Skip to main content

French courses for members of the public

We offer various French classes based on the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).

The word 'bonjour' inscribed on an elaborately carved antique shoe scraper in a Parisian flea market.
Develop your French language and intercultural skills

The teacher is fantastic and gives us appropriate support. I am enjoying it very much! French student, semester 1 2024-25

Available classes for beginners

The following classes are available, although not every class is available every semester. The class timetable shows which classes are running this semester.

Complete Beginner (CEFR level A1.1): Appropriate if you've never studied French before or if you know a few basic phrases. You'll be able to:

  • understand frequently used expressions and take part in basic factual conversations
  • read simple texts and write notes/short paragraphs with prompts

French Refresher (CEFR level A1): Appropriate if you've studied some French to build your confidence with the language. Perhaps you took a GCSE or 'O' level in French but haven't studied it since leaving school. You'll revise the language basics and develop confidence in listening, speaking, reading and writing.

Post Beginner (CEFR level A1.2): Appropriate if you've taken the Complete Beginner course, or if you can:

  • engage in basic conversation, exchanging age, name, nationality, occupation
  • read simple texts and write short paragraphs on familiar topics e.g. daily activities

Elementary Pt 1 (CEFR level A1.3): Appropriate if you've taken Post Beginner or can:

  • understand basic classroom instructions
  • engage in conversations on familiar topics e.g. routine or leisure activities
  • write about familiar topics in simple sentences

Elementary Pt 2 (CEFR level A1.4): Appropriate if you've taken Elementary Pt 1 or can:

  • engage in everyday conversations on topics e.g. weather, hobbies and daily routines
  • express opinions, preferences and simple facts
  • write short coherent texts on familiar topics

Lower Intermediate Pt 1 (CEFR level A2.1): Appropriate if you've taken Elementary Pt 2, have a GCSE/equivalent, or can:

  • engage in conversation on a range of topics, including present and past events
  • write short texts about daily routines, simple events and opinions

Lower Intermediate Pt 2 (CEFR level A2.2): Appropriate if you've taken Lower Intermediate Pt 1, have a GCSE/equivalent, or can:

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

French for Business (Beginner): This Beginner level class is designed to develop competence and fluency in a range of business and employment contexts. You will:

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

DELF Exam preparatory workshops (A1/A2): A set of 5 preparatory workshops for students who opt to sit for DELF qualifications. These run in Semester 2 and are free of charge to anyone enrolled in another French class; they're not available to join as standalone classes.

Advanced classes

The following classes for advanced learners are available, although not every class is available every semester. The class timetable shows which classes are running this semester.

Intermediate Pt 1 (CEFR level B1.1): Appropriate if you've completed Lower Intermediate Pt 2, have AS Level/equivalent, or 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 Pt 2 (CEFR level B1.2): Appropriate if you've completed Intermediate Pt 1, have AS Level/equivalent, or 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 Pt 1 (CEFR level B2.1): Choose this class if you've taken Intermediate Pt 2, have A Level/equivalent, or 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 Pt 2 (CEFR level B2.2): Appropriate if you've taken Upper Intermediate Pt 1, have A Level/equivalent, or 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

Advanced (Level B2.2 / C1): This advanced-level discussion class is designed to enhance your fluency and confidence if you already have Level B2 or above. The focus is on improving speaking and listening skills, allowing you to communicate more effectively and spontaneously in a variety of contexts. You will:

  • deepen your understanding of contemporary French society and culture
  • expand your vocabulary and grasp of complex grammatical structures
  • engage in discussions on current events, literature, and various other topics relevant to French-speaking communities

DELF Exam preparatory workshops (B1/B2): A set of 5 preparatory workshops for students who opt to sit for DELF qualifications. These run in Semester 2 and are free of charge to anyone enrolled in another French class; they're not available to join as standalone classes.

Qualifications

In semester 2, you have the option of sitting 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. To help you prepare for the exams, you can join our DELF preparation workshops, which are offered free of charge to anyone enrolled in another French class; they are not available to join as standalone classes. If you would like to join the relevant workshop, please speak to your teacher after you have enrolled in your core class.

Placement test

If you have never learned French with us before, or are not sure which level is right for you, please take this placement test so that you know which course class is suitable for you.

We recommend reading our Terms and Conditions for information about what to do if you enrol at the wrong level and need to transfer to a different class.

Class timetable

In semester 2 2024-25, 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 for semester 2 are now closed. The class timetable for semester 1 2025-26 will be published on this page later this year. If you would like to be notified when the timetable is available and enrolments are open, please complete this form.

More ways to develop your French language skills

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

We also organise our own cultural events, student-led Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) sessions and Language Cafés. If you are enrolled on a Foreign Language course, you are welcome to take part in all these activities; please ask your teacher for more details after you have enrolled.

Enquiries

If you have any questions, please contact us.