All students and staff at the University can enrol on a language course alongside their study or work to enhance their career prospects, develop intercultural competence, and enjoy a rewarding learning experience. All students and staff benefit from heavily discounted concessionary fees of just £99 per semester.
Why learn a language
Learning a Foreign Language develops a wide range of vital employability skills and is a great way to support a work placement or study abroad. It’s also tremendous fun and a fantastic opportunity to meet new people – all students, members of staff, and members of the public learn together in these classes.
Speaking another language will give you an advantage in today’s competitive global employment market. Our courses are designed to increase your cultural awareness and communication skills, and build your confidence to travel, study and work abroad.
Claire Charlemagne, Head of Languages, says:
Our highly experienced teachers are really knowledgeable and passionate about languages. We’re committed to provide our students with world-class opportunities to develop the linguistic and intercultural skills that will set them apart in today’s competitive global marketplace.
What's available
We offer courses in seven different languages, ranging from Beginners to Advanced: Arabic, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, and Spanish. Where applicable, the course levels are based on the Common European Framework.
Most languages offer classes at all levels, from Beginner to Advanced, each semester. You don’t have to have enrolled in semester 1 to enrol in semester 2 (although some languages may not offer every level in semester 2).
Meet The Teacher sessions
If you're not sure which language to learn, or level to take, you can come along to a drop in session to meet the teacher and find out more. These are free to attend and there's no need to book - you can just turn up. Most classes will run a Meet the Teacher session during week commencing 3 February.
In addition to the class-specific sessions, there will be a drop-in running from 11:00 - 14:00 on Monday 3 February and Friday 7 February.
How to enrol
You can view a detailed timetable of all the Meet The Teacher sessions, and enrol on the class of your choice, in MySkills.
In semester 2 2024-25, most classes start week commencing 10 February 2025 and finish week commencing 28 April 2025, with a two week break for Easter (7 - 18 April 2025). Enrolments will close on Thursday 20 February 2025.