Japanese

Japanese is one of the most important languages for Australia’s cultural and trading relations within the Asian region.

Japanese language proficiency is an asset if you are seeking a career in international business, diplomacy, tourism, education, creative arts or the media. Through your studies, you will develop inter- and intra- personal skills that allow you to communicate collaboratively in cross-cultural settings.

Learning Japanese at RMIT, you are encouraged to engage in activities both inside and outside the classroom. An abundance of learning opportunities and activities allow you to reflect on and analyse aspects of the Japanese culture embedded in the language. Study tours in Japan and student-led collaborative activities further assist to expand your knowledge of cross-cultural communication issues and challenges.

You can study Japanese as a major in the Bachelor of International Studies (Languages) or as an elective in any course.

The following Higher Education 12 credit point subjects are offered for both undergraduate and postgraduate students. The course guides provide full details including subject descriptions, pre-requisites (if any), learning outcomes, learning activities and assessments:

Semester 1

Undergraduate

• Japanese 1 LANG1093
• Japanese 3 LANG1146
• Japanese 5 LANG1097
• Japanese Language and Society LANG1276

Postgraduate

• Japanese 1 LANG1407
• Japanese 3 LANG1418
• Japanese 5 LANG1420
• Japanese Language and Society LANG1396

Semester 2

Undergraduate

• Japanese 1 LANG1093
• Japanese 2 LANG1094
• Japanese 4 LANG1095
• Japanese 6 LANG1098
• Japanese Language in Context LANG1277

Postgraduate

• Japanese 1 LANG1407
• Japanese 2 LANG1417
• Japanese 4 LANG1419
• Japanese 6 LANG1421
• Japanese Language in Context LANG1395

Explore our Frequently Asked Questions to learn more about languages at RMIT.

To ensure students make maximum progress in learning Japanese, those who have studied the language outside of RMIT, including through self-study, are required to contact the course coordinator to request a placement interview or quiz. The course coordinator’s name is listed in the course guides above.

The Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) is an internationally recognised test held worldwide to evaluate and certify the proficiency of Japanese in non-native speakers. 

For information on the test and how to apply please visit: JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test)

In class, you will take part in language exchange sessions, which will give you the opportunity to engage with Japanese-speaking students and apply your language skills in a meaningful and interactive way.

Japanese language students also have the opportunity to use the language in social, professional and international contexts by taking part in various learning and social activities outside the classroom.

You will have the opportunity to study overseas and gain credit for courses. RMIT has over 200 partner universities in 31 countries to choose from. Scholarships and mobility grants are available.

Japanese language students regularly compete in the Japanese Language Speech Contest. Held annually in September, this competition gives students a chance to actively use their language proficiency by presenting a speech in Japanese.

Participants in the above speech contest are also encouraged to apply for internships with Japanese companies in Melbourne though The Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Melbourne.

• Consulate-General of Japan, Melbourne - Victoria, Tasmania and South Australia
• The Japan Foundation - Sydney
• Japanese Language Speech Contest Victoria
• The Japanese Language Teachers' Association of Victoria, Inc.
• Japan in Melbourne
• The Australia-Japan Society of Victoria
• Japanese Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Melbourne

Speak to our friendly staff about courses, applications, pathways and important dates at RMIT Connect.

Japanese course coordinators:

• Dr Maho Fukuno
• Ms Hiroko Ohashi
  
• Dr Maki Yoshida