What level of Japanese do I need to enrol in the Advanced Diploma in Japanese Language Studies?

Roughly JLPT N3 — comfortable with most everyday written Japanese, around 300 kanji and 1,500 vocabulary items. The Advanced Diploma in Japanese Language Studies is designed to take you toward N2 over the course.

Is the Advanced Diploma in Japanese Language Studies useful for translation work?

Yes. The translation portfolio module gives you three to five short pieces under tutor review, with Chartered Institute of Linguists-aligned feedback. The Advanced Diploma in Japanese Language Studies is a credible foundation before a specialist translation Master's.

What fees and instalments are available?

Fees vary by mode and intake. LSJHML offers an instalment plan across the academic year and a small early-application discount. Contact admissions for the current schedule.

Advanced Diploma in Japanese Language Studies | LSJHML | Harold International College of London

Course Overview

The Advanced Diploma in Japanese Language Studies at the London School of Journalism, Humanities & Modern Languages (LSJHML) is a twelve-to-fifteen-month UK qualification for learners who already have a working command of Japanese and want to push it to professional fluency. The course is aligned to the Japan Foundation's progression framework and is designed to bring students from JLPT N3 entry level toward a solid N2 — the threshold where Japanese becomes a working tool rather than a learning project.

You will read contemporary written Japanese (newspaper, business correspondence, literary excerpts), produce written work in genkō-yōshi style, handle keigo registers in role-played professional settings, and complete a short translation portfolio under tutor review.

Key Features

JLPT N2 preparation integrated through the course, with timed practice in vocabulary, grammar, reading and listening.
Keigo and business-Japanese clinic — sonkeigo, kenjōgo and teineigo handled in role-played professional scenarios.
Kanji and vocabulary progression to approximately 1,000 N2-tier kanji and 6,000 vocabulary items.
Translation portfolio — three to five short Japanese-to-English pieces across journalism, business and literary material.
Industry-led sessions in dialogue with Japan Foundation and Chartered Institute of Linguists practitioners.
Direct top-up into the final year of a UK BA with Japanese at LSJHML or a partner university.

What You Will Learn

The Advanced Diploma in Japanese Language Studies is structured around the four working capabilities a professional user of Japanese needs — reading, writing, listening and speaking — with translation craft as a fifth, integrative skill. You finish able to read a daily newspaper at speed, write a structured business email in correct keigo, follow a meeting and produce a short publishable translation.

Reading — newspapers, magazines, short literary excerpts and standard business documents.
Writing — structured essays, business correspondence, summary writing.
Listening — news bulletins, podcasts, recorded meetings and academic lectures.
Speaking — discussion, presentation, professional meeting language.
Keigo — sonkeigo (honorifics), kenjōgo (humble forms), teineigo (polite forms).
Kanji and vocabulary at N2 level with structured retention practice.
Translation craft — register, idiom, cultural transposition, fidelity vs readability.
Cultural competence — workplace norms, regional variation, professional etiquette.

Who This Course Is For

Diploma graduates in Japanese or learners at JLPT N3 ready to progress toward N2.
Working professionals using Japanese in their role who want a recognised UK credential.
UK-based researchers, journalists and business analysts covering Japan or the East Asia market.
Career-changers from language teaching, translation or East Asia studies moving toward professional bilingual work.

Career Pathways

The Advanced Diploma in Japanese Language Studies supports progression into Japan-facing professional roles in the UK and abroad. Typical roles include:

Japanese Translator (commercial agency, in-house)
Japan Markets Analyst (financial services, consultancy, research)
Bilingual Editor (JP/EN) (publishing, media, academic)
Cultural Affairs Officer (Japan-facing diplomatic, cultural or trade body)
International Programme Coordinator (university, festival, research centre)
Localisation Specialist (gaming, technology, media)

Graduates progress to a Bachelor's top-up year with Japanese, or to a Master's in translation or East Asia studies.

Entry Requirements

A UK Diploma (Level 4) or equivalent in Japanese, OR JLPT N3 or completion of secondary school plus one year of structured Japanese study.
IELTS 5.5 overall (no band below 5.5) for non-native English speakers.
Personal statement, CV and a short writing sample in Japanese.
Mature applicants (21+) without standard qualifications may apply with three years of relevant work experience using Japanese.

Why Study at LSJHML

The London School of Journalism, Humanities & Modern Languages is a specialist higher-education provider based in central London. Our programmes are designed in dialogue with working professionals — journalists, translators, civil servants, academics, broadcasters, editors, publishers and policy researchers — so what you learn in seminar on Monday is what your future employer is using on Tuesday. We deliberately keep cohorts small, give every student named tutor support, and treat employability as a structural part of every programme rather than an optional add-on.

London is the work — politics, courts, capital markets, theatre, broadcasting, publishing, public service, the global press. Your studies are taught in the same square mile where the stories you read about happen. Whether you join us on-campus, online or by distance learning, the city is your classroom and our industry network is your launchpad.