Japanese studies at Sheffield or Leeds?

I currently have offers from both universities and I'm stuck as to which to choose. I'm visiting Sheffield and Leeds soon to get a better opinion but would like other people's feedback. Which is the more reputable course and what sort of facilities are there? They both seem very similar. Factors could sway my decision could probably be the cities themselves. What expereiences do people have/had living visiting?

People will mention SOAS but I visited the open day and I didn't like the prospect of living in London.

Reply 1

Lava

Well, I am studying Linguistics-Spanish at Leeds, but I am doing Elementary Japanese and Japan in the World as elective modules.

If you are doing first year Japanese I'm pretty sure you will have to do Japan in the World, which is actually a really interesting module - we've looked at Japanese history, culture, religion even a little literature.

From friends who are studying Japanese as a degree they seem to be really enjoying it!

The best thing about Leeds is the elective system whereby you can choose a third/fourth subject which normally carries an equal amount of credit to your main subject/s. You can then change to that subject next year if you like!

There's quite a few japanese people at the uni and there's a Japanese Society which is quite good fun - kareoke at the local japanese restaurant!

Hope that helped.

Reply 2

Archkinkist

Come to Sheffi! I can actually help here as my course last year finally becomes relevant :biggrin:

I did Japanese Studies (through clearing) here last year. SEAS is quite definitely regarded as the best thing since sliced bread, and they all boast it from the rooftops on the website. Since Durham had the insane notion of closing it's East Asian department, it's probably your best bet. Japanese Studies involves language intensive studying, of course :smile:

, and Japanese Studies which I found interesting (and I'm not even a culturist or anything!) Rick Siddle is rather cool, and they teach it in lectures only, it's rather nice. The language is rather different, in that you need to learn the syllabaries before you come (if you do go and they ask you to buy the workbook don't do it!! You can probably get stuff in your local library and it's a waste of money; I know lol). It starts off at a fair pace, but they usually split into two groups one who have GCSE or whatever and the true beginners aka me. I was actually moved into the second group in second semester because i was a lot more intelligent than some of the geeks who inhabited my class, and I was clearly needing a higher pace or something. If you're better at grammar like me then that class wouldn't be so hard, but be warned also that you have from the middle of sem 1 to learn 30 prescribed kanji a week. That is one of the hardest things to get used to and the common factor in people quitting this type of course. However, I ended up quitting partly because I then was retransferred halfway through, and ended up in one group for spoken and listening, and one for writing which was very confusing. It (to me at least) is rather badly organised, though it may have changed now. And Tanaka-sensei is there! He is a legend, and some of my coursemates tried starting a Tanaka-sensei appreciation society :biggrin:

I've never ever been to Leeds but I think that course would likely focus more on the vocational ethic and use, be warned 1st year Sheffists get only 20 free credits; and the timetabling means it can be difficult to arrange anything. I tried doing Czech and had timetabling problems so severe that I had to change in second semester to Philosophy. Also the lectures and seminars for Jap always start early; I had 9 9 9 10 10 for my starting hours and that was am unfortunately lol. I'll stop rambling, I hope that helps you.
PS The Arts Tower rocks!

Reply 3

squideye

1

I know 3 people who are doing Japanese A-Level, and have decided to continue with it at uni. One hopes to do Japanese and Management, another Japanese and Linguistics and the other Japanese and German. they have all chosen Leeds, 2 with Sheffield as their insurance. So, although there doesn't seem to be much in it, judging by popularity alone, Leeds wins.

Reply 4

ali.najaf

People will mention SOAS but I visited the open day and I didn't like the prospect of living in London.

I'm currently at UCL studying comp sci, my japanese ability is between about level 3 and level 2 on JLPT... mostly thanks to the number of native japanese speakers in London, particularly in and around the SOAS area.

I have a friend studying Japanese+Linguistics at SOAS who's having a great time. There are a lot of opportunties to immerse yourself in the culture in London as well. For me thats Kendo and 'language exchange' with cute jgirls. :biggrin:

I'd be interested to know what kind of options you have for employment with a degree in Japanese as I'm considering doing a masters.

Japanese studies at Sheffield or Leeds?

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