Japanese

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Undergraduate Major

Faculty of Education and Arts

Description

Japanese at the University of Newcastle offers courses on the Japanese language, culture, and society, from undergraduate to PhD levels. At undergraduate level, the Japanese major sits in the BA and can be also studied concurrently with other programs as part of the Diploma of Languages. The Japanese language courses are designed to be followed sequentially, with students beginning their sequence at one of two entry points:

Students with no previous knowledge of Japanese would study Elementary Japanese in Year One (JAPN1110 and 1120), and Intermediate Japanese in Year Two (JAPN2110 and JAPN2120). At third year level the offerings diversify, and students can choose from a wide range of Japanese language courses (JAPN3110, 3120, 3210, 3220, 3101, and 3102), which are offered in alternate years.

Students with prior knowledge of Japanese, including post-HSC students, could start from second or third level. Native speakers of Japanese who wish to improve their translating and interpreting skills are also welcome to take Advanced Written and Advanced Integrated Japanese courses (JAPN3210, 3220, 3101, 3102).

At second and third year levels, Japanese studies courses are offered on society, literature, culture, and history (JAPN2410, 2420, 3103, 3702).

The University of Newcastle has networks of exchange programs with its sister institutions in Japan, all of which offer Japanese language courses as well as Japanese studies courses for international students. Many of our Japanese-major students opt for completing part of their BA programs in Japan, up to eighty credit units in two semesters, receiving generous scholarships.   

Students who major successfully in Japanese (regardless of their point of entry) will find themselves equipped to read, speak and write Japanese with a high degree of fluency. For them there are many employment opportunities in Japan particularly in the recently expanded JET Program.

 

View our Bachelor of Arts in the Program Handbook and the online prospectus What Can I Study?.

View our Bachelor of Aboriginal Professional Practice in the Program Handbook and the online prospectus What Can I Study?.

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Some occupations require a higher level of completed study than an undergraduate degree, and for this reason it is worthwhile considering the range of Honours, Research Higher Debrees, Postgraduate Coursework programs and additional study options available. These options may also be useful for specialising in a particular are, or to stimulate career change. Some of the future options following the Bachelor of Arts include:

Honours: Bachelor of Arts (Honours)

Postgraduate Study:

Research
Masters
PhD

Coursework
After completing a degree there are a broad range of postgraduate options available in a variety of fields which can allow you to specialise in a particular area of interest or build upon your existing knowledge base. To explor such options please visit the Postgraduate Handbook.

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Sample Jobs

The following list provides same example jobs for the Japanese language major. Some of these jobs will depend upon the amount and level of study undertaken, level of experience, and the combination of other majors and electives studied, for example some may require further study.

Getting the Edge

Most employers seek to recruit people who have relevant work experience and an appreciation for their industry. Here is a check list of ideas about gaining experience and industry knowledge.

  1. Check the type of experience most employers in your field of interest expect. Don’t overlook the part time work you may be currently doing. Most employers understand that the skills are transferrable even if the work is not in their industry.
  2. Check your academic program for any courses that involve a placement or the opportunity to undertake an industry based project.
  3. Check your school for Summer Scholarships for research opportunities.
  4. Check vacancy sites for advertised traineeships, part time employment and vacation work opportunities in your field.
  5. Source and approach organisations directly about possible work shadowing or information interview opportunities.
  6. Source and approach organisations directly for paid work opportunities.
  7. Consider volunteering.

Note: Gaining experience may be important but not at the expense of your studies. Make sure you do not overload your timetable with unrealistic work commitments.

 

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Sample Employers

Japanese language graduates find employment opportunities in a wide variety of industries in small, medium or large organisations. Below is an example of some of the large organisations that recruit this major.

Recruitment Timing

Some large organisations have specific graduate recruitment programs designed to employ the pick of graduates each year. You must be in your final year of study or recently completed to apply for these programs. The timing of these recruitment drives varies and may occur at any point in the academic year, in some cases starting as early as the first few weeks of the first semester or trimester.

Find out if employers in your area/s of interest have graduate programs, when they typically recruit and what recruitment methods they use. Check with the Careers Service .

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Societies and Associations

Associations and societies often provide relevant and up to date information about a variety of issues relating to specific industry sectors. These can be a good starting point to learn more about occupations through profiles, industry news, links to academic journals and information on research developments. Many also offer student membership, conference and professional development activities, newsletters and the opportunity to participate in projects.

Associations and societies often provide relevant and up to date information about a variety of issues relating to specific industry sectors. These can be a good starting point to learn more about occupations through profiles, industry news, links to academic journals and information on research developments. many also offer student membership, conference and professional development activities, newsletters and the opportunity to participate in projects.


Don’t overlook student societies and associations. As well as student chapters of professional associations, some faculties or schools have discipline based student associations. Check your school or faculty web site; perhaps you might start one if one doesn’t exist.

Some academic disciplines run Seminar Programs that involve regular seminars presented by University of Newcastle academics, visiting academics and postgraduate students. Check your schools website for the timetable.

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Job Search Sites

Searching job sites is a good way to gain an understanding of: industries recruiting professionals in this field; types of roles and the requirements or expectations of employers for these roles. There are many online job search sites, here are a few to start with:

Australian and International

  • CareerHub: the University of Newcastle Careers Service careers and job search site for enrolled students and graduates.

Australian

  • CareerOne: Australia wide job listings, all levels and industries including executive positions
  • MyCareer: Australian and international listings
  • Seek: comprehensive Australian job listings, also includes New Zealand and UK listings
  • The Big Chair: Management and Executive Jobs

International

Job Ads and Tips For Applying

Job ads provide useful information about the job and the required skills, experience and qualifications. Information like this is useful in career planning. Below is a small sample of job ads with tips on planning and job applications; explore further to gather more useful information for your planning.

Please not, the job ads listed on this page are not current and were sourced from a variety of websites in 2010.

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