Undecided for Japanese - Sheffield, Newcastle, UEA, SOAS
Hey there,
with the deadline of 6th June ticking closer and closer, I decided to ask in here
I 'm an EU student and have offers to study Japanese at degree level in the U.K. this fall. Before, I have studied at uni in the EU.
I've been planning to go to the UK for a few years now and have already previously applied to UK universities-
Currently, I am holding offers from University of Sheffield, University of East Anglia, University of Newcastle and SOAS.
I have narrowed it down to the first three because I'd prefer a more classical, campus-type uni experience (and also because Brexit hasn't been kind to EU students and living in London is very pricy ) However, I remain torn!
Did any one here study Japanese / Translation and Media/ East Asian studies at either Sheffield University , Newcastle University, University of East Anglia and SOAS nd can share some stories on how they made that choice and whether they felt it was the right decision?
How is the workload at and reputation of the universities? I previously studied a rigorous degree at a lesser known uni, so this time I am ideally looking for a well known uni with a workload that is manageable next to a good uni experience that includes partaking in societies (while of course this differs from person to person , a general estimate would be great!)
Thank if you have read this far! For more detail, these are my pros and cons for each of my choices:
Sheffield:
PROS
- SEAS is very well known for East Asian Studies
- interesting modules
- modern uni
- Russel Group
- not "campus " per definition but definitely the typical campus life
- great exchange links to Japan, Korea
- not too far from London by train
Cons:
- no translation-specific or media modules
- scholarship is smaller than for the other two
University of Newcastle
- interesting modules
- not "campus" by definition but definitely campus life
- Russel Group
- some translation modules
- partial scholarship
Cons:
- very far from London
University of East Anglia
Pros:
- interesting modules with a translation and media focus
- typical campus uni experience
- visited and liked it
- not too far from London
Cons:
- not Russel Group, not as well known
- (they closed my favorite accomdation this year :‘) )
Neither pro nor con: Some friends went here, so perhaps that influences my decision?)
SOAS
Pros:
- very well known
- in London
- interesting modules
Cons:
- very expensive cost of living
- less typical uni -campus experience
- no scholarship
Any advice would be so appreciated 😊
Thank you again!
with the deadline of 6th June ticking closer and closer, I decided to ask in here
I 'm an EU student and have offers to study Japanese at degree level in the U.K. this fall. Before, I have studied at uni in the EU.I've been planning to go to the UK for a few years now and have already previously applied to UK universities-
Currently, I am holding offers from University of Sheffield, University of East Anglia, University of Newcastle and SOAS.
I have narrowed it down to the first three because I'd prefer a more classical, campus-type uni experience (and also because Brexit hasn't been kind to EU students and living in London is very pricy ) However, I remain torn!
Did any one here study Japanese / Translation and Media/ East Asian studies at either Sheffield University , Newcastle University, University of East Anglia and SOAS nd can share some stories on how they made that choice and whether they felt it was the right decision?
How is the workload at and reputation of the universities? I previously studied a rigorous degree at a lesser known uni, so this time I am ideally looking for a well known uni with a workload that is manageable next to a good uni experience that includes partaking in societies (while of course this differs from person to person , a general estimate would be great!)
Thank if you have read this far! For more detail, these are my pros and cons for each of my choices:
Sheffield:
PROS
- SEAS is very well known for East Asian Studies
- interesting modules
- modern uni
- Russel Group
- not "campus " per definition but definitely the typical campus life
- great exchange links to Japan, Korea
- not too far from London by train
Cons:
- no translation-specific or media modules
- scholarship is smaller than for the other two
University of Newcastle
- interesting modules
- not "campus" by definition but definitely campus life
- Russel Group
- some translation modules
- partial scholarship
Cons:
- very far from London
University of East Anglia
Pros:
- interesting modules with a translation and media focus
- typical campus uni experience
- visited and liked it
- not too far from London
Cons:
- not Russel Group, not as well known
- (they closed my favorite accomdation this year :‘) )
Neither pro nor con: Some friends went here, so perhaps that influences my decision?)
SOAS
Pros:
- very well known
- in London
- interesting modules
Cons:
- very expensive cost of living
- less typical uni -campus experience
- no scholarship
Any advice would be so appreciated 😊
Thank you again!
(edited 10 months ago)
Reply 1
Why do you care about Russell group? That’s postgrad research intensity (i.e how many papers researchers publish when they should be teaching students)
Original post by lilyflowerg
Hey there,
with the deadline of 6th June ticking closer and closer, I decided to ask in here I 'm an EU student and have offers to study Japanese at degree level in the U.K. this fall. Before, I have studied at uni in the EU.
I've been planning to go to the UK for a few years now and have already previously applied to UK universities-
Currently, I am holding offers from University of Sheffield, University of East Anglia, University of Newcastle and SOAS.
I have narrowed it down to the first three because I'd prefer a more classical, campus-type uni experience (and also because Brexit hasn't been kind to EU students and living in London is very pricy ) However, I remain torn!
Did any one here study Japanese / Translation and Media/ East Asian studies at either Sheffield University , Newcastle University, University of East Anglia and SOAS nd can share some stories on how they made that choice and whether they felt it was the right decision?
How is the workload at and reputation of the universities? I previously studied a rigorous degree at a lesser known uni, so this time I am ideally looking for a well known uni with a workload that is manageable next to a good uni experience that includes partaking in societies (while of course this differs from person to person , a general estimate would be great!)
Thank if you have read this far! For more detail, these are my pros and cons for each of my choices:
Sheffield:
PROS
- SEAS is very well known for East Asian Studies
- interesting modules
- modern uni
- Russel Group
- not "campus " per definition but definitely the typical campus life
- great exchange links to Japan, Korea
- not too far from London by train
Cons:
- no translation-specific or media modules
- scholarship is smaller than for the other two
University of Newcastle
- interesting modules
- not "campus" by definition but definitely campus life
- Russel Group
- some translation modules
- partial scholarship
Cons:
- very far from London
University of East Anglia
Pros:
- interesting modules with a translation and media focus
- typical campus uni experience
- visited and liked it
- not too far from London
Cons:
- not Russel Group, not as well known
- (they closed my favorite accomdation this year :‘) )
Neither pro nor con: Some friends went here, so perhaps that influences my decision?)
SOAS
Pros:
- very well known
- in London
- interesting modules
Cons:
- very expensive cost of living
- less typical uni -campus experience
- no scholarship
Any advice would be so appreciated 😊
Thank you again!
with the deadline of 6th June ticking closer and closer, I decided to ask in here
I 'm an EU student and have offers to study Japanese at degree level in the U.K. this fall. Before, I have studied at uni in the EU.I've been planning to go to the UK for a few years now and have already previously applied to UK universities-
Currently, I am holding offers from University of Sheffield, University of East Anglia, University of Newcastle and SOAS.
I have narrowed it down to the first three because I'd prefer a more classical, campus-type uni experience (and also because Brexit hasn't been kind to EU students and living in London is very pricy ) However, I remain torn!
Did any one here study Japanese / Translation and Media/ East Asian studies at either Sheffield University , Newcastle University, University of East Anglia and SOAS nd can share some stories on how they made that choice and whether they felt it was the right decision?
How is the workload at and reputation of the universities? I previously studied a rigorous degree at a lesser known uni, so this time I am ideally looking for a well known uni with a workload that is manageable next to a good uni experience that includes partaking in societies (while of course this differs from person to person , a general estimate would be great!)
Thank if you have read this far! For more detail, these are my pros and cons for each of my choices:
Sheffield:
PROS
- SEAS is very well known for East Asian Studies
- interesting modules
- modern uni
- Russel Group
- not "campus " per definition but definitely the typical campus life
- great exchange links to Japan, Korea
- not too far from London by train
Cons:
- no translation-specific or media modules
- scholarship is smaller than for the other two
University of Newcastle
- interesting modules
- not "campus" by definition but definitely campus life
- Russel Group
- some translation modules
- partial scholarship
Cons:
- very far from London
University of East Anglia
Pros:
- interesting modules with a translation and media focus
- typical campus uni experience
- visited and liked it
- not too far from London
Cons:
- not Russel Group, not as well known
- (they closed my favorite accomdation this year :‘) )
Neither pro nor con: Some friends went here, so perhaps that influences my decision?)
SOAS
Pros:
- very well known
- in London
- interesting modules
Cons:
- very expensive cost of living
- less typical uni -campus experience
- no scholarship
Any advice would be so appreciated 😊
Thank you again!
So probably the main thing you want to focus on is strength of the language teaching and then the course offerings besides that. A user who graduated with a Japanese degree a few years ago made a really informative post about this, see below:
Spoiler
I gather since the above was written, there have been some changes at SOAS which have improved some of the previous toxicity (apparently results are now no longer made available to all students, and there is less competition between the students in relation to this). However due to the rationalisation of expenses over COVID that SOAS did, there are slightly fewer modules among the options I believe, and some of the more specific old options have been replaced with more general pan-East Asian options.
It seems also you probably want to go somewhere with a well established Japanese programme to ensure you get good instruction in the language - of those you note it sounds like Sheffield and SOAS are the best options in that regard.
Also another really important consideration is the year abroad destination - this can make a huge difference apparently. The above user also made a really in depth post about this too, see below:
Spoiler
It seems that you would definitely want to avoid anywhere that only has Kyoto University as an option for example. And probably want to prioritise those that have the options noted above with good student support.
Note that although "prestige" is generally not the best reason to be choosing a university, as I understand SOAS is considerably more well known outside of the UK in the countries which speak the languages it teaches and fairly well regarded internationally as a result. It's also (regardless of perceptions of "prestige" within the UK) generally the best or second best place in the UK for most of the languages it teaches due to it being specialised in those areas.
Original post by 3Engineer141592
Why do you care about Russell group? That’s postgrad research intensity (i.e how many papers researchers publish when they should be teaching students)
It's even worse than that - it's really just a self-selected group of universities that act as a political lobbying group and marketing brand! So you're right - it's beyond irrelevant in choosing where to study
Reply 3
Original post by lilyflowerg
Hey there,
with the deadline of 6th June ticking closer and closer, I decided to ask in here I 'm an EU student and have offers to study Japanese at degree level in the U.K. this fall. Before, I have studied at uni in the EU.
I've been planning to go to the UK for a few years now and have already previously applied to UK universities-
Currently, I am holding offers from University of Sheffield, University of East Anglia, University of Newcastle and SOAS.
I have narrowed it down to the first three because I'd prefer a more classical, campus-type uni experience (and also because Brexit hasn't been kind to EU students and living in London is very pricy ) However, I remain torn!
Did any one here study Japanese / Translation and Media/ East Asian studies at either Sheffield University , Newcastle University, University of East Anglia and SOAS nd can share some stories on how they made that choice and whether they felt it was the right decision?
How is the workload at and reputation of the universities? I previously studied a rigorous degree at a lesser known uni, so this time I am ideally looking for a well known uni with a workload that is manageable next to a good uni experience that includes partaking in societies (while of course this differs from person to person , a general estimate would be great!)
Thank if you have read this far! For more detail, these are my pros and cons for each of my choices:
Sheffield:
PROS
- SEAS is very well known for East Asian Studies
- interesting modules
- modern uni
- Russel Group
- not "campus " per definition but definitely the typical campus life
- great exchange links to Japan, Korea
- not too far from London by train
Cons:
- no translation-specific or media modules
- scholarship is smaller than for the other two
University of Newcastle
- interesting modules
- not "campus" by definition but definitely campus life
- Russel Group
- some translation modules
- partial scholarship
Cons:
- very far from London
University of East Anglia
Pros:
- interesting modules with a translation and media focus
- typical campus uni experience
- visited and liked it
- not too far from London
Cons:
- not Russel Group, not as well known
- (they closed my favorite accomdation this year :‘) )
Neither pro nor con: Some friends went here, so perhaps that influences my decision?)
SOAS
Pros:
- very well known
- in London
- interesting modules
Cons:
- very expensive cost of living
- less typical uni -campus experience
- no scholarship
Any advice would be so appreciated 😊
Thank you again!
with the deadline of 6th June ticking closer and closer, I decided to ask in here
I 'm an EU student and have offers to study Japanese at degree level in the U.K. this fall. Before, I have studied at uni in the EU.I've been planning to go to the UK for a few years now and have already previously applied to UK universities-
Currently, I am holding offers from University of Sheffield, University of East Anglia, University of Newcastle and SOAS.
I have narrowed it down to the first three because I'd prefer a more classical, campus-type uni experience (and also because Brexit hasn't been kind to EU students and living in London is very pricy ) However, I remain torn!
Did any one here study Japanese / Translation and Media/ East Asian studies at either Sheffield University , Newcastle University, University of East Anglia and SOAS nd can share some stories on how they made that choice and whether they felt it was the right decision?
How is the workload at and reputation of the universities? I previously studied a rigorous degree at a lesser known uni, so this time I am ideally looking for a well known uni with a workload that is manageable next to a good uni experience that includes partaking in societies (while of course this differs from person to person , a general estimate would be great!)
Thank if you have read this far! For more detail, these are my pros and cons for each of my choices:
Sheffield:
PROS
- SEAS is very well known for East Asian Studies
- interesting modules
- modern uni
- Russel Group
- not "campus " per definition but definitely the typical campus life
- great exchange links to Japan, Korea
- not too far from London by train
Cons:
- no translation-specific or media modules
- scholarship is smaller than for the other two
University of Newcastle
- interesting modules
- not "campus" by definition but definitely campus life
- Russel Group
- some translation modules
- partial scholarship
Cons:
- very far from London
University of East Anglia
Pros:
- interesting modules with a translation and media focus
- typical campus uni experience
- visited and liked it
- not too far from London
Cons:
- not Russel Group, not as well known
- (they closed my favorite accomdation this year :‘) )
Neither pro nor con: Some friends went here, so perhaps that influences my decision?)
SOAS
Pros:
- very well known
- in London
- interesting modules
Cons:
- very expensive cost of living
- less typical uni -campus experience
- no scholarship
Any advice would be so appreciated 😊
Thank you again!
Hi there,
I have just completed my BA in Japanese and International Relations at SOAS so can share some thoughts on the course and university. If you want to ask me specific questions feel free to contact me via UniBuddy: https://www.soas.ac.uk/study/chat-student
The BA Japanese course at SOAS is very intensive language learning but it means that if you work hard you can graduate with the equivalent of N2 or fluency in Japanese! The history and culture modules available are also really interesting and you have the option to take modules from other departments or learn other languages, I studied beginners Korean this year. A big pro for SOAS is the year abroad as there are many partner universities all over Japan. For my year there were around 12 universities on offer from Hokkaido to Tokyo, Osaka to Kobe. I chose Osaka and had the best year as I improved my languages skills immensely and traveled a lot! I have loved my degree and would genuinely recommend it to anyone who wants to learn Japanese and live in Japan!
In terms of the cons you've listed, SOAS is a very small university which means you don't get that typical campus experience but it also means smaller class sizes and more contact with your professors. Living in London is definitely expensive but it is manageable, I have worked part time my whole degree and there's lots of jobs available within the university that are well paid and flexible!
Hope this helps and feel free to contact me via UniBuddy if you have any more questions. Best of luck with your decisions!
Caera, Final year BA Japanese and International Relations
Reply 4
Original post by lilyflowerg
Hey there,
with the deadline of 6th June ticking closer and closer, I decided to ask in here I 'm an EU student and have offers to study Japanese at degree level in the U.K. this fall. Before, I have studied at uni in the EU.
I've been planning to go to the UK for a few years now and have already previously applied to UK universities-
Currently, I am holding offers from University of Sheffield, University of East Anglia, University of Newcastle and SOAS.
I have narrowed it down to the first three because I'd prefer a more classical, campus-type uni experience (and also because Brexit hasn't been kind to EU students and living in London is very pricy ) However, I remain torn!
Did any one here study Japanese / Translation and Media/ East Asian studies at either Sheffield University , Newcastle University, University of East Anglia and SOAS nd can share some stories on how they made that choice and whether they felt it was the right decision?
How is the workload at and reputation of the universities? I previously studied a rigorous degree at a lesser known uni, so this time I am ideally looking for a well known uni with a workload that is manageable next to a good uni experience that includes partaking in societies (while of course this differs from person to person , a general estimate would be great!)
Thank if you have read this far! For more detail, these are my pros and cons for each of my choices:
Sheffield:
PROS
- SEAS is very well known for East Asian Studies
- interesting modules
- modern uni
- Russel Group
- not "campus " per definition but definitely the typical campus life
- great exchange links to Japan, Korea
- not too far from London by train
Cons:
- no translation-specific or media modules
- scholarship is smaller than for the other two
University of Newcastle
- interesting modules
- not "campus" by definition but definitely campus life
- Russel Group
- some translation modules
- partial scholarship
Cons:
- very far from London
University of East Anglia
Pros:
- interesting modules with a translation and media focus
- typical campus uni experience
- visited and liked it
- not too far from London
Cons:
- not Russel Group, not as well known
- (they closed my favorite accomdation this year :‘) )
Neither pro nor con: Some friends went here, so perhaps that influences my decision?)
SOAS
Pros:
- very well known
- in London
- interesting modules
Cons:
- very expensive cost of living
- less typical uni -campus experience
- no scholarship
Any advice would be so appreciated 😊
Thank you again!
with the deadline of 6th June ticking closer and closer, I decided to ask in here
I 'm an EU student and have offers to study Japanese at degree level in the U.K. this fall. Before, I have studied at uni in the EU.I've been planning to go to the UK for a few years now and have already previously applied to UK universities-
Currently, I am holding offers from University of Sheffield, University of East Anglia, University of Newcastle and SOAS.
I have narrowed it down to the first three because I'd prefer a more classical, campus-type uni experience (and also because Brexit hasn't been kind to EU students and living in London is very pricy ) However, I remain torn!
Did any one here study Japanese / Translation and Media/ East Asian studies at either Sheffield University , Newcastle University, University of East Anglia and SOAS nd can share some stories on how they made that choice and whether they felt it was the right decision?
How is the workload at and reputation of the universities? I previously studied a rigorous degree at a lesser known uni, so this time I am ideally looking for a well known uni with a workload that is manageable next to a good uni experience that includes partaking in societies (while of course this differs from person to person , a general estimate would be great!)
Thank if you have read this far! For more detail, these are my pros and cons for each of my choices:
Sheffield:
PROS
- SEAS is very well known for East Asian Studies
- interesting modules
- modern uni
- Russel Group
- not "campus " per definition but definitely the typical campus life
- great exchange links to Japan, Korea
- not too far from London by train
Cons:
- no translation-specific or media modules
- scholarship is smaller than for the other two
University of Newcastle
- interesting modules
- not "campus" by definition but definitely campus life
- Russel Group
- some translation modules
- partial scholarship
Cons:
- very far from London
University of East Anglia
Pros:
- interesting modules with a translation and media focus
- typical campus uni experience
- visited and liked it
- not too far from London
Cons:
- not Russel Group, not as well known
- (they closed my favorite accomdation this year :‘) )
Neither pro nor con: Some friends went here, so perhaps that influences my decision?)
SOAS
Pros:
- very well known
- in London
- interesting modules
Cons:
- very expensive cost of living
- less typical uni -campus experience
- no scholarship
Any advice would be so appreciated 😊
Thank you again!
Hi there,
It's great that you’ve narrowed your choices to Sheffield, Newcastle, and UEA for a more classic campus experience, especially given the Brexit challenges for EU students and London's high living costs.
I'll try to address some of your points so you make an informed decision. Regarding UEA, the university offers interesting modules focused on translation and media, which align well with your interests. The typical campus experience at UEA is conducive to making friends and getting involved in societies. Norwich is vibrant yet more affordable and less overwhelming than London, while still being close enough for occasional visits. You've already visited and liked it, which is a significant plus.
While UEA isn’t part of the Russell Group, it's well-respected for its teaching quality and student satisfaction. Many lecturers hold qualifications from the Higher Education Academy, ensuring a supportive learning environment. UEA’s active research culture improves the learning experience quite significantly. Additionally, CareerCentral at UEA offers excellent career services, helping with internships, job applications, and interview prep, supported by a significant alumni network.
For more insights, you can ask current students and academics directly at www.uea.ac.uk/ask-us. This could give you a clearer picture of life and academics at UEA. Ultimately, choose the environment and course content that will make you happiest and most successful.
Good luck with your decision!
Daniel
PhD student
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