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 . 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 in Japan, both a summer school and full academic year placements. You could also join the 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 are permitted and wish to take an Institution-Wide Language Programme (IWLP) module for credit, starting in Semester 1, must contact the module selection team at moduleselection@reading.ac.uk. Please ensure that you use your university email account, providing the module code and title you would like to take. If you are unable to take an IWLP module for credit, you can still take the module non-credit - please see below.
Existing students who want to take an IWLP module for credit in the following academic year need to sign up via RISIS module selection. All non-credit students must submit - please note that non-credit applications open in September.
Placement test
If you have any previous knowledge of Japanese, you must complete the 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, please contact us via iwlp@reading.ac.uk