This is a well-rounded introduction to both written and spoken Japanese, designed by the School of East Asian Studies. It involves serious study, through which you gain a solid grounding, essential if you wish to go on to study the language at higher levels. The only knowledge of Japanese needed to start the course is the ability to read and write the two Japanese syllabic scripts, hiragana and katakana.

By the end of the course you should be able to understand and handle the basic grammatical structures of the language and have gained a full command of hiragana and katakana as well as of some 250 kanji. As for the spoken language, you should have acquired the vocabulary needed to take part in simple everyday conversations, as well as an understanding of social conventions necessary to interact with Japanese people in Japanese.

April 1 and October 1 each year

Apply early to ensure a place on the course! You will not have to commit yourself until later, when you are asked to register.

Normal Application deadline: 12 December to start in the following April 12 May to start in October.

Late Applications: If you cannot apply until later, your application will be considered up to: 1 April for the April start and 1 October for the October start.

It is certainly worth applying up until these dates, and we will do everything possible to process your application, but please understand that the later you apply the less likely it is that your application will be successful, particularly as it may take too long to get references and process your application through the University systems. Also, if you are accepted on to the course late, registration and access to online services will be delayed. How long will the application process take? Apply as soon as you can so we can start processing your application, but please be aware that you may not be notified of the decision until after the application deadline, if certain course details are not finalised until then.

The application form form for this course is different from the form for the MA courses. It can be downloaded by clicking on the red menu bar at the top of this page. It is also available from David English House by email attachment or in hard copy format and includes guidelines for filling them out. Please allow time to collect together additional documentation as the following should be sent to DEH with your completed School of East Asian Studies language course application form:

a) One reference: normally an academic reference from your place of higher education. If you have been out of education for a long time a reference from a Japanese Teacher or employer will do.

b) Non-native speakers of English only: Evidence of English Language qualifications (see under Entry requirements)

(fee band for students based in Japan and Asia-Pacific region/Australasia)

300,000 yen, payable in two installments, each of 150,000 yen.

Course duration (can be extended)

Coursework: 6 months

The course involves six months of part-time study (approximately 15 hours per week), at the end of which you take an examination in either Hiroshima or Sheffield. If you have less time available to study and would prefer to study at a slower pace, you may, in consultation with the Distance Learning Centre, arrange to spread your studies over one year.