Good unis for languages

I’m thinking of studying a modern language (probably Japanese) and/or linguistics; are there any unis that are especially good for that? I’ve been looking at Edinburgh, Manchester and Durham if they are any good.

Reply 1

Muttley79

20

Original post by Harrytiff

I’m thinking of studying a modern language (probably Japanese) and/or linguistics; are there any unis that are especially good for that? I’ve been looking at Edinburgh, Manchester and Durham if they are any good.

https://www.whatuni.com/degree-courses/search?subject=japanese

Reply 2

McGinger

20

Reading - excellent study abroad system - Undergraduate study - Department of Languages and Cultures
Sheffield - multi Asian language degree - East Asian Studies BA | Undergraduate study | The University of Sheffield
Manchester - BA Linguistics and Japanese - course details (2025 entry) | The University of Manchester

Original post by Harrytiff

I’m thinking of studying a modern language (probably Japanese) and/or linguistics; are there any unis that are especially good for that? I’ve been looking at Edinburgh, Manchester and Durham if they are any good.

Hi,

I'm in my final year studying Arabic and Economics at SOAS and would highly recommend SOAS for languages.
SOAS is one of the best universities in the UK for studying modern languages and linguistics, especially for non-European languages like Japanese. It has a strong global reputation, ranking highly for Asian and Middle Eastern Studies, and is known for its expert faculty, immersive teaching approach, and cultural focus, we're currently ranked 12th in the UK for Modern Languages!

The Japanese programme offers not just language skills, but also deep insights into Japanese history, society, and culture. There’s also a year abroad in Japan, which significantly enhances fluency. I personally loved my year abroad and saw massive improvements in my language skills. You might find this blog useful, where a SOAS student shares their study abroad experience in Japan:

https://www.soas.ac.uk/about/blogs/my-study-abroad-experience-japan

We also offer Linguistics which can be studied separately or combined with Japanese, here's a few useful links to the various courses

https://www.soas.ac.uk/study/find-course/ba-japanese
https://www.soas.ac.uk/study/find-course/ba-linguistics-and

Your current choices—Edinburgh, Manchester, and Durham—are also great for modern languages and linguistics, particularly Edinburgh and Manchester, which have large, well-established language faculties. However, if you’re looking for Japanese with an international and cultural focus, SOAS is one of the best options in the UK.

Marjan Karim
SOAS Student Rep

(edited 1 month ago)

Reply 4

Stiffy Byng

19

https://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/courses/asian-and-middle-eastern-studies/japanese

https://www.ames.cam.ac.uk/study-us/prospective-undergraduates/what-can-i-study/japanese

Reply 5

lewisnorris

5

Original post by Harrytiff

I’m thinking of studying a modern language (probably Japanese) and/or linguistics; are there any unis that are especially good for that? I’ve been looking at Edinburgh, Manchester and Durham if they are any good.

Hey,
I’m going to study Japanese studies in September, I went to both a Durham and Manchester open day and was 100% more intrigued by the Manchester course and just by the city in general more. With Manchester course as it is being an intensive course they stated on the open day if you don’t pass first year exam you get moved onto the East Asian studies course, I don’t know if this is the same for Durham. I’ve firmed Manchester for Japanese studies and rejected Durham’s offer and have Newcastle as my back up. I’m going on the post offer holder day to Manchester on April the 2nd so I can fill you in on anymore information that I find out!

Good unis for languages

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