Japanese studies - XM0023

Japanese studies

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About Japanese studies

We have one of the most extensive Japanese study programs in Australia, engaging you with Japanese language, culture and society. Flexible entry points (beginners, intermediate and proficient) ensure language study at a level that suits your background.

Why choose Japanese studies?

Communicating in Japanese and being sensitive to diverse international contexts are useful complements to any course of study, whether it’s law, business or the visual arts. We’re cross-disciplinary which means we study Japanese from a variety of perspectives – historical, artistic, religious, political, international – especially within the broader Asian context.

Our Manga Library

Monash’s Manga Library has a collection of more than 7,000 manga (graphic novels), covering all genres in Japanese, English and other languages. The library is also a social space for you to interact and share your passion for all things Japanese. It’s located in the Japanese Studies Centre, a unique building that underlines Monash’s strong commitment to the study of Japan.

What will you study?

Gain a broad understanding of Japan through topics such as:

  • Linguistics/applied linguistics
  • Contemporary society and culture
  • History
  • Translation.

Choose from a range of Japan-related units, including:

  • Contemporary Japan
  • Japanese popular culture and identity
  • Literature and film
  • Japanese communication in professional settings.

What careers will you be ready for?

Japanese studies provides options for a future in:

  • Law
  • International relations
  • Corporate and tourism sectors
  • Trade
  • Government

Global study

With Monash’s impressive international links, you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the Japanese language and culture to enhance your learning. You can take advantage of numerous opportunities to study in Japan through exchange programs with prominent universities, and scholarships are available from Monash as well as the Japanese government.

Short term programs:

  • Producing and consuming Japan: A study tour through local geographies and consumption practices – Japan
  • Intensive language study programs in destinations such as Osaka University.

Exchange programs to Japan include:

  • Chiba University
  • Hitotsubashi University
  • Nagoya University
  • Saitama University
  • University of Tokyo
  • Waseda University.

Global Immersion Guarantee:

As a Bachelor of Arts student, you’ll have access to the Monash Global Immersion Guarantee – an opportunity to spend two weeks studying in one of a variety of locations, with airfares and accommodation covered as part of your degree.

Australia’s leading university language program

When you study languages at Monash, you'll be studying at Australia’s largest international university, ranked in the top 1% in the world for Languages, Humanities and Social Sciences. We offer the most comprehensive, flexible and well-integrated program incorporating language acquisition with cultural competence. Choose from a wide range of Asian and European languages: Chinese, Indonesian, Japanese, and Korean; and French, German, Italian, and Spanish and Latin American studies (within the European Languages Area of Study). Find out more about Languages at Monash.

Major Focus by location
Focus Locations
Major Note Caulfield, Clayton
Minor Note Caulfield, Clayton

Asian languages at Monash

Studying languages from across Asia opens you up to a global future and rewarding student experience.

Career options 

  • Law
  • International relations
  • Corporate and tourism sectors
  • Trade
  • Government

Overseas opportunities

You can take advantage of numerous opportunities to study in Japan through exchange programs with prominent universities, and scholarships are available from Monash as well as the Japanese government.