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  • Japanese Language Short Courses
  • 2012/2013 entry
  • Contact us
  • Assessment
    • A combination of coursework and/or a final examination.
  • Attendance

    • One evening, or a Saturday morning or afternoon, each week.

  • Duration

    • Central London

      • 33 weeks over three terms (October–July).
      • Intensive summer courses may also be available June–September – please check our website for details.

      Stratford

      • 1A (complete beginners): one evening a week for 16 weeks.  
      • 1B (beginners): one evening a week for 17 weeks.
  • Entry requirements

    • None for complete beginners. If you have some knowledge of Japanese, you will normally complete a language placement test so that we can place you at an appropriate level. You may be called for an interview.

  • Fees and funding
  • Financial support
      • If you are a new student starting on a course in autumn 2012, you may be able to get a student loan to cover your fees and other Birkbeck financial support. Check if you're eligible.
      • If you are already studying with us and continuing on a course that you started before autumn 2012, find out about financial support and see if you are eligible.
      • Not sure if you are a new or a continuing student? See here for more information.
  • Location
    • Central London and Stratford.
  • Teaching

    • We employ a variety of methods and media, with the aim of introducing and building up your speaking, listening, reading and writing skills. You will become familiar with the language in a variety of settings. All modules are taught in Japanese. 

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Japanese Language Short Courses - 2012/2013 entry


  • Overview
      • Learn how to speak and understand Japanese from beginners level.
      • Learn about the culture and society of Japan.
      • Take modules individually or as part of a Certificate of Higher Education or BA degree. 
  • Course structure and modules
  • Further study opportunities
  • How to apply/enrol

    • We operate a rolling application procedure and some modules fill up quickly. We encourage you to enrol as early as possible.

      Japanese 1, 1A and 1B
      Japanese 1 and 1A are for complete beginners and have no entry requirements. Before enrolling, please check the module description to help you decide whether this is the right entry point for you. If you are unsure, please contact us and we will send you a placement test to see which module is best for you.

      Japanese 1A and 1B (worth 15 credits each) are the equivalent of Japanese 1 when combined. These shorter modules offer greater flexibility of study, by allowing you to enrol on, and pay for, one 16-week module before enrolling on the next.

      Japanese 2, 3, 4, 5 and Upper Advanced Japanese
      You should enrol online using the generic language module code at the end of the module descriptions. You will receive an email with a web link to a placement test, which you should complete and return as soon as possible. You may also be asked to attend an interview. The admissions tutor will advise you of the appropriate level of class, normally within two–three weeks of receiving your completed test.

      If you do not have internet access, you may enrol in person at the My Birkbeck Helpdesk or phone us on 020 7631 6316. You should then call the Cultures and Languages Office on 020 7631 6113/6170, and they will send you a placement test.

      Please note: we are revising our module codes in 2012 so these may be different to those in the printed prospectus, although the module content will not be affected.