Bachelor of Arts (BA)

BA Modern Language and Business & Management (Japanese)

Gain specialist knowledge of Japanese culture and global business issues.
  • Duration: 4 Years
  • Year of entry: 2025
  • UCAS course code: TN92 / Institution code: M20
  • Key features:
  • Study abroad
  • Study with a language

Full entry requirementsHow to apply

Overview

Course overview

  • Gain advanced linguistic skills, cultural understanding and business knowledge in Japanese.
  • Take dedicated business language classes to gain international management skills.
  • Spend Year 3 studying in Japan.
  • Study management units covering economics, finance, accounting, technology, business and entrepreneurship, taught by specialists from Alliance Manchester Business School and our Economics department.
  • Ranked a UK Top 10 for Modern Languages and Business and Management by QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024.

Contact details

School/Faculty
School of Arts, Languages and Cultures
Telephone
+44 (0) 161 275 3211
Facsimile
+44 (0) 161 275 3031
Email
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 plus GCSE in Maths grade B/6.

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 studentswhose first language is Japanese.

Contextual offer

Grades BBB plus GCSE in Maths both grade B/6 for applicants who meet our contextual offer criteria.

For further information and to check eligibility visit our Contextual Offers page.

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 studentswhose first language is Japanese.

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.

AS-level

AS level results are not considered as part of the standard admissions process at The University of Manchester.

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 Grade B or 6 in GCSE 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

34 points overall. 6,5,5 in Higher Level subjects

Other international entry requirements

We accept a range of qualifications from different countries. For these and general requirements including English language see accepted entry qualifications from your country .

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 achievement of Grade B at SCQF National 5, in both Maths and a Language.

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 University welcomes and recognises the value of the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma/Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate and usually requires two A Levels or equivalentto be included within this.

The minimum grade required will normally be the same as the lowest grade listed in theA Levelentry 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

The University of Manchester welcomes applicants with the European Baccalaureate.

Acceptable on its own or in combination with other qualifications, applications from students studying for this qualification are welcome and all applicants will be considered on an individual basis.

We normally require 77% to include a minimum of 7.5 in Maths.

AQA Baccalaureate

The University recognises the benefits of the AQA Baccalaureate and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills.

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

The University recognises a number of foundation programmes as suitable for entry to this undergraduate programme:

Applicants completing the INTO Manchester in partnership with The University of Manchester international foundation programme are required to achieveABB in academic subjects and gradeA in the EAP with writing, speaking, listening and reading grade B.

Applicants completing the NCUK International Foundation year are required to achieve ABB in academic subjects and gradeA in the EAP with writing, speaking, listening and reading grade B.

Pleaseread this in conjunction with ourA-level requirements,noting any pre-requisite subjects.

For all other foundation programmes, please seethis list of approved UK foundation programmes .

Pearson BTEC qualifications

MLBM programmes require GCSE Maths Grade B/6.

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 ahumanities-related subject such as English Literature, History or Politics.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 NationalDiploma: we consider the NationalDiploma for entry,preferably in a subject relevant to this course.Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full NationalDiploma 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 NationalFoundation Diploma for entry,preferably in a subject relevant to this course.Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full NationalFoundation Diploma witha Distinction grade, PLUS one A-level at Grade B in an essay-based subject such as English Literature, History or Politics, PLUSan EPQ or AS at GradeB.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate : we consider the National ExtendedCertificate for entry,preferably in a subject relevant to this course.Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full NationalExtended Certificatewitha Distinction grade, PLUStwo 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 Maths.

CambridgeLevel 3Technical Extended Diploma (CTEC): we do not consider the Technical Extended Diploma for entry to this course.

CambridgeLevel 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 .

CambridgeLevel 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

We require a QAA-recognised Access to HE Diploma (a minimum of 60 credits overall with at least 45 at Level 3), with merit or distinction in a subject area relevant to the chosen course.

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)

The University recognises the benefits of the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills.

Although the Extended Project will not be included in the conditions of your offer, we strongly encourage you to provide information about the EPQ in your personal statement and at interview.

A number of our academic Schools may also choose to take your performance in the EPQ into account should places be available in August for applicants who narrowly miss the entry grades for their chosen course.

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

If you are a student who has followed a non-standard educational route, e.g. you have been educated at home; your application will be considered against the standard entry criteria of the course for which you are applying.

You will be required to demonstrate that you meet the specified academic entry requirements of the course.

We will also require a reference from somebody who knows you well enough, in an official capacity, to write about you and your suitability for higher education.

If you are a home schooled student and would like further information or advice please contact the academic School for your chosen course who will be able to help you.

Non-standard educational routes

Mature students are some of our most well-equipped learners, bringing skills and attributes gained from work, family and other life experiences.

Students come from a whole array of backgrounds, study every kind of course, undertake full-time and part-time learning and are motivated by career intentions as well as personal interest. There is no such thing as a typical mature student at Manchester.

The application process is the same as for other prospective undergraduates.If you require further clarification about the acceptability of the qualifications you hold please contact the academic School(s) you plan to apply to.

Further information for mature students can be found on our How to apply page.

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 gradeC/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 on our English Language requirements page.

English language test validity

Some English Language test results are only valid for two years.

Your English Language test report must be valid on the start date of the course.

Fees and funding

Fees

Tuition fees for home students commencing their studies in September 2025 will be £9,535 per annum (subject to Parliamentary approval). Tuition fees for international students will be £26,500 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

Application and selection

How to apply

Apply through UCAS

Advice to applicants

Mitigating Circumstances

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 take into account information that is supplied after an adverse decision has been made on an application by the admitting School.

If you encounter mitigating circumstances after you have submitted your application, please inform the admissions staff in the School to which you applied as soon as possible.

Where mitigating circumstances have already been taken into account, for example by the relevant Exam Board, we will not be able to make further allowances.

Learning Japanese

Learning Japanese is an extraordinarily rewarding experience that opens numerous doors and produces very high levels of satisfaction.

However, if you are planning to work part-time you must ensure that you are able to put in sufficient study hours.

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.

Your interview will form part of a visit day, during which you can sample aspects of your chosen course, meet with academics staff, hear from current students and find out about the latest Residence Abroad options.

Your interview will offer you the opportunity to explain your interests and qualifications, and how your chosen course fits with your motivations and study experience. 

Returning to education

We welcome applicants who are looking to return to study and value their contribution to the departmental culture and social life.

Access courses are acceptable as an entry route to this course - please contact the UG Admissions Team.

Deferrals

Applications for deferred entry are considered equally to other applications up to the point of confirmation.

Deferred entry is granted on the discretion of admissions staff, and is normally granted for one year only and two years at the maximum.

Some English Language test results, such as IELTS or TOEFL are only valid for two years from the test date.

Policy for applicants who resit their qualifications

If you have re-sat individual modules to improve your grades, we will consider your application according to the standard selection process. If you are planning to re-sit the final Year 13 examinations, or have already done so, the University will consider your application, but we may require further information in order to make an informed judgment on your application.

Re-applications

If you applied in the previous year and your application was not successful you may apply again. Your application will be considered against the standard course entry criteria for that year of entry.

In your new application you should demonstrate how your application has improved.

We may draw upon all information from your previous applications or any previous registrations at the University as a student when assessing your suitability for your chosen course.

If you are applying for a place for the same year of entry through UCAS Extra, you should provide additional evidence of your suitability for the course.

If you are applying through clearing you are required to meet the clearing requirements. In both UCAS Extra and clearing the places will be subject to availability.

Course details

Course description

Our BA Modern Language and Business and Management (Japanese) programme gives you a thorough grounding the language and culture of Japan, as well as in applying the principles of business and management to global workplaces.

You’ll acquire comprehensive understanding of management, finance, marketing, human resources, entrepreneurship, and economics, learning core knowledge in your first year and then choosing your preferred specialist options in the second and final years.

Language study offers more than just language fluency. You'll explore diverse aspects of the culture, society, and history of Japan, developing your intercultural awareness and communication skills – crucial for international career success

In Manchester, Western Europe's most multilingual city, you'll benefit from the vibrancy and cultural diversity of Manchester itself, alongside excellent teaching, student support and cutting-edge facilities. You’ll spend your third year in Japan, putting your language skills into practice and experiencing Japanese society first-hand – an unforgettable and invaluable experience. In your final year, you can choose to focus on either business and management or Japanese studies.

The course unit details listed below are the latest example of the curriculum available on this programme and are subject to change. Although language units may show here as optional, they are a mandatory part of your degree and you will take the units relevant to your level of language in each year of study. Beginners or near-beginners in Japanese take Japanese Language 1 and 2 in their first year, progressing to Japanese Language 3 and 4 in their second year. Those with A Level Japanese or equivalent take Japanese Language 3 and 4 in their first year, progressing to Japanese Language 5 in their second year. All students take Japanese Language 6 in their final year.

Special features

Develop your leadership skills

Get the edge in today's globalised business environment on the Manchester Leadership Programme , which includes local volunteering and guest visits from international business managers.

Residence abroad

We have partnerships with over 25 universities across Japan, providing you with a wide choice of study abroad options. Many exchange students come to Manchester from our Japanese partner universities each year, so you can get to know Japanese peers even before you study abroad.

Societies

The university has a huge variety of student-run societies including business-related societies and the Japanese Society, as well as many others. They offer speaker and networking events, lively social activities, and cultural experiences. Additionally, you can participate in the Japan Society North West’s exciting range of events such as sushi-making demonstrations, Taiko drumming workshops, and dining experiences. Contemporary Japanese films are also regularly shown at cinemas such as HOME Manchester.

There are over 30 international and language-related student societies offering cultural activities and experiences.

Teaching and learning

You will learn Japanese language in small-group interactive classes. Most of your classes will be taught by Japanese native speakers, especially for speaking and writing, with lecturers teaching some reading comprehension and translation into English.

In our content courses, you will study in lectures and smaller-group seminars, taught by world experts from the Alliance Manchester Business School, School of Arts, Languages, and Cultures, and School of Social Sciences. They will provide you with essential understanding, direct you to critical reading, and help you ask key analytical questions.

Wherever you are in the world, your learning will be facilitated 24/7 by digital access to electronic books, journal articles, dictionaries, and databases of business media and Japanese newspapers through the university library. On campus, enjoy using the Alliance Manchester Business School’s Eddie Davies Library and the Main Library, which includes an East Asian Studies section with an expansive range of works in Japanese.

Coursework and assessment

Assessment methods are designed to be appropriate for each course unit and for Japanese language courses include coursework assignments as well as final written and oral examinations. Assessment methods used in content courses vary, ranging from coursework essays and in-class presentations to shorter pieces of written work, in-class tests, and final examinations. Please see the individual course unit listings for more information.

Course content for year 1

Your time will be divided equally between business and management studies and studying Japanese language and culture.

Compulsory units introduce management, finance, microeconomics and macroeconomics, and develop transferable skills. You will choose two further options across management, finance and economics units.

You will take 40 credits of Japanese language in your first year. Japanese Language 1 and 2 are for beginners, while Japanese Language 3 and 4 are for those at A level standard or equivalent. Japanese Language 3 and 4 each include an Independent Language Learning Portfolio that will help you develop your skills in reading texts of your choice. You will also take Introduction to Japanese Studies.

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.

TitleCodeCredit ratingMandatory/optional
Fundamentals of Management BMAN10011 10 Mandatory
Fundamentals of Finance BMAN10552 10 Mandatory
Microeconomics 1 ECON10221 10 Mandatory
Macroeconomics 1 ECON10252 10 Mandatory
Introduction to Japanese Studies JAPA10030 20 Mandatory
Fundamentals of Technological Change BMAN10252 10 Optional
Business Economics BMAN10612 10 Optional
Fundamentals of Financial Reporting B BMAN10621B 10 Optional
Fundamentals of Management Accounting BMAN10632 10 Optional
An Introduction to Development Studies ECON10002 10 Optional
Introductory Mathematics ECON10061 10 Optional
Advanced Mathematics ECON10071A 10 Optional
Advanced Statistics ECON10072A 10 Optional
Computing for Social Scientists ECON10151 10 Optional
Introduction to Mathematical Economics ECON10192 10 Optional
Japanese Language 1 JAPA51011 20 Optional
Japanese Language 2 JAPA51022 20 Optional
Japanese Language 3 JAPA51031 20 Optional
Japanese Language 4 JAPA51042 20 Optional
Exploring Enterprise MCEL10001 10 Optional
Entrepreneurial Skills MCEL10002 10 Optional
Introductory Statistics for Economists SOST10062 10 Optional
Displaying 10 of 22 course units for year 1

Course content for year 2

In Year 2 you can continue with an even distribution between business and management and Japanese studies. You can take exclusively second year course units if you wish, but you have the option of taking up to 20 credits from first year course units.

Alongside one compulsory unit that compares management approaches internationally, you can tailor your business and management studies by choosing from a range of options. You have the chance to study Leadership in Action with national leaders as part of the Manchester Leadership Programme. You can also put your learning into practice with local charities and social enterprises by participating in the Manchester Enterprise Challenge.

If you took Japanese Language 1 and 2 in your first year, you will progress to Japanese Language 3 and 4. If you took Japanese Language 3 and 4 in your first year, you will progress to Japanese Language 5. All these units include an Independent Language Learning Portfolio. You will continue your study of Japan by choosing from options covering diverse aspects of Japanese culture, society, and history. We will offer help and support to guide you through the process of applying 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.

TitleCodeCredit ratingMandatory/optional
Firms and Management in Comparative Perspective BMAN22000 20 Mandatory
Work Psychology for Career Success BMAN20022 10 Optional
Investment Analysis BMAN20072 10 Optional
Financial Statement Analysis BMAN20081 10 Optional
Introduction to Corporate Finance and Financial Instruments BMAN20242 10 Optional
Technology, Strategy and Innovation BMAN20792 10 Optional
New Product Development and Innovation BMAN20821 10 Optional
Marketing BMAN20832 10 Optional
Global Contexts of Business and Management BMAN21012 10 Optional
Financial Reporting and Accountability BMAN21020A 20 Optional
Intermediate Management Accounting BMAN21040A 20 Optional
Foundations of Finance B BMAN23000B 20 Optional
Creativity, Design & Entrepreneurship BMAN24241 20 Optional
Operations Management and Strategy BMAN24291 10 Optional
Organisations and Employment BMAN24521 10 Optional
Managerial Economics I ECON20001 20 Optional
Advanced Mathematics ECON20071 10 Optional
Advanced Statistics ECON20072 10 Optional
Econometrics ECON20110 20 Optional
Mathematical Economics I ECON20120 20 Optional
Introduction to Mathematical Economics ECON20192 10 Optional
Economic History ECON20212 10 Optional
Quantitative Methods ECON20222 20 Optional
Microeconomics 2 ECON20232 10 Optional
Macroeconomics 2 ECON20262 10 Optional
Development Economics: Growth, Capital Accumulation and Structural Change ECON20321 10 Optional
Development Economics: Understanding Poverty ECON20332 10 Optional
Economics for Public Policy ECON20431 10 Optional
Bodies, Gender and Sexuality in Modern Japan JAPA20112 20 Optional
Core Themes in Animated Film and Visual Culture of Postwar Japan JAPA20131 20 Optional
Race, Class, and Gender in Japan and South Korea JAPA20311 20 Optional
Japanese Language 3 JAPA51031 20 Optional
Japanese Language 4 JAPA51042 20 Optional
Japanese Language 5 JAPA51050 20 Optional
Tools and Techniques for Enterprise MCEL30001 10 Optional
Tools & Techniques for Enterprise MCEL30002 10 Optional
Leadership in Action Online Unit UCIL20031 10 Optional
Leadership in Action Online Unit UCIL20032 10 Optional
Entrepreneur: Innovator and Risk-Taker UCIL24002 10 Optional
Displaying 10 of 39 course units for year 2

Course content for year 3

Your third year is spent abroad under approved conditions; you will continue to develop Japanese language proficiency at our partner universities and through immersion in the Japanese linguistic environment. Level N2 of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) is a good target to aim at by the end of your third year. Our partner universities in Japan are listed below by region.

Tokyo region

Chuo University, Dokkyo University, Hitotsubashi University, International Christian University, Kanagawa University, Keio University, Meiji University, Meiji Gakuin University, Rikkyo University, Saitama University, Tokyo University, Tokyo University of Foreign Studies, Waseda University.

Kansai region

Doshisha University, Kansai Gaidai University, Kobe University, Kyoto University, Kwansei Gakuin University, Osaka University, Ritsumeikan University

Nagoya region

Nanzan University

Chugoku region

Hiroshima University

Kyushu region

Fukuoka Women’s University, Oita University

Tohoku and Hokkaido regions

Hokkaido University, Yamagata University

Course content for year 4

In your final year, you can take up to two-thirds of your credits in either business and management or language and cultural studies. There is a broad range of specialised units available in business, management, accounting and finance, economics and entrepreneurship. You can study more aspects of Japanese culture, society, and history in depth, and have the option of writing a dissertation about Japan on a subject of your choice, under the supervision of an academic staff member in Japanese Studies. You can take up to 20 credits in second year course units if you wish.

In Japanese Language 6, you’ll develop your all-round language skills to more advanced levels and acquire business Japanese communication skills. Students who meet the prerequisite can also take Advanced Readings in Japanese Studies, allowing you to study about Japan through reading selections from Japanese books and articles and then presenting about and discussing them in Japanese.

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.

TitleCodeCredit ratingMandatory/optional
Japanese Language 6 JAPA51060 20 Mandatory
Management of Knowledge and Innovation BMAN30010 20 Optional
Marketing BMAN30021 10 Optional
Strategy BMAN30022 10 Optional
Human Resource Management BMAN30042 10 Optional
Share Prices and Accounting Information BMAN30071 10 Optional
Financial Derivatives BMAN30091 10 Optional
Advanced Corporate Finance BMAN30111A 20 Optional
Corporate Governance in Context BMAN30211 10 Optional
Financial Engineering BMAN30242 10 Optional
Corporate Contracting and Managerial Behaviour BMAN30702 10 Optional
Investment Economics and Innovation BMAN31212 10 Optional
People Management and Change BMAN32091 10 Optional
Consumers and Markets BMAN32161 10 Optional
Topics in Inequality & Poverty ECON30041 20 Optional
The Chinese Economy ECON30102 10 Optional
Mathematical Economics II ECON30290 20 Optional
Mathematical Finance ECON30382 10 Optional
Topics in Development Economics ECON30451 20 Optional
Topics in Economic History ECON30541 20 Optional
Advanced Econometrics ECON31031 20 Optional
Climate Change Economics and Policy ECON32111 10 Optional
Advanced Readings in Japanese Studies JAPA32000 20 Optional
Science and Civilisation in East Asia JAPA33001 20 Optional
Culture, Gender and Resistance in Contemporary Japan and East Asia JAPA34422 20 Optional
Dissertation in Modern Languages and Cultures LALC30000 40 Optional
Tools and Techniques for Enterprise MCEL30001 10 Optional
Tools & Techniques for Enterprise MCEL30002 10 Optional
Advanced Technology Enterprise MCEL30011 10 Optional
Advanced Technology Enterprise MCEL30012 10 Optional
Interdisciplinary Sustainable Development MCEL30022 10 Optional
Enterprise Strategy and Marketing MCEL30051 10 Optional
Enterprise Feasibility MCEL30052 10 Optional
Enterprise in Healthcare MCEL30122 10 Optional
Climate Change and Society UCIL33201 10 Optional
Climate Change and Society UCIL33501 20 Optional
Displaying 10 of 36 course units for year 4

Facilities

The University Language Centre is home to language resources, including a new interpreting suite and purpose-built recording rooms.

The Centre also offers multilingual word processing, language learning software, off-air recording and AV duplication, multilingual terrestrial and satellite TV, and extensive support and advice for learners.

Learn more on the Facilities page.

Disability support

Practical support and advice for current students and applicants is available from the Disability Advisory and Support Service. Email: dass@manchester.ac.uk

Careers

Career opportunities

The Modern Language and Business and Management (Japanese) degree opens doors to careers in the UK and around the world. Graduates enter management trainee programmes in fields as diverse as marketing, professional services, manufacturing, accountancy, and finance. Others enter careers such as teaching, or start their own companies. Many go on to more specialised postgraduate study in top-ranking universities such as the University of Oxford, the University of Edinburgh, the London School of Economics, Hitotsubashi University (Tokyo), and Yonsei University (Seoul).

Your degree will equip you with understanding of business and economics, management skills, intercultural awareness, and enhanced communication skills in both English and Japanese, all of which are highly valued by employers. You’ll develop independence and self-confidence, during your studies and especially through your residence abroad in Japan.

The University of Manchester is the second most targeted university in the UK for top graduate employers (High Fliers Research, 2024). 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 .

Employers who have taken on graduates of our Japanese degree programmes include Audley Travel, Barclays, Bloomberg UK, Christian Dior Couture, Dell, DISCO, EY, Hays Recruitment, Hitachi Maxell, IHI, Kinokuniya, Kose, KPMG, Mizuho, Nikkei Europe, Rockstar Games, TV Asahi, and UBS. Graduates have also secured positions as Coordinator of International Relations (CIR) or Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) on the Japanese government’s Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme. Others have gone on to postgraduate study at master’s and doctoral level; these include occupants of academic positions at Harvard University, Ochanomizu University, and Osaka University.