Language Centre
Japanese Beginners 1 Online - semi-intensive course August 2026
You are viewing:
Key information
Key information
- Duration
- 4 August – 3 September 2026
- Attendance mode
- Part-time, online live session/blended learning
Course overview
This 5-week course introduces basic grammatical forms and essential frequent vocabulary and establishes a solid foundation in all four key language skills.
Participants on the course will have opportunities to practice communicating in Japanese in class on daily topics, such as routines and activities, hobbies and habits, etc. The course provides complete beginners of Japanese with a basic grounding in in Japanese pronunciation and in the Hiragana and Katakana syllabaries. By the end of the course, participants are expected to be able to and read and write short simple texts in the appropriate script. This course is delivered by the Language Centre.
Japanese Beginners 1 Online Semi-Intensive (44303) August 2026 timetable:
| Day | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday | 4 August | 7pm - 8:30pm |
| Thursday | 6 August | 7pm - 8:30pm |
| Tuesday | 11 August | 7pm - 8:30pm |
| Thursday | 13 August | 7pm - 8:30pm |
| Tuesday | 18 August | 7pm - 8:30pm |
| Thursday | 20 August | 7pm - 8:30pm |
| Tuesday | 25 August | 7pm - 8:30pm |
| Thursday | 27 August | 7pm - 8:30pm |
| Tuesday | 1 September | 7pm - 8:30pm |
| Thursday | 3 September | 7pm - 8:30pm |
Method
The course is taught in English and Japanese and includes coverage of the four skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing and a good balance between understanding the systems of Japanese grammar and vocabulary, developing the skills of comprehending and producing Japanese in speech and writing, guided practice in language usage and use and authentic communicative activities.
The course is delivered through a blended learning model: comprised of 15 hours of live, online, structured lessons with the teacher, plus approximately 5 hours of guided independent learning supported by complementary materials (a total of 20 hours of blended learning). The course is designed so that, over the 10‑week period, you should have the opportunity to achieve the stated objectives, depending on your engagement and progress.
Material
Our course materials shows you what you need to buy for this course. Course materials are not included in the course fee.
Fees
- £299
Please see our course fees for full information and discounts available.
Structure
Japanese Beginners 1
In this course you will:
- exchange greetings
- recognise Japanese characters
- get used to the sounds of Japanese
- use basic classroom expressions
- write name and country in Japanese
- give simple self-introduction
- read prices
- go shopping
- recognise opening and closing times of a shop
- talk about routine activities
The above is an indication of content that may be covered over the duration of the course but it could vary depending on the level and progress of students in the class.
Terms and conditions
Before applying, please be sure that you have read the SOAS Language Centre terms and conditions.
How to apply
This Japanese Beginner 1 course is aimed at complete beginners. No prior language knowledge is required.
Please note that places are first come first served. Enrolments are taken until the course is fully booked, or up to midnight 19 July, whichever is soonest.
Continuing your study
This Japanese Beginners 1 semi-intensive course is equivalent to the 10-week Japanese Beginners 1 level. Students who complete this may be able to join Beginners 2 for the term starting October 2026, or a future term at SOAS Language Centre.
