BA Japanese with International Development Studies

Students starting this programme will be learning Japanese from scratch or from GCSE level and will have more intensive language study than students starting French or Spanish from A-level prior to the year abroad in year three. This more intensive study reduces slightly the number of optional modules available in year 1.

This four-year programme enables you to devote approximately one third of your time to the study of Japanese Honours language, one third to International Development Studies and one third either to language/translation issues or to International Development Studies-related subjects. The programme includes a year abroad in year three for all students.

Degree Structure

The programme is designed to provide coherence and focus around core elements in relation to your main interests. Progression over four years is ensured by the careful sequencing of modules, from a range of introductory modules in the first year, to greater specialisation, and sophistication of approach in subsequent years. The programme is flexible, and a free choice module is available for the pursuit of individual interests. Japanese language and Development Studies are studied throughout the course. The modules in Development Studies offer you in-depth study of topical and regional modules to complement your language skills. The topical modules will build on the cultural element studied through the language, providing a broader and more politicised perspective on your language studies.

In Year One, core study of the Japanese language may be combined with modules entitled Language, Culture and Interpersonal Communication or Discourse and Power. You also choose one area of specialist study in Development Studies - Social Analysis for Development (sociology, anthropology and politics) OR Economics for Development OR Natural Resources for Development. As most students are new to Development Studies, the first semester provides you with a background to the subject through the module Introduction to Development Studies, following historical and contemporary themes linked to global change: environmental, political, social and economic. In Year Two, continued study of Japanese language is combined with Development Studies, following the same area of specialist study started in Year 1. In Years 2 and 3 you also choose up to about one third of the programme from a range of language and/or development related modules. You also have the option of taking a Subsidiary language in year 2. Our range of Subsidiary languages is currently as follows: British Sign Language, Mandarin Chinese, German, Modern Greek, Italian, Russian, and Spanish. Many of these can be studied for a second year (to intermediate level, i.e. A level equivalent); there are also one-year and two-year post-A level subsidiary courses in some languages. In the area of Development Studies the options usually include, for example, Human Rights, Gender and Development, Public Policy and Welfare, Health, Education and Development, Globalisation and Economic Development – Resource Development and Conservation, Regional Courses on Development in Latin America, Sub-Saharan Africa or South Asia. In the area of language and translation issues, the options usually include, for example, Language and Politics, Language and Society, Language and Gender, Language in Action, Translation Issues in the Media, Subtitling and Dubbing, Translation Work Experience, Translation and Adaptation, Interpreting, and Intercultural Communication in Practice.

Language Work

A typical semester will include four hours per week of Japanese language study, but you are also expected to spend a significant proportion of your time working independently on the language. The seminars are varied, involving grammar, translation or interpreting into and out of Japanese, reading and listening comprehension, précis and paraphrase work, the study of different styles and registers, comparison between texts in different languages, and oral work, including formal individual and group presentations. The material for study includes such items as subject-oriented dossiers, DVDs, on-line resources, as well as a wide range of selected texts covering topics from current affairs and cultural issues. The four hours per week of language work in years one and two at post-A level are followed by the year abroad, after which the Final Year consolidates and builds on improved competence acquired on the year abroad. Language work for beginners/post-GCSE entry students is more intensive and will cover all major grammatical areas as well as provide students with a level of speaking and understanding which will enable the year abroad to be taken with confidence.

Language Resources

The James Platt Language Centre houses a digital language laboratory, a viewing and editing room, a digitised interpreting suite for advanced language training, live satellite television broadcasts, a large, multi-media self-access resources room with a wide range of DVDs and reference books, up-to-date computers linked to the internet, and translation software.

Year Abroad

All students study at university in Japan in year three. For further information, click on the Study Abroad tab above.

Assessment

A variety of assessment methods are used in different modules, ranging from 100% coursework to 100% examination. Coursework assessment includes written essays and translations, oral production and aural comprehension, lexical and comprehension exercises, oral presentations (individual and in groups), translations, annotated translations, summaries and paraphrases. Examinations test the same range of skills, including oral proficiency. Assessment in the international development courses is through essays, seminar presentations, teamwork and examination

Course Organiser:Ms. Hazel Marsh

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Entry Requirements A Level: ABB International Baccalaureate: 32 Scottish Advanced Highers: ABB Irish Leaving Certificate: AABBBB Access Course: Please contact the University for further information. HND: Please contact the University for further information. European Baccalaureate: 75% Students for whom English is a Foreign language

We welcome applications from students from all academic backgrounds. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading). Recognised English Language qualifications include:

• IELTS: 6.5 overall (minimum 6.0 in all components)
• TOEFL: Internet-based score of 88 overall (minimum 18 in the Listening and Writing components; 19 in the Reading component; and 21 in the Speaking component)
• PTE: 62 overall with minimum 55 in all components

If you do not meet the University's entry requirements, our INTO Language Learning Centre offers a range of university preparation courses to help you develop the high level of academic and English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study.

Interviews

The School does not currently interview all applicants for undergraduate entry as standard, however we do offer the opportunity to meet with an academic individually on a Visit Day in order to gain a deeper insight into the course(s) you have applied for.

Gap Year

We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year.

Deferred Entry

We also welcome applications for deferred entry, believing that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry and may wish to contact the appropriate Admissions Office directly to discuss this further.

Special Entry Requirements

It is generally expected that you should have at least a Grade B at A Level, or its equivalent, in the language or languages that you intend to take at honours level.

In the case of Spanish or Japanese studied from Beginners' or Spanish, French or Japanese from post-GCSE level, we require evidence of foreign language learning ability, such as a good grade in a foreign language at GCSE.

If two honours languages are studied, only one can be taken from below A Level.

Intakes

The School's annual intake is in September of each year.

Alternative Qualifications

If you have alternative qualifications that have not been mentioned above then please contact the University directly for further information.

GCSE Offer

Students are required to have Mathematics and English at Grade C or above at GCSE level.

Assessment

For the majority of candidates the most important factors in assessing the application will be past and future achievement in examinations, academic interest in the subject being applied for, personal interest and extra-curricular activities and the confidential reference. We consider applicants as individuals and accept students from a very wide range of educational backgrounds and spend time considering your application in order to reach an informed decision relating your application. Typical offers are indicated above. Please note, there may be additional subject entry requirements specific to individual degree courses.

The School of Language and Communication Studies is a small, lively School where we offer flexible undergraduate degree programmes with an emphasis on language competence and on issues relating to contemporary language and translation. Our graduates are highly employable and enter an extremely wide range of professions using their well-developed language and communication skills, and intercultural sensitivity.

Our MA graduates are equally successful professionally. Courses at this level enable flexible planning in the combination of core and optional modules and in the range of possible dissertation topics, while the Faculty of Arts and Humanities provides a rich interdisciplinary environment designed to encourage dialogue and the cross-fertilisation of ideas.

New for 2012-13

We’re always working to build on our strengths here in LCS, improving your student experience – and your prospects. Here are some new Key Features for 2012-13 that you won’t yet find in our brochure:

• Smaller groups in language classes – as few as 10 – mean even better quality learning.
• New high-spec professional interpreter training facilities – helping to keep you ahead of the game.
• Employability boost – extra timetabled sessions to develop your skills and employability profile for a range of professions using language skills right from the start of your degree course.

Find out what our undergraduate students say or check out our Facebook page for 2013 applicants where you can ask our current students questions about studying and living here:

www.facebook.com/groups/UEALCSapps2013

UniStats Information Fees and Funding University Fees and Financial Support: UK/EU Students

Further information on fees and funding for 2012 can be found here

University Fees and Financial Support: International Students

The University will be charging International students £11,700.00 for all full time School of Language and Communication Studies undergraduate programmes which start in 2012.

Please click to access further information about fees and funding for International students.