Japanese has 120 million speakers worldwide. Japan is the world's third-largest economy and a significant contributor to UK prosperity. Japanese is the fourth most common language on the internet.
British Council (2014), Languages for the Future
What's it like to learn Japanese at the IWLP?
Read posts from former students on our blog. You can also read about how you’ll learn on an IWLP module and the reasons why you should take an IWLP module.
There are Study Abroad opportunities in Japan, both a summer school and full academic year placements. You could also join the Japanese society and learn more about Japanese culture.
How do I sign up?
For detailed information, see our how to apply page. New students arriving for their first year who want to take IWLP for credit need to request to take the module via their support centre before week two of Semester 1. Existing students who want to take an IWLP module for credit in the following academic year need to sign up via RISIS module selection in April. All non-credit students must submit the non-credit application form – please note that non-credit applications open in September.
Placement test
If you have any previous knowledge of Japanese, you must complete the placement test so that we can put you in the correct stage - please note that the placement test is only open from April to October.
Modules available
LA1PJ1-IWLP JAPANESE 1
This beginner’s module is for students who have no prior knowledge or virtually no knowledge of Japanese. This module will provide an introduction to Japanese, concentrating on its use in familiar, everyday situations. Students will acquire a basic understanding of the language and the ability to communicate at a survival level.
LA1PJ2-IWLP JAPANESE 2
This post-beginner module is for students who have some basic knowledge of Japanese, such as that acquired by attending LA1PJ1 or equivalent. Students will increase their ability to communicate in Japanese by consolidating and building on their existing knowledge of language necessary for everyday situations.
LA1PJ3 - IWLP JAPANESE 3
This lower-intermediate module is for students who have some previous knowledge of Japanese, such as that acquired by attending LA1PJ2 or equivalent. Students will increase their ability to communicate in Japanese through engagement with a range of socially relevant and interesting topics, such as media, health and generational problems, and a short research project.
If you wish to take Japanese at a higher level than we currently offer, contact us at iwlp@reading.ac.uk.