What JLPT level do I need to start the MA Japanese Language Studies?

JLPT N3 is the standard entry point, with placement interview to confirm working ability. Many students start at N3 and reach N1 by graduation; others enter at N2 and consolidate to a working N1.

Can I write my MA Japanese Language Studies dissertation in Japanese?

Yes. The dissertation can be written in English, in Japanese, or in a structured bilingual format depending on the specialism. Translation-track dissertations typically include substantial Japanese source material and English commentary.

Does the MA Japanese Language Studies include a study period in Japan?

An optional short study period in Japan can be arranged for on-campus students; it is not compulsory. Online and distance students typically build their dissertation around Japanese sources accessed remotely, with one short on-campus residential at LSJHML.

Can I take the MA Japanese Language Studies part-time?

Yes. The MA can be taken over 24 months part-time. Online and distance routes are available. Live language seminars continue remotely with structured small-group conversation practice.

Is the MA Japanese Language Studies recognised by Japanese employers?

The MA is a UK master's degree, well recognised by Japanese organisations in London and by Japan-facing UK employers. Japanese organisations within Japan typically also value JLPT certification alongside the UK qualification; the course supports both routes.

MA Japanese Language Studies in London | LSJHML | Harold International College of London

Course Overview

The MA Japanese Language Studies at the London School of Japanese, Humanities & Modern Languages (LSJHML) is a one-year UK postgraduate degree for graduates and working Japanese-language professionals ready to operate in Japanese at an advanced professional level. You will consolidate language proficiency at JLPT N2–N1, choose a specialism in translation, business Japanese or Japanese cultural and contemporary affairs, and complete a 12,000–15,000 word dissertation in or substantially using Japanese sources.

The MA Japanese Language Studies assumes a working Japanese starting point and takes you to the level a UK Japanese-facing employer or a Japanese organisation in London actually hires for. By graduation you can hold extended business meetings in Japanese, read formal Japanese texts with confidence, translate professionally and contribute meaningfully to research that uses Japanese sources.

Key Features

Advanced Japanese language seminars targeting JLPT N2–N1 proficiency by graduation.
Keigo and business Japanese at master's depth — meeting Japanese, contract reading, negotiation register.
Specialist track in translation, business Japanese or Japanese cultural and contemporary affairs.
Industry-led masterclasses with working Japanese translators, Japan markets analysts and Japanese cultural affairs professionals in London.
JLPT preparation with structured exam strategy and mock papers.
12,000–15,000 word dissertation in or substantially using Japanese sources, supervised across the year.

What You Will Learn

The MA Japanese Language Studies is structured around advanced language consolidation, specialist track work and dissertation research. You graduate operating in Japanese across daily, business and academic registers, with the cultural and analytical literacy to work credibly in Japan-facing UK roles or in Japan.

Advanced Japanese grammar — complex clausal constructions, conditional and modal structures.
Advanced vocabulary — business, journalism, technology, cultural and current-affairs lexis.
Keigo at advanced level — high-formality registers, ministerial and corporate Japanese.
Advanced kanji and reading — Joyo Kanji at fluent reading level, classical and literary kanji exposure.
Listening — Japanese television news, podcasts, business meeting recordings at native speed.
Reading — Japanese newspapers (Asahi, Nikkei, Mainichi), business correspondence, academic articles.
Writing — formal correspondence, structured reports, opinion writing, dissertation prose.
Translation — Japanese to English at professional standard; English to Japanese under supervision.
Specialist track work — translation portfolio, business case study or cultural affairs research project.

Who This MA Is For

BA Japanese graduates ready for master's-level specialism.
Working Japanese-language professionals (translators, business specialists, content localisation) seeking a UK postgraduate credential.
Heritage Japanese speakers with strong working fluency wanting structured advanced training and a UK master's.
International students with prior Japanese study seeking advanced training in the London Japanese business and cultural environment.

Career Pathways

Japanese remains one of the highest-value professional languages in London, particularly in financial services, automotive, technology, content localisation and cultural affairs. MA graduates typically progress into senior Japanese-language specialist roles. Typical destinations include:

Japanese Translator (senior — commercial, legal, literary, technical)
Japan Markets Analyst (consultancy, country-risk firm, financial services)
Bilingual Editor (senior — JP/EN — publishing, news organisation, content firm)
Cultural Affairs Officer (senior — Japan Foundation London, cultural institute)
International Account Manager (senior — Japanese-owned UK firm, Anglo-Japanese trade)
Localisation Manager (technology firm, gaming studio, e-commerce)

The MA also serves as a launchpad for doctoral research in Japanese studies, or for senior in-house Japan-facing leadership roles.

Entry Requirements

A UK 2:2 honours degree (or international equivalent) in a related subject, OR a 2:2 in any subject with two years of relevant professional experience.
Working Japanese proficiency at JLPT N3 or above; placement interview confirms starting point.
IELTS 6.5 overall (no band below 6.0) for non-native English speakers.
Personal statement (max 1 page) outlining your motivation, Japanese background and intended specialism.
Two academic or professional references.
Applicants without a related undergraduate degree may be considered with significant industry experience and a written sample in both languages.

Why Study at LSJHML

The London School of Journalism, Humanities & Modern Languages is a specialist higher-education provider based in central London. Our programmes are designed in dialogue with working professionals — journalists, translators, civil servants, academics, broadcasters, editors, publishers and policy researchers — so what you learn in seminar on Monday is what your future employer is using on Tuesday. We deliberately keep cohorts small, give every student named tutor support, and treat employability as a structural part of every programme rather than an optional add-on.

London is the work — politics, courts, capital markets, theatre, broadcasting, publishing, public service, the global press. Your studies are taught in the same square mile where the stories you read about happen. Whether you join us on-campus, online or by distance learning, the city is your classroom and our industry network is your launchpad.