Bachelor of Arts (Japanese)
Undergraduate | CUR-JPN-DEG | 2024
Thrive in an international context
Explore modern Japanese culture, develop communication skills and advance your career. Learn through innovative teaching, practical resources and in-depth insights into Japanese social and business practices.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Applications close
- 19 May 2024,
- 11 Aug 2024,
- 10 Nov 2024
- Credit available
- Yes
- Duration
- 3 years full time or part time equivalent
- Total subjects
- 24
- Price from
- $19,260
- Available loans
- Australian Higher Education Loan Program (HELP)
- CSP available
- Yes
Bachelor of Arts (Japanese)
About this degree
On successful completion of this Course the learner will be able to :
- communicate in Japanese and apply knowledge of applied linguistics and intercultural communication in a professional context
- critically analyse issues in the context of cultural and linguistic differences
- locate, evaluate and synthesise information from various sources using Japanese and English
- function in both Japanese and English with an ability to communicate in an appropriate register in a range of situations and for a range of purposes
- use technology effectively to collect information and communicate in both Japanese and English
- take responsibility for own learning and professional development in an international context
- evaluate and analyse issues arising in the region with in-depth knowledge of Japanese language and culture
- interact with people from a range of cultures and backgrounds with an understanding of cultural differences
- work independently and collaboratively with an intercultural understanding
The Bachelor of Arts (Japanese) equips you with the language skills and cultural awareness to succeed in contemporary Japanese society and culture. You’ll learn and develop listening, speaking, reading and writing skills, while exploring the diversity of Japanese culture across art, history, music, manga and animation, economics and community life. Gain an insight into both traditional and popular Japanese culture that will help you form a strong connection with Japanese speakers and their communities.
Designed for students who have not previously studied the Japanese language, this degree has been created with students in mind. Innovative teaching approaches, engaging digital learning activities and practical resources that can be tailored to suit various learning needs, styles and interests, will equip you with the linguistic and cultural competence to explore career opportunities in Japan, as well as translingual roles in Australia and beyond.
Completion of this program will provide students with the ability to communicate effectively in Japanese cultural terms, with a focus on the use of the Japanese language. The program also provides insights into Japanese social and cultural frameworks and business practices in Japan.
Recommended study pattern
The degree has been designed to be sequential and developmental in nature, meaning that students will need to complete the core subjects at each level before progressing to the next level. Students must complete any prerequisite subjects required.
Please note you can only do a maximum of 10 first year subjects in your single major degree. Students could select subjects from the Level 1 Optional Subjects list, or any undergraduate subjects offered through OUA.
Year Level 1
- APC100 Academic and Professional Communications
- COM155 Culture to Cultures
- JPN100 Japanese for Beginners
- JPN110 Beginning Japanese Developing
- 4x Electives (to the value of 100 credits)
Recommended electives:
- ASIA100 Discovering Asia
- ASIA110 Communicating with Asia: Languages and Societies
Year Level 2
- JPN200 Intermediate Japanese: Everyday Contexts
- JPN210 Intermediate Japanese: Extending Everyday Contexts
- JPN220 Japanese Society and Culture
- JPN230 Communicating with Japan
- 4x Electives (to the value of 100 credits)
Year Level 3
- JPN300 Advanced Japanese: Intercultural Communication
- JPN320 Advanced Japanese: Cultural Connections
- JPN310 Advanced Japanese: Language Variation
- JPN330 Advanced Japanese: Engagement with the Japanese Community
- 4x Electives (to the value of 100 credits)
Recommended electives:
- JPN340 Proficient Japanese: Language Variation
- JPN350 Proficient Japanese: Professional Interactions
The standard full-time study load is two subjects per study period.
Download the enrolment planner via the link below to determine the recommended sequence of full-time enrolment, based on your study period of commencement. If you wish to enrol in a part-time load then please select one subject from the two listed for each study period.
Bachelor of Arts Asian Languages enrolment planner 2021
Award requirements
Students must complete 24 subjects and meet the following requirements:
- Complete twelve compulsory core subjects
- Complete twelve elective subjects
- Complete at least twelve Curtin University subjects
Degrees are usually made up of core subjects and electives. Some degrees include a choice of majors, so you can focus your studies on a specialisation.
This list is a general overview. Download the full Degree Guide for more information.
Start your career with Curtin’s globally recognised courses and extensive industry connections. Through OUA, their online courses offer an interactive and collaborative learning experience that gets you the same degree as if you studied on campus. Curtin is a global university with a vibrant culture of innovation and collaboration and is ranked in the top one per cent of universities worldwide.
Learn more about Curtin University.
Explore Curtin courses.
- QS Ranking 2024:
- 14
- Times Higher Education Ranking 2024:
- 15
Entry requirements
Successful completion of one full time semester (four standard subjects) towards an Undergraduate or higher level of study at an Australian University (separate evidence of English proficiency is not required).
Successful study through OUA – either:
- Successful completion of four OUA degree level subjects at pass level (this satisfies the English language proficiency requirement) OR
- Successful completion of two OUA degree level subjects with separate evidence of English proficiency is required.
- Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) 70 or equivalent. Students must have English ATAR, Literature ATAR or English as an Additional Language/Dialect ATAR. To determine your eligibility for entry please refer to Interstate Year 12 and IB Students, TISC Tertiary Institutions Service Centre Prerequisites
- Completion of an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Diploma or Advanced Diploma or Associate Diploma. You may also be eligible for credit toward your university study.
- Completion of an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Certificate IV and evidence of English proficiency.
- Successful completion of the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT). (Please note this test is valid for two years.)
- Finished secondary education more than two years ago
- Bridging and enabling degree entry
- Curtin Enabling Program: UniReady
- Enabling degrees completed through other Australian Universities which meet minimum entry requirements for that institution will be accepted as minimum entry requirements for this degree.
Additional information
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people: Centre for Aboriginal Studies
- Domestic applicants with overseas qualifications
Applicants need to meet Curtin's English Language requirements. You normally need ONE of the following:
- Must have a 50% minimum in English ATAR (or equivalent).
- Completion of at least one full time semester (or equivalent) of Undergraduate level studies at an Australian University
- Completion of an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Diploma or Advanced Diploma or Associate Diploma
- Successful completion of two degree level subjects via Open Universities Australia (OUA) and English proficiency
- Successful completion of two degree level subjects at an Australian university and English proficiency
- Successful completion of the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT). (Please note this test is valid for two years.)
Please refer to the 'Minimum English Language Proficiency Requirements' document at English Language Requirements.
*** Please Note: If any academic or legal document is not in English, you must provide a colour scan of the non-English documents, including a colour scan of the official English translations of these documents. This is for comparison purposes. ***
Credit for Recognised Learning (CRL) is assessed on individual merit and is awarded for different types of learning, for example, studies you have previously completed or for relevant work experience. Students must be admitted in an award degree of study before lodging their completed CRL application, along with all required supporting documentation for a formal assessment. To apply for CRL, please visit the Curtin University website: Credit for Recognised Learning (Advanced Standing)
It is important to note accepted documentation includes scans of the original Transcripts and/or Award Certificate; front and back; in colour; and original size. For further information see the scanned documents and certification requirements and guidelines.
More information about the policies and procedures related to CRL assessment and appealing a CRL assessment outcome can be found in the Credit for Recognised Learning Policy (PDF).
Career opportunities
A working knowledge of the Japanese language opens up career opportunities in Australia, Japan and abroad. This degree can help you advance your intercultural skills, which are becoming increasingly important in today's global economy.
This degree, by itself or paired with another degree, can help you become a:
- interpreter or translator
- hotel manager
- foreign affairs and trade officer
- teacher (English or Japanese as a Second Language)
You may also find career opportunities in industries such as:
- global business, banking or finance
- international relations
- tourism and hospitality
- international media
- the mining and resource sector
Above all, this degree places you in a diverse community of students from around the world.
Career outlook
- Intelligence and Policy Analysts:
- $93K to $120K
- Interpreters:
- Unknown average
- Legislators:
- Unknown average
- Policy and Planning Managers:
- Over $120K
- Public Relations Professionals:
- $93K to $120K
- Translators:
- Unknown average
Degree FAQs
That's up to you! Because we let you choose when to study online, you can actually pick up and pause study when it suits you. Many universities have a set time you need to complete your degree within. For some this is up to 10 years, and for others there is no limit.
There are some degrees that are stricter about when you can take breaks, and about how many years you can take to complete your degree. Please always check with your uni what the limits are.
As a general guide, Commonwealth supported place students have 10 years to finish their undergraduate degree through OUA, However, if you're studying with Griffith University, there's a limit of 8 years to complete your studies. If you want to take a break that lasts more than two study terms, you'll need to apply for a leave of absence. You can apply for a leave of absence for up to 12 months, as long as you complete your studies within the maximum time allowed for your degree.
If you're studying with Macquarie University, with the exception of certain degrees, there's no limit to how long you can take. But, please check with Macquarie Student Administration to be sure.
If you're studying with the University of Adelaide, you have up to 9 years to complete your undergraduate degree and graduate.
If you're studying with La Trobe University and want to take a break of minimum 1 study term, you must apply for leave of absence to avoid being inadvertently withdrawn from your degree.
Through OUA, you can study all year round, so it's possible to fast-track and finish up sooner than studying at a traditional uni would allow. That said, you need to spend around 12 hours a week on each undergraduate subject you do, so taking on extra work to finish ahead of time can be challenging.
You may be eligible for a HELP loan from the Australian government, depending on your citizenship status and where you'll be living during your studies. You can also pay upfront with your credit card.
Payment options are explained in Fees, and you can contact a student advisor for more information.
You might find learning through OUA a little different to how you've studied in the past. It can take time to develop the skills you need for independent online study.
We connect you with subjects and degrees that are taught by leading Australian universities. You can complete single subjects, or follow a degree structure to work towards a specific qualification. Subjects are offered in several study terms throughout the year, so you can choose to study part-time or full-time, continuously or with breaks.
We help you find the subjects or degree that's right for you, and we handle your enrolment in uni and some administration. Your uni sends you your study materials and deals with all academic matters. They're also in charge of your assessment and graduation. If you go on to complete a degree, you'll graduate from the uni offering your degree, for example, RMIT University or Griffith University.
Before starting an enrolment, it's important to read the entry requirements for your chosen course to ensure that you're eligible to apply. If you don't quite meet the requirements, we can help you find a pathway into your course through open-entry subjects, which anyone can study. Chat with us to find out more.
Our close of enrolment times vary. You can check the cut-off dates for upcoming study terms by visiting Key dates.
There are a lot of reasons to study your course online through us.
You can enrol without entry requirements
We have a unique open-door policy that makes it possible for everyone to enrol in university study, no matter their academic history. If you don't meet the entry requirements for a degree, we'll help you get in through single undergraduate subjects and transition into a qualification from there.
You have total control over how you study
Upskill without committing to a whole degree upfront. Or enrol in a full degree, but take it a subject at a time. We'll introduce you to flexible study options you didn't even know about, so you can fit uni around what matters to you.
You'll graduate with the same qualification as an on-campus student
Once you enrol through us, you'll study online with the university that provides your degree. This means that when you complete your qualification, you'll graduate with the same degree as on-campus students.
We'll help you navigate the university world
Our friendly student advisors will be your guide every step of the enrolment journey. They'll help you compare universities, choose a course, provide documentation and understand your finance options.
Here at Open Universities Australia, we make enrolling online as straightforward as possible. To get started, find the course for you by browsing the options on this page. You can also compare different qualifications using our handy comparison tool, or request help from one of our student advisors.
When you've made your choice, click 'Apply now' on the relevant course page and follow the prompts to begin your enrolment. We'll ask you to supply some supporting documentation, including proof of your identity, your tax file number, and a unique student identifier (USI) during this process.
Your university will get in touch with you via email to confirm whether or not your application has been successful.
If you get stuck at any time, reach out to us and we'll talk you through it.
You can also take a look at our online self-service enrolling instructions.