Bachelor of Arts (Japanese)

On successful completion of this Course the learner will be able to :

1. communicate in Japanese and apply knowledge of applied linguistics and intercultural communication in a professional context
2. critically analyse issues in the context of cultural and linguistic differences
3. locate, evaluate and synthesise information from various sources using Japanese and English
4. 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
5. use technology effectively to collect information and communicate in both Japanese and English
6. take responsibility for own learning and professional development in an international context
7. evaluate and analyse issues arising in the region with in-depth knowledge of Japanese language and culture
8. interact with people from a range of cultures and backgrounds with an understanding of cultural differences
9. 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

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.

• Level 1 Core Subjects

• Level 1 Optional Subjects

• Level 2 Core Subjects

• Level 3 Core Subjects

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.

Indicative total fee $20,056

The amounts shown here are indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.

Fees may vary depending on:

• the subjects you choose
• credit from previous work experience
• your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.

To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.

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.

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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).