The Centre for Language Studies provides a wide-range of modern language courses as part of students’ degree and as an extra-curricular activity.
We also offer cultural modules to study abroad and exchange students.
Courses are offered free to all students and staff at City. They are designed to develop and improve your language competencies from beginner level up to advanced.
- Learn French, German or Spanish at Beginner, Lower Intermediate, Upper Intermediate and Advanced level.
- Also offered: Arabic and Mandarin at Beginner level.
All students and staff at City are eligible to apply.
There is high demand for the limited number of spaces available on the Languages for General Purposes (LGP) courses. In the interest of fairness, we place students on courses using a ‘lottery system’.
Applicants who follow the correct application procedure before the deadline will be entered into the lottery. However, no one is guaranteed a place on a language course regardless of how early they apply, what programme stage they are in, etc.
Our registration process for the 2020/21 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. Please complete your registration online. The deadline for your registering your interest is 15.00 on Friday 25th September.
Studying 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.
Please note that for the time being classes will be delivered on Zoom/Teams.
Why study a language?
Foreign language skills and intercultural competences are highly valued by employers and, as the Confederation of British Industry states in its 2018 report, the need for language learning has been heightened by the UK’s departure from the European Union.
Mastering more than one language will give you a competitive edge when you apply for graduate jobs later.
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.
Learning a language is a gateway into another culture and this experience will help you to better understand your own.
Please see the links below for inspiration:
- British Council video - benefits of learning a language
- British Academy: Talk the talk
- The Guardian: Special report on language learning
- All Parliamentary Group: Manifesto for Languages.