Open Languages - courses for students (extra-curricular), staff, and the public (aged 16 and above) Open Languages - courses for students (extra-curricular), staff, and the public (aged 16 and above)- Languages

Open Languages

Our Open Languages programme follows a blended learning approach, with weekly on-campus teaching, supported by additional learning materials in CANVAS, our virtual learning environment. Using CANVAS as a key part of our programme allows us to be flexible and makes use of the latest technology-enhanced learning styles.

Open Languages extracurricular modules are not credit-bearing, but do include regular (optional) assessment and feedback opportunities to allow students and tutors to measure and discuss progress. There are usually 11 weeks of teaching followed by the optional final assessment in the 12^th week. The fee for the assessment is incorporated in the cost of the course which is the same whether you choose to take the assessment or not.

Students who attend a minimum of 70% of the classes will receive a Certificate of Engagement. Additionally, current UoL undergraduates who attend OL courses on an extra-curricular basis and would like the module to be recorded on their Higher Education Achievement Report (HEAR), must attend a minimum of 70% of classes and/or pass the module at a total mark of 40% and above. Modules will be automatically added to the HEAR if you meet the requirements, once it has been verified at the Course Review Board.

Students will also be expected to purchase their own textbook for personal use. We recommend that you do not purchase any books or other equipment for your course until we have confirmed the course is definitely running. Decisions are usually made around 7 days prior to the course starting.

Choose your language from those listed below or view our weekly schedule. The fees for all language courses are £190/£95 - please click on the language for further information on fees.

Arabic

Arabic

Arabic is the official language of the 22 countries that form the Arab League. There are more than 300 million Arabic speakers across the world, though they predominantly live in the region stretching across the Middle East and North Africa. It is also one of the six official languages of the United Nations (UN).

Chinese (Mandarin)

Chinese (Mandarin)

Learning Chinese through Open Languages gives you the chance to become proficient in reading, writing, speaking and listening to the language. You will also develop your knowledge of Chinese history, society, political economy and culture.

French

French

French is one of the world's most important languages in terms of speaker numbers and its role in science, industry and international diplomacy. Speaking French opens up dynamic and fast-changing parts of the world outside Europe.

German

German

German is a major language of business, commerce and science, as well as the gateway to a vibrant and modern multicultural society with a rich and complex past.

Italian

The Italian language carries an unparalleled cultural capital. According to UNESCO, over 60% of the world’s art treasures are found in Italy. A founding member of the European Community, today’s Italy is one of the world’s top exporters and is ranked amongst the world’s largest economies; the UK is one of Italy’s main trading partners in the EU.

Japanese

Japanese

More than 130 million people speak Japanese, making it the ninth most widely spoken language in the world. Aside from the populations of Japan and the Okinawan Islands, the language is spoken around the world by Japanese settlers, in Brazil, the US, South America and in other Asian countries

Russian

Russian

Russian is the official language in the Russian Federation, which has a population of more than 140 million people. Russian is also spoken in Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan and other republics of the former USSR. Because of the legacy of the Iron Curtain, Russian speakers have a good chance of being understood anywhere from Riga to Belgrade.

Spanish

Spanish

Spanish is one of the world's most widely spoken languages with considerable global reach. Speaking Spanish opens up dynamic and fast-changing parts of the world outside Europe. Knowledge of this language brings with it access to cultural products including world literature and cinema, but also important social, cultural, historial and linguistic debates.

Irish Language

Irish

Our classes celebrate the beauty of the Irish language and aim to develop appropriate levels of competency. Greater levels of fluency and confidence are achieved through an increased understanding of grammar and expansion of students' vocabulary.

Korean