Master 2 subject

Japanese Studies, Master 2 subject

  • What did the Japanese language sound like 1000 and 500 years ago?
  • What are the similarities and differences between Japanese and other languages?
  • What kind of changes has the Japanese society undergone?
  • What kind of exchange had been taking place between Japan and other Asian countries historically?
Tom Kleiner

The fast pace in the language courses came as a surprise.

– Tom Kleiner, Bachelor's degree
Full interview

Profile
Degree
Master of Arts
Start
Winter- and summer semester
Duration
4 semesters
Classroom language
German
Admission
Not restricted, application at the faculty required
Information on enrollment/application for German applicants

Information on enrollment/application for German applicants

Get information now
Application information for international applicants

Application information for international applicants

Get information now
What's it all about?
This degree programme is unique, because ...
it is part of Germany’s only faculty of East Asian Studies and looks into Japanese history and philology throughout all eras, exploring a variety of issues.
It provides the opportunity to specialise in the following fields ...
  • History (especially Early Modern and Modern)
  • Philology

You choose between one of the two options.

Course schedule
Module handbook
Who is suited?
Those who wish to enrol in this degree programme,
have:

enjoy:

  • reflecting about languages (major: philology)
  • analysing historical processes (major: history)
  • studying challenging literature

struggle though:

  • Japanese literature and original sources
This degree programme is suited for graduates in the following subjects
  • Japanese Studies, B.A.
Graduates from this degree programme frequently work
  • in the cultural sector
  • in the media
  • as language teachers
  • as translators
  • in Japan-oriented organisations
And else?
An internship ...

is optional.

Studying abroad ... is recommended.
Where do I find help?
Academic advisory office

Studienfachberatung Japanologie (M.A.)
Building, Room: Universitätsstr. 134, Raum 2.12
Phone: +49 (0)234 / 32-26251
Email:
Website academic advisory office

Contact students

Fachschaft Ostasienwissenschaften
Building, Room: Universitätsstraße 134, Raum 2.30
Phone: +49 (0)234 / 32-25033
Email:
Website Fachschaft

Other degree programs in the subject

Bachelor 2 subject
Tom Kleiner
Tom Kleiner, second semester student in Japanese Studies. He is pursuing the Bachelor of Arts degree, 2-subject programme. Tom’s second subject is Mathematics.

What made you choose this degree programme?

Even when I was a child, I found the samurai fascinating. My first brush with the Japanese culture was in a judo club. As a teenager, I learned about the Japanese pop culture, in the form of music and anime, and my fascination with that remote country and its culture increased. This is why I wished to learn more about the language and history of Japan.

In which respect have or haven’t your expectations been fulfilled?

The fast pace in the language courses came as a surprise. But you get used to it soon enough.

Which aspect of your degree programme do you enjoy most?

The thing I enjoy most is grammar, because of its logical and simple structure, as well as language history, because I get very excited about the evolution and changes of word forms.

What has been your biggest challenge to date?

The greatest challenge has been to consistently memorise kanji, i.e. the characters.

What would you like to become after completing your degree?

My goal is to work in an enterprise that collaborates closely with Japanese companies, so that I would be able to travel to Japan on business. I would also like to work directly in Japan.

Which advice would you like to give to students who consider enrolling in this degree programme?

Don’t neglect your vocabulary and kanji studies, or it will become really difficult to struggle through your degree course. It is definitely worth it.