We teach European Spanish, but references are made to the other forms of Spanish spoken around the world, especially to Spanish spoken in Latin America.

Our 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.

Courses

We offer Spanish courses based on the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).

We run preparatory workshops in Semester 2 for students who opt to sit for the internationally recognised Diploma de Español como Lengua Extranjera (DELE), from A1 to B2. DELE exams take place at DELE examination centres.

The following Spanish courses are available for students and staff at the University of Bath:

Placement test

If you have never learned Spanish 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 & 2)

Working towards CEFR A1.1

This course is suitable if you have never studied Spanish before. At the end of this course, you will be able to:

• take part in basic conversations
• read simple texts and write short paragraphs

Post Beginner (Semester 2)

Working towards CEFR A1.2

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

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

Elementary Part 1 (Semester 1)

Working towards CEFR A1.3

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

• understand 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)

Working towards CEFR A1.4

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

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

Lower Intermediate Part 1 (Semester 1)

Working towards CEFR A2.1

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

• engage in conversations on a range of familiar topics
• understand short recordings on familiar topics
• write short texts on familiar topics, including past events

Lower Intermediate Part 2 (Semester 2)

Working towards CEFR A2.2

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

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

Intermediate Part 1 (Semester 1)

Working towards CEFR level B1.1

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

• interact with a degree of fluency and flexibility in common social and professional situations
• understand the gist and some detail of broadcast materials on topics of general interest
• Write structured texts on a variety of topics

Intermediate Part 2 (Semester 2)

Working towards CEFR B1.2

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

• describe past 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 simple news, experience and plans

Upper Intermediate Part 1 (Semester 1)

Working towards CEFR B2.1

Enrol on this course if you have completed Intermediate Part 2, 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 confidence

Upper Intermediate Part 2 (Semester 2)

Working towards CEFR B2.2

Enrol on this course if you have completed Upper Intermediate Part, 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 with some support
• write about abstract topics and hypothetical situations with a good level of accuracy

Advanced Part 1 (Semester 1)

Working towards CEFR C1.1

Enrol on this course if you have completed Upper Intermediate Part 2, lived in a Spanish speaking country, have CEFR B2/C1, or if you can:

• communicate clearly and confidently in a wide range of situations
• understand broadcast news and current affairs programmes
• produce extended pieces of writing on a variety of topics, including hypothetical situations

Advanced Part 2 (Semester 2)

Working towards CEFR C1.2

Enrol on this course if you have completed either Upper Intermediate Part 2 or Advanced Part 1, lived in a Spanish speaking country, have CEFR B2/C1, or if you can:

• take part in debates and present an argument convincingly
• understand authentic broadcasts with ease
• analyse complex texts dealing with any topics and recognise implicit meaning
• produce extended pieces of writing on various topics that you research independently

DELE Exam Preparatory Workshops (Semester 2)

Preparatory workshops for students sitting the DELE qualifications from A1 to B2. These workshops are run alongside the respective courses.

Course dates and times

All courses consist of 10 weekly interactive sessions delivered either in person on campus or live online remotely.

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

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

Timetable for Semester 1

Student experience

"I participated in Spanish courses for three years – from the complete beginner level up to intermediate in my final year. It was an incredibly enjoyable and rewarding experience. What I liked most was that the teaching was focused on practical skills and we were encouraged to communicate in Spanish from the beginning. I also appreciated being able to develop my transferable skills, for example by working in groups and giving presentations, which are crucial when looking for jobs or internships." (Aleksandra Noskowska, BSc Accounting and Finance)

In addition to our courses, there are opportunities to develop your language and intercultural skills informally with other students through Peer Assisted Learning, Virtual Exchange and the Language Café.

Outside the classroom, we also share cultural events organised by Spanish associations in the UK such as the Instituto Cervantes and British Spanish Society with our students. These events offer additional opportunities for you to develop your knowledge of Spanish language and culture.