What’s it like to study a short course at City?
Short courses in modern languages
Covid-19 update: The learning doesn’t have to stop, join our online community. We are aiming to deliver courses remotely until further notice. Live tutor support and virtual lessons will take place during advertised teaching hours. The classes are taught in small groups, so you’ll get lots of support from your tutor.
City's modern language short courses cater for all learning levels. Our highly popular language courses follow the European framework (CEFR) for language learning. Our qualified and experienced native tutors teach our students to understand and be understood.
Find your Short Course
Arabic
October enrolment (three modules over 30 weeks)
January enrolment (two modules over 10 weeks)
April/May enrolment (three modules over 10 weeks)
Chinese Mandarin
October enrolment (three modules over 30 weeks)
- Chinese Mandarin Beginners (Year 1)
- Chinese Mandarin Beginners Refresher (Year 2) Chinese Mandarin Lower Intermediate (Year 3)
January enrolment (two modules over 10 weeks)
April/May enrolment (three modules over 10 weeks)
French
October enrolment (three modules over 30 weeks)
- French Beginners (Year 1)
- French Beginners Refresher (Year 2)
- French Lower Intermediate (Year 3)
- French Upper Intermediate (Year 4)
January enrolment (two modules over 10 weeks)
April/May enrolment (three modules over 10 weeks)
German
October enrolment (three modules over 30 weeks)
January enrolment (two modules over 10 weeks)
April/May enrolment (three modules over 10 weeks)
Italian
October enrolment (three modules over 30 weeks)
January enrolment (two modules over 10 weeks)
April/May Enrolment (three modules over 10 weeks)
Japanese
October enrolment (three modules over 30 weeks)
- Japanese Beginners (Year 1)
- Japanese Beginners Refresher (Year 2)
- Japanese Lower Intermediate (Year 3)
January enrolment (two modules over 10 weeks)
April or June enrolment (condensed beginners' course over 6 weeks)
July enrolment (5 classes in one week)
Korean
October enrolment (three modules over 30 weeks)
Portuguese
October enrolment (three modules over 30 weeks)
Russian
October enrolment (three modules over 30 weeks)
Spanish
October enrolment (three modules over 30 weeks)
January enrolment (two modules over 10 weeks)
April/May enrolment (three modules over 10 weeks)
Summer Schools
Bespoke Language Courses
Why study a modern language at City?
Variety
We offer nine modern language short courses: Arabic, Chinese Mandarin, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese and Spanish.
Progression
You can study for one term only or three years or more from a beginner up to an advanced level. Make sure you check your level carefully using our self-assessment tool before enrolling on a course.
Flexibility
You can join the course of your choice in October, January or April, provided that you have checked your level beforehand.
Teaching methods
The focus is on speaking and listening for communicative purposes with trained, qualified and experienced native tutors. Lessons are taught mostly in the language you are learning in a relaxed atmosphere but regular homework is required. Most courses will also require a purchase of a course book.
Achievements
Our modern language programmes have helped thousands of students enjoy their holidays, get a job, improve their career, move abroad, and get a broader understanding of other cultures.
