SOAS or Manchester BA Japanese
I've applied to study BA Japanese at both SOAS and the University of Manchester, but I'm really struggling to decide between the two.
SOAS seems like the obvious choice because of its strong reputation, specialist focus, and connections in the field but since I was born and raised in London, I'm worried I'd miss out on the classic student experience by staying here. On the other hand, Manchester's campus and student life seem much more exciting and different, especially with halls and a proper campus atmosphere.
Does anyone here have experience doing the course at either uni? I'd love to hear some insight to help me make a decision.
SOAS seems like the obvious choice because of its strong reputation, specialist focus, and connections in the field but since I was born and raised in London, I'm worried I'd miss out on the classic student experience by staying here. On the other hand, Manchester's campus and student life seem much more exciting and different, especially with halls and a proper campus atmosphere.
Does anyone here have experience doing the course at either uni? I'd love to hear some insight to help me make a decision.
Original post by nettomaako
I've applied to study BA Japanese at both SOAS and the University of Manchester, but I'm really struggling to decide between the two.
SOAS seems like the obvious choice because of its strong reputation, specialist focus, and connections in the field but since I was born and raised in London, I'm worried I'd miss out on the classic student experience by staying here. On the other hand, Manchester's campus and student life seem much more exciting and different, especially with halls and a proper campus atmosphere.
Does anyone here have experience doing the course at either uni? I'd love to hear some insight to help me make a decision.
SOAS seems like the obvious choice because of its strong reputation, specialist focus, and connections in the field but since I was born and raised in London, I'm worried I'd miss out on the classic student experience by staying here. On the other hand, Manchester's campus and student life seem much more exciting and different, especially with halls and a proper campus atmosphere.
Does anyone here have experience doing the course at either uni? I'd love to hear some insight to help me make a decision.
You may visit SOAS to have a feel there. There are always someone gather there during term break. You may also see during term time whether the students from SOAS, Birkbeck and UCL mix well.
Besides, SOAS is quite special. Its unique non-European atmosphere is really fascinating.
(edited 1 month ago)
Reply 2
Original post by nettomaako
I've applied to study BA Japanese at both SOAS and the University of Manchester, but I'm really struggling to decide between the two.
SOAS seems like the obvious choice because of its strong reputation, specialist focus, and connections in the field but since I was born and raised in London, I'm worried I'd miss out on the classic student experience by staying here. On the other hand, Manchester's campus and student life seem much more exciting and different, especially with halls and a proper campus atmosphere.
Does anyone here have experience doing the course at either uni? I'd love to hear some insight to help me make a decision.
SOAS seems like the obvious choice because of its strong reputation, specialist focus, and connections in the field but since I was born and raised in London, I'm worried I'd miss out on the classic student experience by staying here. On the other hand, Manchester's campus and student life seem much more exciting and different, especially with halls and a proper campus atmosphere.
Does anyone here have experience doing the course at either uni? I'd love to hear some insight to help me make a decision.
Hi there
I definitely get where you're coming from, I also had the same thoughts before deciding to study Arabic at SOAS. While it’s not exactly the same as Japanese, there’s definitely a lot of overlap when it comes to language structure, intensity, and the year abroad. Personally, I’ve loved my course, especially the cultural immersion and the chance to spend a year abroad, it’s genuinely been one of the highlights of my degree.
If you’re interested, here’s a great blog from a SOAS student who studied Japanese and did her year abroad in Japan: 👉 My Study Abroad Experience in Japan
In terms of student life, I’m also from London, and I had the same concern about "missing out" on the traditional campus experience. While it’s true SOAS isn’t a campus uni in the classic sense, we’re part of the University of London network and share loads of facilities with unis like UCL, LSE, and King’s. There’s so much happening all the time, and you meet loads of students from across London — I’ve never felt like I’ve missed out socially.
Also, I’d really recommend coming to our Undergraduate Applicant Day to get a proper feel for the vibe here: 📅 SOAS Applicant Day – Book Here
It might help you decide if the environment is right for you.
Both are great choices — but if you're looking for real language depth, strong cultural focus, and unique opportunities in East Asian studies, SOAS really is hard to beat.
Finally I would highly recommend reaching out to a current BA Japanese student on Unibuddies as I'm sure their input would be extremely valuable
https://www.soas.ac.uk/chat-students-and-staff
Let me know if you’ve got any more questions!
Marjan Karim
SOAS Student Rep
Quick Reply
Related discussions
- Good unis for languages
- Does this course exist??
- Sheffield University Japanese Studies
- Where to study Japanese in UK? Help!!
- Criminology or International relations degree?
- SOAS Japanese
- Urgent international relations
- SOAS for economics or finance
- Best UK unis for History and International Relations?
- languages undergraduate degree
- SOAS Japanese 2025
- Undecided for Japanese - Sheffield, Newcastle, UEA, SOAS
- SOAS Accommodation
- Comparative Literature at SOAS or KCL?
- What course should I do for my future ?
- BA Japanese
- SOAS Contact Hours
- soas course
- Stay at Birkbek vs transfer to SOAS for year 2?
- SOAS BA Japanese AMA
Latest
Trending
Last reply 1 day ago
Manchester university urgent biosciences with Foundation year anyone ??Last reply 1 day ago
Official Uni of Manchester Offer Holders Thread 2025 entryLast reply 1 month ago
Official University of Manchester 2025 Applicant ThreadLast reply 1 month ago
Forgetting to accept interview from UCAS but still attending it.
