The Centre for Language Studies provides a wide range of modern language courses as part of students’ degree and as an extra-curricular activity for both students and staff. We also offer cultural modules to study abroad and exchange students.
We offer courses in French, German, Spanish, Arabic and Mandarin at various levels. We also offer Russian in certain programmes because of Russia’s geopolitical importance and the large number of native speakers it has.
Our programmes develop your communication skills in foreign languages as well as your cultural knowledge of how to live, work and be part of a culturally diverse global society.
Mastering more than one language will give you a competitive edge when you apply for graduate jobs after your degree.
Our language courses
We offer European languages - French, German, Spanish and Russian and non-European languages - Arabic and Mandarin.
As well as learning the language itself, you will acquire a set of practical and personal skills such as effective and confident communication, listening skills, empathy and understanding others, team work, technological literacy, discipline and self-motivation. You will also develop your research and critical thinking skills.
Teaching is interactive and based on the communicative approach which emphasises practical use of the foreign language for effective communication.
All language courses are assessed, and are taught by native-speaker lecturers who are also linguists. Please note that our courses are not for native speakers.
How will I be taught?
All our courses run over Term 1 and Term 2. You will have two face-to-face contact hours per week and there will be additional material on Moodle.
We develop and improve your reading, writing, listening and speaking skills on our modules as well as your understanding of the structure of the language.
You will study events, topics and vocabulary relevant to everyday life and (on the LSP and Business programme) to your studies/specialism.
You will develop and deepen your cultural knowledge related to the countries where the language is spoken.
Each session deals with a mixture of skills. Classroom activities include:
- presentation/input
- drilling
- role-playing
- pair and group work
- work on pronunciation and intonation
as well as grammar in context and if relevant, exercises related to script.
Listening to audio clips and watching videos are also an important element in the classroom. More comprehensive grammar exercises and reading texts will be set as homework, which you are required to complete regularly.
All our language courses are assessed.
Please note that studying a language is a commitment and requires regular attendance and self-study.
If you would like more practice outside your language class, you may want to join City’s Language Exchange Society.
What level am I?
All our courses are based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)
Level | Starting level | European level (CEFR) |
|---|---|---|
Beginner: No prior knowledge necessary | No knowledge, apart from a few words maybe | A1 |
Lower intermediate: Pre-GCSE, or rusty GCSE | Basic understanding of language | A2 |
Upper intermediate: Good GCSE, rusty AS | Good understanding of language | B1 |
Advanced: A-level | Comfortable use of language | B2 |
This is only a general guide – lecturers will adapt their programme to the linguistic level of the students in the class.
Diagnostic test
If you have prior knowledge in the language you would like to study, we need to test your level in order to place you in the correct class.
For this, we will ask you to take an online diagnostic test in which your passive language skills are assessed through multiple choice and gap filling exercises, as well as short texts.
It takes about 30 minutes to complete and tasks relate to grammar, vocabulary and reading. There is no speaking or free writing involved.
The test is designed for all levels, so if you cannot answer a question you should not worry but just go to the next one.
How to register and apply
Our registration process for the 2022/23 courses is now live. For courses that are above ‘Beginner’ level, you will be asked to complete a diagnostic test so we can establish your competency in your chosen language.
Register your interest for a language course
The deadline for your registering your interest is 13.00 on Friday 30thSeptember 2022.
If a course is oversubscribed, we use 'lottery system' to award a place.
As part of your degree
You may be offered to take a language module as part of your degree, for credit, either as a core module or as an elective. This option is available to most Undergraduate students in the School of Communication and Creativity and the School of Policy and Global Affairs.
It depends on your degree course which language options are available to you and in which part(s) of your studies they are offered. Check with your department which pathway applies to you.
LSP and LBM programmes
We offer European languages - French, German, Spanish and Russian and non-European languages - Arabic and Mandarin.
The European languages are offered as part of the Languages for Specific Purposes Programme (LSP), which means you will study the language in the context of your main degree in Journalism or Social Science.
The vocabulary and topics will be related to the world of Media, Social Science and Culture to make the syllabus more relevant to you.
The non-European languages are offered as part of the Languages for Breadth Module Programme (LBM), which means the language is taught for general purposes.
You can either start a language from scratch or you can build on your existing knowledge.
The levels on offer
Languages for Specific Purposes (LSP)*
- French – beginner, lower intermediate, upper intermediate and advanced levels
- German – beginner, lower intermediate, upper intermediate and advanced levels
- Spanish – beginner, lower intermediate, upper intermediate and advanced levels
- Russian - beginner level
Languages Breadth Modules (LBM)*
- Arabic – beginner and lower intermediate levels
- Mandarin – beginner level
The module will be worth 15 credits per year. It will be studied over Term 1 and Term 2 with assessments during and at the end of the year.
There will be one 2-hour session face-to-face teaching per week. Depending on the language you choose, the class will take place either Tuesday 1pm-3pm or Tuesday 4pm-6pm. This slot is scheduled to suit your Undergraduate timetable.
In addition to this, we offer a voluntary support class for students who would like to have more practice. There will also be plenty of material on Moodle to support your self-study.
*Please note that French, German and Spanish at all levels are also available in the LBM programme (for general purposes). This is a fall back option in case we are unable to run one of the modules offered in the LSP programme. Should your chosen LSP module be cancelled due to low student recruitment, we can still place you in an LBM course if you wish.
Outside of your degree
All students at City (postgraduate and undergraduate) as well as City members of staff are eligible to apply for a free extra-curricular language course on the Languages for General Purposes Programme.
However, there is high demand for the limited number of spaces available on the LGP courses. In the interest of fairness, we place learners on courses using a ‘lottery system’.
Free language courses for staff and students
All students at City (postgraduate and undergraduate) as well as City members of staff are eligible to apply for a free extra-curricular language course on the Languages for General Purposes Programme.
However, there is high demand for the limited number of spaces available on the LGP courses. In the interest of fairness, we place learners on courses using a ‘lottery system’.
These are the language options available:
European Languages
- French – at beginner, lower intermediate, upper intermediate and advanced levels
- German – at beginner, lower intermediate, upper intermediate and advanced levels
- Spanish – at beginner, lower intermediate, upper intermediate and advanced levels
- Russian – at beginner level
Non-European Languages
- Arabic – at beginner and lower intermediate levels
- Mandarin – at beginner level
The language is taught in the context of day-to-day use and a broad variety of topics will be studied.
Format and timetable
Courses run over Term 1 and Term 2. There will be one 2-hour session face-to-face teaching per week.
The Beginner & Lower Intermediate level for all languages take place on Tuesday 4pm-6pm and the Upper Intermediate & Advanced level take place Thursday 4pm-6pm. There is no alternative to these slots.
Assessment and certification
Module assessment is 100% coursework. Upon successful completion of your language course, you will receive a certificate to demonstrate your level of proficiency. The course is not part of your degree and marks do not count towards it.
Registration guidelines and restrictions
All City students and staff may apply to take this free-standing module at no extra cost but note that these courses are very popular and spaces are limited – not all applicants may be accommodated.
Our registration process for the 2022/23 LGP courses is now live. For courses that are above ‘Beginner’ level, you will be asked to complete a diagnostic test so we can establish your competency in your chosen language.
Register your interest for a language course
The deadline for your registering your interest is 13.00 on Friday 30thSeptember 2022.
If a course is oversubscribed, we use 'lottery system' to award a place.
Learning a language is a commitment. Please only apply for a free/extracurricular language course if you are sure you can complete it. Otherwise you are potentially taking the place of a student with genuine interest in studying a language.
Languages for Business School undergraduates
All Bayes Business School Undergraduate students regardless of their year of study can apply for course(s) on this programme, in addition to their degree.
We offer courses in French, German, Spanish, Arabic, Japanese and Mandarin at a variety of levels.
These language courses are specifically designed for business purposes. We will develop and improve your speaking, listening, reading and writing skills as well as your understanding of the structure of the language. To make the syllabus more relevant to you, much of the vocabulary and topics will be related to the world of Business and Finance.
You can either start a language from scratch or you can build on your existing knowledge.
European Languages and levels offered
- French – beginner, lower intermediate, upper intermediate and advanced levels
- German –beginner, lower intermediate, upper intermediate and advanced levels
- Spanish –beginner, lower intermediate, upper intermediate and advanced levels
Non-European Languages and levels offered
- Arabic – beginner
- Japanese - beginner, lower intermediate levels
- Mandarin – beginner, lower intermediate levels
We may also have some places in on a Russian Beginner course and an Arabic lower intermediate course available which are offered in a different programme.
Please note the courses will only run if there is sufficient demand.
Format and timetable
Courses run over Term 1 and Term 2. There will be one 2-hour session face-to-face teaching per week.
Most courses run on Mondays 2pm-4pm or on Wednesdays 4pm-6pm with a few exceptions in the evenings from 6pm-8pm. These slots should suit your Undergraduate timetable.
Assessment and certification
Module assessment is 100% coursework. You will also have the opportunity to complete an online language portfolio during your course.
Upon successful completion of your language course, you will receive a certificate to demonstrate your level of proficiency. The course is not part of your degree and marks do not count towards it.
Eligibility
ONLY undergraduate students studying at Bayes Business School (regardless of their year of study) and UG-Bayes exchange students are eligible to take these courses. Postgraduate students studying at Bayes Business School can join the LGP courses.
How to apply for Business School Undergraduate languages
Our registration process for the 2022/23 Extracurricular Language courses is now live. For courses that are above ‘Beginner’ level, you will be asked to complete a diagnostic test so we can establish your competency in your chosen language.
Register your interest for a language course
The deadline for your registering your interest is 13.00 on Friday 30thSeptember 2022.
If a course is oversubscribed, we use 'lottery system' to award a place.
Learning a language is a commitment. Please only apply for a free/extracurricular language course if you are sure you can complete it. Otherwise you are potentially taking the place of a student with genuine interest in studying a language.
Study abroad and exchange
This programme offers courses for study abroad and exchange students. These students can take a language course as well as the following cultural programmes:
Performing Arts in London
This module provides an introduction to the Performing Arts in London relevant in particular for short-term visiting students.
- Students will learn to critically review performances and engage in developing transferable skills in the area of art analysis
- The course will also refer to the historical and cultural background of the performances and explore the variety of art forms on offer in the capital and where they can be seen and heard. How the arts are funded and the arts funding process is also considered
- The course begins with an overview of English-speaking theatre with the Tudor monarchy's relationship to theatre, Shakespeare and the Globe and then moves to contemporary times and modern interpretations of performance including dance, opera, musical shows and theatre. It discusses what is perceived as Art, and looks into the issue of High and Popular art.
Art forms discussed and analysed
- Theatre - history, development, influences and venues
- Dance (classic or modern) - development, movements and history
- Opera - history and development, from its origin up to musicals, including their similarities and differences.
Students, accompanied by their lecturer, will attend performances covering these art forms.
Historic London
This module provides students with an insight into the development of modern London through its history and its historical landmarks.
- Students learn to critically assess the historical influences which have shaped modern London through focusing upon a selection of districts which have contributed to the creation of the town
- Students will develop their ability to interpret and analyse the historical influences and pressures on the city from a historical perspective.
Students will visit various sites linked to historical landmarks or symbols.
- The Square Mile (City of London) and the City of Westminster - influences and historical development – There will be a focus on why the City of London is financial and the City of Westminster Royal and Political.
- Spitalfields and the impact of immigration from the 16th century onwards.
- Buildings such as the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace and how they all represent the powers of Authority (past and present) and are physical reminders of these authorities.
- The British Museum as an example of Globalisation.
European business culture
This course is designed for Bayes Business School exchange students as well as study abroad students who want to understand European business culture in the context of the European Union (EU) and its relevance within the globalisation of our economies and societies.
It is taught in English and does not require the understanding of any language other than English.
- Throughout the course the students develop their knowledge of European business culture and its dynamics in today's globalised economy from social, economic and political perspectives.
- The course helps students to synthesise the most important information within this business culture and its relevance to creating and effectively doing business across the EU.