MA Japanese: Admission 2025, Syllabus, Eligibility, Colleges, Careers

MA Japanese is a 2-year postgraduate course in linguistics and literature. The course focuses on Japanese language history, culture, tradition, texts, interpretation, literature, speaking and writing practice, etc. It involves dissertation and research projects to study modern and historic poets, writers, authors, and their work.

To be eligible for MA Japanese, one must have obtained 50% marks or equivalent CGPA in a bachelor’s degree, as well as have qualified for CUET PG. Along with this, qualifying JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test) is also mandatory to take admission in Delhi University, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Tilak Maharashtra University, etc. Some other colleges offering this course are Doon University, English and Foreign Languages University, and Visva-Bharati University.

With a Master of Arts in Japanese, one can work with IT companies, dealing with Japanese Clients and Projects. Those looking to work globally can also apply to MNCs with Japanese proficiency. People wanting to become authors can work with a publication house or a media house. Other job opportunities are a Language trainer, a research analyst, a customer service representative, etc.

MA in Japanese Key Highlights

The key highlights of MA Japanese are tabulated below.

What is an MA in Japanese?

An MA in Japanese is a postgraduate academic program focused on advanced study of the Japanese language, literature, culture, history, and society.

• The course aims to develop high-level proficiency in the Japanese language (reading, writing, speaking, listening) and deep contextual understanding.
• The curriculum includes advanced grammar, translation, classical and modern literature, linguistics, history, politics, and contemporary Japanese society.
• It also involves a research methodology, and students have to work on a thesis or a substantial research project.

Why Study an MA in Japanese?

Perks of studying Master of Arts in Japanese are as follows;

• Career Opportunities: It opens doors to diverse roles in translation, interpretation, international business, diplomacy, education, and tourism.
• Cultural Immersion & Understanding: It provides a deep dive into Japan's rich culture, history, and societal nuances. It makes you aware of global culture and tradition.
• Enhanced Language Mastery: It elevates Japanese language skills to a professional and academic level (often targeting JLPT N1/N2).
• Academic and Research Pathways: Graduates can pursue a Doctor of Literature based on this degree and research work carried out during the program.

MA in Japanese Eligibility Criteria

MA in Japanese eligibility criteria as as follows;

• Aspirants must have a minimum of 50% or equivalent CGPA in UG from a UGC-recognised university.
• Candidates who have a qualified BA in Japanese are preferred over other relevant UG degrees.
• Apart from that, specific JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test) levels (e.g., N2 or N3) or equivalent NATT/Old Level qualifications are also required.
• If candidates are not from a Japanese language discipline or are not native speakers, completion of a mandatory number of hours of Japanese language courses from a recognized institute is required.
• Following these criteria, qualification for CUET PG is also required for admission to the course at Delhi University or JNU.

MA in Japanese Entrance Exams

Generally, MA Japanese admission is made considering CUET PG score in universities like JNU and Delhi University. Other institutes may grant direct admission on the basis of UG merit.

MA in Japanese Colleges in India

MA in Japanese is offered by very limited institutions in India. Some of the universities offering this program are tabulated below. However, applicants may explore foreign institutes and the availability of Online MA/Distance learning platforms to pursue an MA in Japanese.

MA in Japanese Admission Process

Master of Arts in Japanese admissions are based on CUET PG merit for most universities. The admission process starts with an online application, followed by merit list preparation, counselling, and seat allocation. The Admission Process for Delhi University is explained below for your reference.

Step 1: The candidates need to register themselves for the CUET PG entrance examination by visiting the official website of CUET PG NTA.

Step 2: The candidates need to complete the application form by paying the application fee.

Step 3: The candidates need to appear for the entrance examination and wait for the result.

Step 4: After the declaration of the CUET PG result, go to the official website and register on the Common Seat Allocation System (CSAS-PG) portal.

Step 5: Fill out an application form with all the required information, choose filling, and upload documents along with a CUET PG scorecard.

Step 6: DU will prepare a merit list based on which shortlisted candidates will be called for counselling.

Step 7: Upon counselling, seat allocation will be done based on your choice filling.

Step 8: At this point, selected candidates will have to bring their original documents for verification.

Step 9: Once verification and seat allotment are done, candidates will have to pay an initial course fee to confirm their admission.

Documents Required

• Original Marksheet of 10th and 12th grade, Graduation certificate
• CUET PG Scorecard and other certifications of Japanese proficiency
• School Leaving Certificate
• Caste Certificate (if applicable)
• Birth Certificate
• ID Proof (Aadhar/ PAN/ Passport)
• Passport-size Photograph

MA in Japanese Syllabus

The syllabus of the course is divided into 4 semesters, including literature criticism, theory and practice of translation, general texts, literature, history, Japanese culture, speaking, and writing practice etc. The table below details a semester-wise MA in Japanese syllabus taught at Delhi University (Department of East Asian Studies).

MA in Japanese Job Opportunities in India

The MA in Japanese offers a broad range of job opportunities in various sectors, including education, IT, Automotive, Consultancy firms, etc. Some of the MA Japanese job opportunities are as tabulated below.

MA in Japanese Vs MA French

MA Japanese is most suitable in careers related to business, diplomacy, and the culture of Japan that are often regarded as language demanding. Offering greater generalisability as well as more easily understanding and chances of employment in global business functions, education, as well as diplomacy, an MA in French is of greater value.

MA in Japanese FAQs