emphasis on core language structures to provide secure foundations for progression to higher levels in subsequent years.
- Students take core courses (with an external option for single honours) introducing them to academic skills and providing essential knowledge of history and society.
Course units for year 1
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
---|---|---|---|
Introduction to Japanese Studies | JAPA10030 | 20 | Mandatory |
Japanese Language 1 | JAPA51011 | 20 | Mandatory |
Japanese Language 2 | JAPA51022 | 20 | Mandatory |
Japanese Language 3 | JAPA51031 | 20 | Mandatory |
Japanese Language 4 | JAPA51042 | 20 | Mandatory |
English Word and Sentence Structure | LELA10301 | 20 | Mandatory |
History and Varieties of English | LELA10342 | 20 | Mandatory |
Language, Mind and Brain | LELA10201 | 20 | Optional |
The Sounds of Language | LELA10322 | 20 | Optional |
Study of Meaning | LELA10332 | 20 | Optional |
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Course content for year 2
English Language
- Second-year course units build on first-year work, developing each subject area to provide a greater breadth and depth of experience. In the second year your study is more flexible.
- Four course units must be chosen from a list of English Language options such as Introductions to Old and to Middle English Language, World Englishes, The Logic of English, and Language Variation and Change (altogether one third of the year's credits).
- Joint Honours students choose further course units from the same wide range of Linguistics and English language options. At least one third of second-year credits must come from each of the two components of your programme.
Japanese
- The language courses in year 2 continue to build competence and the Independent Language Learning Portfolio and learning partnerships are central to this process.
- In addition, students develop their studies of Japan via a choice of courses in areas such as Japanese history, religion, society and culture, and begin to prepare for residence abroad.
Course units for year 2
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
---|---|---|---|
Japanese Language 3 | JAPA51031 | 20 | Mandatory |
Japanese Language 4 | JAPA51042 | 20 | Mandatory |
Japanese Language 5 | JAPA51050 | 20 | Mandatory |
Modern and Contemporary Japan: Social Dynamics | JAPA20122 | 20 | Optional |
Core Themes in Animated Film and Visual Culture of Postwar Japan | JAPA20131 | 20 | Optional |
Religion in Japan | JAPA20212 | 20 | Optional |
Phonology | LELA20011 | 20 | Optional |
Analysing Grammar | LELA20022 | 20 | Optional |
Typology | LELA20031 | 20 | Optional |
Societal Multilingualism | LELA20102 | 20 | Optional |
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Course content for year 3
Your third year of study is spent abroad under approved conditions. Our partner Universities are:
Chuo University, Dokkyo University, Fukuoka Women's University, Hiroshima University, Hitotsubashi University, Hokkaido University, Kanagawa University, Kansai Gaidai University, Keio University, Kobe University, Kyoto University, Kwansei Gakuin University, Meiji University, Meiji Gakuin University, Nanzan University, Ochanomizu University, Oita University, Osaka University, Rikkyo University, Ritsumeikan University, Saitama University, Tokyo University of Foreign Studies, Waseda University, Yamagata University.
Course units for year 3
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
---|---|---|---|
Dissertation in Japanese Studies | JAPA30000 | 40 | Optional |
Bodies, Sex and Gender in Japan | JAPA33071 | 20 | Optional |
Dissertation | LELA30000 | 40 | Optional |
Topics in the Study of Meaning in English | LELA30031 | 20 | Optional |
English Phonology Past and Present | LELA30441 | 20 | Optional |
Topics in Language Development | LELA30671 | 20 | Optional |
Language Policy and Planning | LELA30751 | 20 | Optional |
Historical Syntax | LELA30962 | 20 | Optional |
Minimalist Syntax | LELA30972 | 20 | Optional |
Course content for year 4
English Language
- By the final year your study is tailored to your own interests by drawing on course units from a wide range of specialities. See example course units in the list below.
- You will also have the option of writing a dissertation, where you explore and write about a particular topic in depth.
Japanese
- Students will select from various Japanese modules in religion, historical, cultural and social science areas.
- The language teaching programme continues to develop skills such as reading and writing Japanese and includes work on interpreting and on translation as practical skills.
Course units for year 4
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
---|---|---|---|
Japanese Language 6 | JAPA51060 | 20 | Mandatory |
Dissertation in Japanese Studies | JAPA30000 | 40 | Optional |
Bodies, Sex and Gender in Japan | JAPA33071 | 20 | Optional |
Buddhism in Japan | JAPA33082 | 20 | Optional |
Japanese Language 5 | JAPA51050 | 20 | Optional |
Dissertation | LELA30000 | 40 | Optional |
Topics in the Study of Meaning in English | LELA30031 | 20 | Optional |
The Study of the Speech Community: Manchester English | LELA30522 | 20 | Optional |
Topics in Language Development | LELA30671 | 20 | Optional |
Historical Syntax | LELA30962 | 20 | Optional |
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Facilities
As well as making use of the wider University library network, you will have access to the University Language Centre, a modern open learning facility where you can study independently and make use of a library and audio-visual resources.
There are also language laboratories and multimedia facilities.
For your English language studies, you will benefit from access to a wide range of technical facilities, online resources and unique collections at the John Rylands Library.
Learn more on the Facilities pages for Linguistics and English Language and Modern Languages and Cultures .
Disability support
Careers
Career opportunities
A degree in languages paves the way for an exceptionally broad range of careers.
You will develop analytical and problem-solving skills together with intercultural awareness and communication skills - which are highly valued by employers.
Studies show that over two-thirds of UK businesses value foreign language skills; through your studies, you'll acquire transferable expertise at the very heart of language learning, including enhanced powers of perception and interpretation and advanced decision-making and multitasking skills.
Your in-depth understanding of language will open numerous paths with an international dimension, and you'll have developed excellent all-round communication skills that will make you a strong contender for openings in the media, PR and similar areas.
Many of our graduates go straight into business services, marketing, advertising, management, banking or communications.
Others opt for postgraduate study or further vocational training to become accountants, lawyers, teachers (in the UK or abroad) or enter the Civil Service.
The University of Manchester is the most targeted university in the UK for top graduate employers (High Fliers Research, 2019).
Employers who have taken on graduates of our department's courses in the past include The Guardian, L'Oreal, Universal Music Group, and Vodafone, as well as Dell, Nova (Kyoto) and Berlitz.
Find out more on the Careers and employability pages for Linguistics and English Language and Modern Languages and Cultures .
The University has its own dedicated Careers Service that you would have full access to as a student and for two years after you graduate.
At Manchester you will have access to a number of opportunities to help boost your employability .