Triangle

Imagine where a language could take you. The Language Centre offers students the opportunity to earn credits towards their degree by learning a language alongside their main subject.

Whether you are an undergraduate or postgraduate, you can start a new language from scratch or improve existing skills. 

We have new modules for 2024/25! (silent video)

 

Pathways to take our modules

Flow chart showing options for fee paying language students. Details in text following the chart.

 

What is studying in the Language Centre like?

  • You will have lessons twice a week (with a one-hour session and a two-hour session), three contact hours in total per week.
  • A typical class size is capped at 22 students.
  • There may be more than one parallel group of the same language course and you will be assigned to the group that fits with your timetable.
  • If you choose to study with us for 2 semesters, you will have the opportunity to develop reading, writing, listening and speaking skills in the target language.
  • Modules in the Spring semester are a continuation of the Autumn semester modules. 
  • We also offer modules for new beginners in the Spring (this is a repeat of the Autumn Stage 1A module).

If you haven't studied a language with us in the Autumn semester but would like ot join from the Spring semester, please email the convenor to assess your level.

Without a tutor's permission, joining Spring semester modules will not be allowed unless it is a Spring Stage 1A beginner's module.

Frequently asked questions about the Language Centre

Troubleshooting - Timetable

When you enrolled to our module, you will be allocated to a group (if there is more than one group for the same language stage).  If you can't find a language module, it may be due to the following reasons.  Please check the Timetable page first via the link above and contact the Language Centre if the issues are not resolved.

1. there is a timetable clash with your core modules.

2. you are taking the module as a fee-paying student (it is your responsibility to remember when and where your language classes take place).

3. you have not been enrolled to the module correctly. 

No academic credits to take our modules? Your options to learn a language by paying a fee

Places for fee-paying students and both Advantage Award options are subject to availability as interfaculty language classes are capped at 22 students. You will be informed by email whether there are spaces in the module of your choice.

 
I would say it’s the area of the university that has most felt like a community. Everyone in your class is in the same boat, and at the same level. We all support each other - it’s a really friendly environment.

 

Arabic

Did you know….

  • Arabic is written from right to left, which is the opposite direction of many other languages. The script is cursive, meaning that the letters are connected.  
  • There are numerous words to describe different types of love, each capturing a distinct aspect of the complex emotion.
  • Arabic is the fifth most spoken language in the world, with over 310 million native speakers.   

Arabic stage 1

For complete beginners or those with very little knowledge of the language

 

Arabic stage 2

If you have studied Arabic before at GCSE level (grade 6 or above) or equivalent or have successfully completed our Arabic stage 1 modules

 

Quranic Arabic

Students with a minimum of CEFR Arabic A2 level or have successfully completed our Arabic stage 1 modules.

 

 

 

French

Did you know….

  • French is the official or co-official language in 29 countries, making it one of the most widely spoken and influential languages globally.
  • French is often referred to as the "language of diplomacy." It remains an official or working language in many international organizations, including the United Nations.
  • The Eiffel Tower was originally intended to be a temporary structure for the 1889 Exposition Universelle (World's Fair) and was almost dismantled afterward. However, it was saved because it proved valuable as a radio transmission tower.

French stage 1

For complete beginners or those with very little knowledge of the language

 

French stage 2

If you have studied French before at GCSE level (grade 6 or above) or equivalent or have successfully completed our French stage 1 modules

 

French stage 3

If you studied French before at A level or have successfully completed our French stage 2 modules

 

French stage 4

If you have studied French at GCE Advanced Level grade A*-B or equivalent or have successfully completed our French stage 3 modules

 

French stage 5

If you have 1 year of post-A level language tuition (or equivalent) or have successfully completed our French stage 4 modules

 

French stage 6

If you have have a post A-Level qualification, CEFR equivalent B2+/C1 level, demonstrable ability to communicate in the French fluently (sometimes acquired from an intercalated year abroad in the country where the language is spoken) or have successfully completed our French stage 5 modules

 

 

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German

Did you know….

  • German is the official, or co-official language in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Liechtenstein and the Italian province of South Tyrol. German is also used by minorities in some countries. It is spoken as a first language by roughly 100 million Europeans and is hence the most spoken first language in Europe.                                                      
  • The German language allows to create many compound nouns by combining two or more words. For example Hand + Schuh makes a glove.  
  • German speakers like their bread. There are over 3000 different varieties.

German stage 1

For complete beginners or those with very little knowledge of the language

 

German stage 2

If you have studied German before at GCSE level (grade 6 or above) or equivalent or have successfully completed our German stage 1 modules

 

German stage 3

If you studied German before at A level or have successfully completed our German stage 2 modules

 

German stage 4

If you have studied German at GCE Advanced Level grade A*-B or equivalent or have successfully completed our German stage 3 modules

 

 

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Hebrew (Biblical)

Did you know….

  • Hebrew is unique among ancient languages because it has been revived and is now spoken as a modern language in Israel.
  • The Hebrew Bible is full of clever wordplays, irony, and even riddles that are often lost in translation.
  • Test your knowledge of the Hebrew alphabet

Hebrew (Biblical)

This module is designed for students with no prior knowledge of Hebrew

 

 

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Italian

Did you know….

  • Italian is highly phonetic, meaning words are pronounced as they are spelled. Once you learn the pronunciation rules, you can generally read Italian with ease.
  • Italian is often referred to as a musical language due to its melodious and rhythmic nature. This is especially evident when spoken or sung.
  • Around 63 million people in the world speak Italian as their first language. Approximately 3 million speak Italian as a second language. Italian is the 4th most studied language in the world. 

Italian stage 1

For complete beginners or those with very little knowledge of the language

 

Italian stage 2

If you have studied Italian before at GCSE level (grade 6 or above) or equivalent or have successfully completed our Italian stage 1 modules

 

 

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Japanese

Did you know…

  • Japanese uses three scripts: Kanji (characters borrowed from Chinese), Hiragana, and Katakana. Learning Kanji, the logographic characters borrowed from Chinese, is like solving a puzzle. Each character tells a story, and as you master them, it's like unlocking a secret code to a whole new world of meaning.
  • Japanese has a rich variety of onomatopoeic words, which vividly express sounds, feelings, and states. For example, "gacha gacha" represents a clattering or rattling sound.
  • What is the origin of emojis are originated? Thank Japan! The word "emoji" comes from Japanese (絵文字), where "e" means picture and "moji" means character. So, every time you use an emoji, you're embracing a bit of Japanese linguistic charm.

Japanese stage 1

For complete beginners or those with very little knowledge of the language

 

Japanese stage 2

If you have studied Japanese before at GCSE level (grade 6 or above) or equivalent or have successfully completed our Japanese stage 1 modules

 

Japanese stage 3

If you studied Japanese before at A level or have successfully completed our Japanese stage 2 modules

 

 

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Korean

Did you know….

  • The Korean writing system, Hangeul, is incredibly logical and was created by King Sejong the Great in the 15th century to increase literacy among commoners. Its construction is so systematic that you can learn to read it in just a few hours!
  • Beyond mere formality, Korean honorifics reflect the society's values of respect and hierarchy. Using them correctly demonstrates cultural awareness and strengthens relationships. Mastering this complex system requires an understanding factors such as age, status, and context, as well as employing specific verb conjugations, titles, and vocabulary.
  • Singing along to your favorite K-pop songs is a language lesson in disguise. You'll learn catchy phrases, expressions, and even some slang. Bonus points if you can dance along with the idols!

Korean stage 1

For complete beginners or those with very little knowledge of the language

 

Korean stage 2

If you have studied Korean before at GCSE level (grade 6 or above) or equivalent or have successfully completed our Korean stage 1 modules

 

 

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Mandarin Chinese

Did you know…

  • Chinese characters often have components called radicals. Learning radicals is like discovering the building blocks of a secret code. It's like solving a puzzle where each piece gives you a clue to unlock the meaning!
  • Mastering Mandarin tones is like learning a dance for your tongue. Imagine your voice dancing up and down to a rhythm as you speak. It's not just pronunciation; it's a tonal tango!  Additionally, Chinese also doesn’t assign genders to nouns, and there is no verb conjugation.
  • In China, the colour red is considered extremely auspicious and holds great cultural significance. It is associated with good luck, happiness, and prosperity. You'll often find red used prominently in celebrations, especially during important events like weddings and the Chinese New Year.

Mandarin Chinese stage 1

For complete beginners or those with very little knowledge of the language

 

Mandarin Chinese stage 2

If you have studied Mandarin Chinese before at GCSE level (grade 6 or above) or equivalent or have successfully completed our Mandarin Chinese stage 1 modules

 

Mandarin Chinese stage 3

If you studied Mandarin Chinese before at A level or have successfully completed our Mandarin Chinese stage 2 modules

 

Mandarin Chinese stage 4

If you have studied Mandarin Chinese at GCE Advanced Level grade A*-B or equivalent or have successfully completed our Mandarin Chinese stage 3 modules

 

Mandarin Chinese for Cantonese speakers

If you completed Mandarin Chinese Stage 3 with us or in other institutions but with a heritage background

 

 

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Russian

Did you know….

  • Russia is the largest country in the world, spanning both Europe and Asia. It covers 11 time zones and has diverse landscapes, from the vast Siberian tundra to the historic cities of Moscow and Saint Petersburg.
  • Learning the Cyrillic alphabet is like embarking on a mystical quest to decipher magical symbols. It's not just letters; it's your ticket to unlocking the linguistic treasure chest.
  • The iconic Russian nesting dolls, or Matryoshka, are not just charming souvenirs. They often tell a story, and some sets can have dozens of dolls, each fitting inside the other. 

Russian stage 1

For complete beginners or those with very little knowledge of the language

 

Russian stage 2

If you have studied Russian before at GCSE level (grade 6 or above) or equivalent or have successfully completed our Russian stage 1 modules

 

 

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Spanish

Did you know….

  • Spanish is the second most spoken language in the world by native speakers, with over 460 million people using it as their first language. Did you know Spanish is also spoken in Africa in places such as Equatorial Guinea and Western Sahara?
  • Spanish is a Romance language but also reflects the influences of other languages such as Arabic, Nahuatl and Quechua. The words for pillow (almohada) and rice (arroz) come from Arabic, while the word for tomato (tomate) is from Nahuatl and the word for a basketball court (cancha) is from Quechua.
  • Mexico has the largest number of native speakers of Spanish in the world, with 125 million people. It is also home to the oldest university in North America. Many people might assume that Harvard holds this title, but the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) was founded in 1551 as the Royal and Pontifical University of New Spain.

Spanish stage 1

For complete beginners or those with very little knowledge of the language

 

Spanish stage 2

If you have studied Spanish before at GCSE level (grade 6 or above) or equivalent or have successfully completed our Spanish stage 1 modules

 

Spanish stage 3

If you studied Spanish before at A level or have successfully completed our Spanish stage 2 modules

 

Spanish stage 4

If you have studied Spanish at GCE Advanced Level grade A*-B or equivalent or have successfully completed our Spanish stage 3 modules

 

Spanish stage 5

If you have 1 year of post-A level language tuition (or equivalent) or have successfully completed our Spanish stage 4 modules

 

Spanish in the digital world

Spanish with CEFR C1/C2 or heritage speakers with an equivalent knowledge

 

Podcasting in Spanish

Spanish with CEFR C1/C2 or heritage speakers with an equivalent knowledge

 

 

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British Sign Language

Did you know….

  • British Sign Language (BSL) is a unique and distinct language with its own grammar and vocabulary. It is not simply a signed version of English. American Sign Language (ASL) and BSL, for example, are different sign languages.
  • in BSL, individuals often have unique sign names that tell a story about them? It's like having a personal logo or superhero symbol that captures the essence of who you are in the signing world.
  • You can join the BSL TikTok community and ride the wave of sign language trends? It's not just about learning; it's about being part of a fun and creative online signing movement! 

British Sign Language stage 1

For complete beginners or those with very little knowledge of the language

 

 

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Culture modules

Did you know…

  • learning about culture is like embarking on a journey around the world without leaving your seat? Each cultural lesson is a passport stamp, taking you to new and exciting destinations of understanding.
  • engaging with culture is like participating in a global game of charades? You decipher gestures, symbols, and meanings, enhancing your ability to communicate in the rich language of cultures.
  • learning about culture offers a backstage pass to understanding the 'why' behind human practices? It's not just about knowing; it's about uncovering the motivations and stories that shape societies.

Exploring intercultural awareness

 

Exploring Asian Cultures

 

 

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Language education modules

Did you know…

  • learning about languages is like magic spells for your brain? Each module is a linguistic enchantment, expanding your cognitive abilities and weaving a tapestry of words in your mind.
  • delving into languages is a bit like having a passport to different worlds? You travel through the pages of grammar, navigate the landscapes of vocabulary, and immerse yourself in the cultures that each language unveils.
  • immersing yourself in languages is a bit like becoming a language detective? You decipher phonetic fingerprints, grammatical footprints, and semantic clues to unlock the secrets of linguistic diversity. 

Exploring Language and Linguistics

Core module for MLT students (autumn semester); also targets undergraduate students enrolled on the degree programs in the School of Cultures, Languages and Area Studies. This module is also available to exchange students. Available to JYA/Exchange students. 

 

Teaching and Learning Foreign Languages

 

 

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