I've been finding the thorough explanations of grammar and in particular the cultural details of when to use certain phrases very helpful (especially compared against learning languages using apps). Italian student, semester 1 2024-25

Available classes

The following Italian classes are available for members of the public, although not every class is available every semester. Check the class timetable below to see which classes are running this semester.

Complete Beginner (Equivalent to CEFR level A1.1): This class is suitable for you if you have never studied Italian before.

Post Beginner (equivalent to CEFR level A1.2): Enrol in this class if you have completed the Complete Beginner course with us, or if you can:

• use basic structures and basic vocabulary related to greetings, introductions, family, numbers, time, food
• form simple sentences using present tense verbs, basic questions forms, negations and basic adjectives
• follow and engage in simple conversations and understand simple texts

Elementary Part 1 (equivalent to CEFR level A2.1): Enrol in this class if you have completed the Post Beginner course with us, or have grades 4 or 5 in Italian GCSE or equivalent, or if you can:

• use basic structures and basic vocabulary related to everyday topics such as travel, weather, work, health and leisure activities
• use the present and perfect tenses
• engage in longer conversations on familiar topics and express basic opinions
• understand and write short texts

Elementary Part 2 (equivalent to CEFR level A2.2): Enrol in this class if you have completed Elementary Part 1 with us, or if you can:

• use a wider range of vocabulary covering a range of topics including work, education, hobbies, transport
• use the present, perfect and imperfect tenses
• engage in longer conversations on familiar topics, express basic opinions and make suggestions

Intermediate Part 1 (equivalent to CEFR level B1.1): Enrol in this class if you have completed Elementary Part 2 with us, if you have a Grade 6 or above in Italian GCSE or a similar qualification, or if you:

• have a substantial vocabulary covering a wide range of topics including everyday situations, work-related scenarios and social interactions
• can use present, past and future tenses, know how to use the imperative mode, the present conditional and the present subjunctive
• can engage in longer conversations and express opinions on a range of topics
• can understand longer texts – understanding main ideas and extracting specific information
• can write clear, well-structured texts on various subjects

Intermediate Part 2 (equivalent to CEFR level B1.2): Enrol in this class if you have completed Lower Intermediate Part 1 with us, or if you:

• have a substantial vocabulary covering a wide range of topics including everyday situations, work-related scenarios and social interactions
• can use present, past and future tenses, know how to use the imperative mode, the present conditional and the present subjunctive
• can engage in longer conversations and express opinions on a range of topics
• can understand longer texts – understanding main ideas and extracting specific information
• can write clear, well-structured texts on various subjects

PLIDA Exam Preparatory Workshops (A1/A2/B1): A set of 5 preparatory workshops for all students who opt to sit for the PLIDA qualifications. These are held in Semester 2 and are offered free of charge to anyone enrolled in another Italian class; they are not available to join as standalone classes.

Placement test

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

Qualifications

In semester 2, you have the option of sitting PLIDA qualifications A1, A2, or B1. We offer three levels of PLIDA accreditation starting from Beginners (A1) – subject to student numbers, leading up to Intermediate (B1). Students are able to reach one level per year of study. Exams take place at the end of the academic year at the PLIDA exam centre in Exeter. To help you prepare for the exams, you can join our PLIDA preparation workshops, which are offered free of charge to anyone enrolled in another Italian 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.

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 Italian language skills

Outside the classroom, we also share cultural events organised by Italian associations in the UK such as the Istituto italiano di cultura in London and British Italian Society. These events offer additional opportunities for you to develop your knowledge of Italian 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.