Career opportunities

Japanese Studies qualifies you for positions that require in-depth language, cultural and area knowledge in this region. It may be within public administration, international businesses or humanitarian organizations. For example in the ministries, within diplomacy, foreign affairs, other countries' embassies and consulates, or with teaching, cultural and consultancy services.

Japanese Studies qualifies you for positions that require advanced language and cultural knowledge in this region. This may be within public administration, international businesses, or humanitarian organisations.

Previous graduates have found employment in teaching, cultural and consultancy services, or in public service, embassies, and consulates. Some have developed careers in Japan, while others work in various sectors in Norway.

Furthermore, you qualify for advanced research at the doctoral level in Japanese studies and other humanities disciplines.

Read more about career opportunities and relevant industries

Former students at work

  • Adviser for East-Asian languages and language options

    Humanities specialists have some of the most varied and interesting careers – because our studies enable us to work in practically all fields, says ?ystein.

  • Information Adviser

    “Language skills are important, but it’s even more important to have something to say”. Henrik studied Japanese, and says that versatility is the best asset of the area studies at UiO.

Start developing your career

In the third semester you can choose to have an internship abroad in a relevant organisation or company as part of your degree. You can also write your master's thesis in cooperation with an external partner. Through this you can get valuable contacts and network that can be useful when you apply for a job after graduation.

You can also prepare for working life along the way by participating in career fairs, job search and interview workshops, and career counselling offered to students.

Enhance your degree with an interdisciplinary certificate

Gain unique interdisciplinary competencies for your degree, together with students from across UiO. The certificate provides students with knowledge and skills sought after in the job market.

The honours certificates consists of 20 ECTS, which may be taken as a supplement to your program. It is available for all students enrolled in a master's or professional degree program.

Further studies

Read more about research training at the Faculty of Humanities:

Published Apr. 7, 2026 4:33 PM - Last modified Apr. 7, 2026 4:33 PM