Postgraduate Japanese –
Study Japan’s unique culture, literature and society in depth, and develop your command of the Japanese language.
Broaden your mind with the wide-ranging opportunities you’ll get from postgraduate study in Japanese language and culture.
Choose from a range of study options. You can concentrate on coursework through a Postgraduate Diploma in Arts, mix coursework and research in the Bachelor of Arts (Honours), or take your research skills to the next level by doing a Master’s or PhD thesis.
With research opportunities that cross a range of disciplines, you’ll be able to investigate the areas you’re most interested in, build a deeper understanding of the culture and language, and set yourself on the path to an academic career.
Studying in the School of Languages and Cultures, you’ll learn from staff with international reputations for teaching, research, and publishing.
You can also build your expertise in both the language itself and intercultural communication through the 180-point Master of Intercultural Communication and Applied Translation (MICAT).
Available qualifications
Literary translation
Students with an interest in the translation of fiction, poetry, drama, or film can study Translation Theory and Practice as one of their Honours or Postgraduate Diploma courses. On this course, you’ll learn about global cross-cultural communication and the way that ideas and meanings are received, explained, and transported around the world.
You can also do an MA or PhD in Literary Translation.
Language and culture are inextricably linked. Studying Japanese popular culture and literature adds a decadent layer of richness to learning the language.
Full storyDr Emerald King
Former lecturer in Japanese
Research topics
To get an idea of the kind of research topics you might investigate, you can check current staff and student research projects and publications.
Careers
Develop the kind of cross-cultural awareness that can take your career global.
Postgraduate Japanese can give you the edge when going for jobs as a diplomat, translator, interpreter, marketer, import/export manager, or researcher.
You could teach English in Japan, or become a Japanese teacher or lecturer closer to home.
Globally ranked
This programme is ranked in the top 200 universities worldwide in the QS World University Rankings 2024.
The QS World University Rankings is an annual global publication that gives overall rankings and subject rankings for more than 1,500 universities worldwide.
Community
Join a small and friendly programme that welcomes students from around the world. Build valuable relationships and networks with peers, university staff, and future colleagues.
You’ll have the chance to attend School events such as the postgraduate symposium and other seminars, workshops, and social functions.
Thesis students get their own working area, giving easy access to all the people and facilities in the School and the wider University.
The Postgraduate Students’ Association provides information on study at the University and offers a voice for you on campus.
Join the club
The University has many clubs devoted to aspects of Japanese culture, including anime, manga, aikido, and kendo.
Live and study in New Zealand's creative, compact, and vibrant capital. Wellington is home to the Japanese Embassy and an array of Japanese cultural, culinary, and social opportunities.
Scholarships
You can look for scholarships based on your level of study, subject area, and background.
Research grants
If you’re doing a Master’s or PhD you can apply for a research grant of up to $2,000 per year from the WFHSS Joint Research Committee (JRC).
Tutoring
Postgraduate students in the School of Languages and Cultures can apply to tutor undergraduate courses. Check for tutoring vacancies.