We offer various courses based on the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). Leading to the globally acknowledged DELF qualifications A1 – B2. We offer four levels of accreditation starting from Beginners (A1) leading up to Upper Intermediate (B2). 

Exams take place at DELF examination centres at the end of the academic year.

Courses

Our language courses aim to develop your linguistic skills and intercultural competence and enhance your employment opportunities. You can find out more on the general information page.

The following French courses are available for members of the public:

Semester 1

• Complete Beginner
• Elementary Part 1
• Lower Intermediate Part 1
• Intermediate Part 1
• Upper Intermediate Part 1
• French for Business Complete Beginner

Semester 2

• Post Beginner
• Elementary Part 2
• Lower Intermediate Part 2
• Intermediate Part 2
• Upper Intermediate Part 2
• French for Business Post Beginner
• DELF Exam Preparatory Workshops A1/A2/B1/B2

Placement test

If you have never learned French with us before, please take this placement test so that you know which course is suitable for you.

Please also refer to the course descriptions below.

Course descriptions

Complete Beginner (Semester 1)

Equivalent to CEFR level A1.1

Enrol on this course if you have never studied French before or if you know a few basic phrases. At the end of this course, you will be able to:

• understand frequently used expressions and take part in basic factual conversations
• read simple texts and write notes and short paragraphs with prompts
• have some knowledge of the culture of the countries where French is spoken

Post Beginner (Semester 2)

Equivalent to CEFR level A1.2

Enrol on this course if you have completed the Complete Beginner course with us, or if you can:

• engage in basic conversations, exchanging information such as age, name, nationality, occupation, etc
• read simple texts and write short paragraphs on familiar topics such as daily activities

Elementary Part 1 (Semester 1)

Equivalent to CEFR level A1.3

Enrol on this course if you have completed the Post Beginner course with us, or if you can:

• understand basic classroom instructions and main points in short, clearly spoken messages
• engage in conversations on familiar topics such as routine or leisure activities
• write about familiar topics in simple linked sentences

Elementary Part 2 (Semester 2)

Equivalent to CEFR level A1.4

Enrol on this course if you have completed Elementary Part 1 with us, or if you can:

• engage in everyday conversations on topics such as the weather, hobbies and daily routines
• express opinions, preferences and simple facts
• write short coherent texts on familiar topics

Lower Intermediate Part 1 (Semester 1)

Equivalent to CEFR level A2.1

Enrol on this course if you have completed Elementary Part 2 with us, or if you have a GCSE or equivalent, or if you can:

• engage in conversations on a range of familiar topics, recognising the difference between present and past events
• understand short recordings on familiar topics delivered in relatively slow-paced standard language
• write short texts about daily routines, simple events and opinions

Lower Intermediate Part 2 (Semester 2)

Equivalent to CEFR level A2.2

Enrol on this course if you have completed Lower Intermediate Part 1 with us, or if you have a GCSE or equivalent, or if you can:

• interact with a degree of fluency and accuracy in common social situations
• understand texts on a number of non-abstract topics and give considered opinions
• write longer texts on a variety of topics, including past events

Intermediate Part 1 (Semester 1)

Equivalent to CEFR level B1.1

Enrol on this course if you have completed Lower Intermediate Part 2 with us, or if you have an AS level or equivalent, or if you can:

• interact in familiar situations with a degree of flexibility and fluency
• understand the gist and some detail of broadcast materials on topics of general interest
• write structured texts on a variety of topics, including experience and future plans

Intermediate Part 2 (Semester 2)

Equivalent to CEFR level B1.2

Enrol on this course if you have completed Intermediate Part 1 with us, or if you have an AS level or equivalent, or if you can:

• describe experiences with accuracy, talk about dreams, ambitions, and hypothetical situations
• understand the gist of simple news reports
• write structured texts on a variety of topics, including experience and future plans

Upper Intermediate Part 1 (Semester 1)

Equivalent to CEFR level B2.1

Enrol on this course if you have completed Intermediate Part 2 with us, or if you have an A level or equivalent, or if you can:

• communicate in various situations, including some unpredictable and abstract topics, express opinions about current issues and formulate hypothesis
• understand and comment on simple news reports
• write about experiences and hypothetical situations with a degree of confidence

Upper Intermediate Part 2 (Semester 2)

Equivalent to CEFR level B2.2

Enrol on this course if you have completed Upper Intermediate Part 1 with us, or if you have an A level or equivalent, or if you can:

• communicate clearly on a variety of topics, deliver an unscripted presentation with reasonable fluency
• understand and comment on most broadcast news and current affairs programmes with some support
• write about abstract topics and hypothetical situations with a good level of accuracy

French for Business

This is a beginner level course designed to develop your competence and fluency in using French in a range of business and employment contexts.

On the course you will also:

• further your understanding of French society and culture
• develop your intercultural competence
• improve your employability skills

A commitment to independent study outside of class is important.

DELF Exam preparatory workshops (A1/A2/B1/B2) (Semester 2)

A set of 5 preparatory workshops is offered to all students who opt to sit for the DELF qualifications. These are held in Semester 2 and run alongside the respective courses.

Course dates and times

All courses consist of 10 weekly interactive sessions delivered on our Claverton Down campus in person.

Taster sessions will be held during the weeks of 23 and 30 September 2024.

Enrolments will open on Wednesday 18 September and close on Friday 11 October.

Semester 1 lessons will start in the week beginning 7 October 2024.

Timetable for Semester 1

Student experience

"I highly recommend the Upper Intermediate French class with a lovely mix of University of Bath students and members of the public. The work is challenging with interesting topics. We were given plenty of opportunity to improve our French oral skills. There is a positive and encouraging atmosphere which allows for people of any age or skill to interact. Give it a go! Don’t be afraid to repeat the class, as I have done to improve my weaknesses." (Kim Milewski)

Outside the classroom, we also share cultural events organised by French associations in the UK such as the Institut Français and Alliance Française with our students. These events offer additional opportunities for you to develop your knowledge of French language and culture.