Students (extra-curricular), staff, and the public - Languages

Open Languages

Our Open Languages (OL) programme uses a blended learning approach. You’ll have weekly on-campus classes, supported by extra resources and activities on Canvas, our virtual learning platform. This helps us stay flexible and make the most of modern, technology-enhanced learning.

OL modules are extracurricular and not credit-bearing, but we offer regular optional assessments and feedback so you can track your progress. Teaching usually runs for 11 weeks, with an optional final assessment in week 12. The assessment fee is already included in the course cost, whether you choose to take it or not.

If you attend at least 70% of classes, you’ll receive a Certificate of Engagement. Current UoL undergraduates can also have the module added to their Higher Education Achievement Report (HEAR) if they pass with a mark of 40% or above. This will be added automatically once confirmed at the Course Review Board.

You will need to buy your own textbook for personal study, but please wait until the course is confirmed before purchasing anything. Courses are usually confirmed around 7 days before they start.

Choose your language from those listed below or view our weekly schedule. The fees for all language courses are £190/£95 - please click here 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 and it is also one of the six official languages of the United Nations (UN).

Chinese (Mandarin) Tea Ceremony

Chinese (Mandarin)

Learning Chinese 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

Italian

The Italian language carries an unparalleled cultural capital. 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

More than 130 million people speak Japanese, making it the ninth most widely spoken language in the world. The language is also spoken around the world by Japanese settlers in Brazil, the US, South America and in other Asian countries

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.

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.

Korean