Language Centre

Course information

More and more employers are looking for graduates in all fields who have additional language skills and the Language Centre can help you with this. We realise that as a future global citizen, you will travel, live and work in countries across the world and that’s why we can help you get the language you study with us named on your degree title, ‘with proficiency in…’.

This involves successfully completing a minimum of 60 credits in one language taken through the Language Centre, of which 30 credits must be at Level 2 (Beginners Fast-Track or Intermediate 1) or higher. You could choose to start a new language from scratch or develop an existing one.

For example, a Geography student who passes 30 credits at Spanish Beginners and a further 30 credits at Spanish Intermediate 1 could have their degree title amended to BA (Hons) Geography with proficiency in Spanish.

If the 60 credits are ALL at NQF Level 6 then the words "with proficiency in advanced ...." can be added. 

Registration for the academic year 2024-25 

Selecting a Module

Language Centre modules (FL*) can be chosen through ‘Online Module Selection’ via the ‘Exeter Modularity’ tab from Monday 18th – Thursday 28th March 2024. 

If you have not taken a module with the Language Centre before, or are hoping to learn a new language, you must also complete an online  LC Module Registration Form. This is so your current level can be assessed to ensure you are added to the most appropriate module. You will be asked to provide details of your knowledge/experience and any qualifications in the language.

Please note, if you have already completed a module with the Language Centre, and would like to progress onto the next level, please do not complete a registration form as we already know your level. 

If you are unable to select the module through ‘online module selection’ please email languages@exeter.ac.uk.  Modules can be added to your record, subject to programme restrictions.  If in doubt, please refer to your home department.

Finalists are not permitted to take Beginners LEVEL 1 modules. Please refer to your home department if you have any concerns about this. The Language Centre offers a LEVEL 2 Beginners Fast-Track option in French, German, Italian and Spanish, which you would be permitted to take in your final year.

Guidance and Advice

Guidance on choosing the correct level can be found in the section below.

If you would like to speak to a tutor in person, then come and see us at our registration sessions in the Resource Centre, 2nd Floor, Queen’s Building during Freshers’ Week and week 1:

  • TBC
  • TBC

Alternatively, please contact the appropriate Language Coordinator here, or email languages@exeter.ac.uk. 

The deadline for registration is 12noon on TBC (Term 1 Week 2).

All modules are subject to viable numbers.

Important Information

Please note that due to our numbers fluctuating up until the end of week 2, this might result in classes having to be re-timetabled to other times or days dependant on staff and student availability.

Students wishing to withdraw from an LC Language Module MUST do so by the end of week 2 when the module change window closes. Please see our FAQ section for further details.  Students are not permitted to drop a Term 1+2 module in Term 2.

Students ARE NOT allowed to change from 30 credits to 15 credits or vice versa after week 2 of teaching.

Beginners and Intermediate modules are available at 30 credits only, unless you are an international student staying for less than one academic year or your college has got specific modularity constraints and requires a maximum of 15 credits.

Please note that students are not permitted to register for a module for which they already have the equivalent language competence (accredited or not). Exceptionally, some very advanced modules may be of interest for heritage speakers of the language for academic purposes, including linguistic, sociolinguistic and pragmatic aspects.

Please note: Due to the large numbers of students taking our modules, LC modules may be scheduled for Wednesday afternoons. If you have requested not to be taught on Wednesday afternoons, we will try our very best to accommodate this request. However, where this is not possible, you may be asked to choose an alternative module.

All modules will only run if a minimum requirement for student numbers is met. There is therefore a risk that a module you have applied for will not run as advertised. We will inform you in as timely a manner as possible (although this may be at short notice) should this be the case and if possible we would look to run the module again later.

Evening language programme 

If you have no credits available in your programme or would prefer to take a language course without assessment, our evening courses provide a cost-effective way of learning a language, without the pressure of exams. For details, see Evening Language Programme. 

Once you have selected or been added to a module, a timetable will automatically be generated by the University's central timetable office and will be made available via student portal, by clicking on Timetable.

Please note:

  • All modules are subject to viable numbers and at times may be cancelled at short notice.
  • Language Centre classes run Monday - Friday and may be scheduled for Wednesday afternoons.
  • All Language Centre classes begin in week 1 Term 1.

Materials

You may be asked to purchase materials for the module/s you have chosen. These are not included in course fees. Please see Module Description for basic reading list.

What our students say

  • "Learning a language with the Language Centre has been one of the best decisions I have made. Teaching has been excellent and I've thoroughly enjoyed all three years."
  • "I loved my development - my confidence has improved so much. I'd just like to go and try it out now."
  • "I like the intimacy of the lessons and the interaction with the staff that differs greatly from large lectures."
  • "I have very much enjoyed going to classes. It was the highlight of my week."
  • "This is the module that I personally find the most practical and interesting because what I take away with me, I will keep for life and will hopefully further my career prospects."

Assessment and feedback

Oral

Writing

British Sign Language - Beginners

British Sign Language - Intermediate

G‌roup Work

Past Exam Papers for final Written Exams can be found here (click on Streatham Campus / College of Humanities / Language Centre and then choose the language and level you require, or enter the module code). Please be aware that exams have undergone a series of changes regarding their format in the last few years.  You are encouraged to check this with your language tutor if you are not sure.

We give you feedback in a variety of ways:

  • Written feedback on your in-class test/s, with concrete suggestions for things you can do to improve over the remainder of the module. We also ask you to identify what you yourself can do to improve
  • Regular homework items will help you see how you are performing. The assessed in-class tasks will also provide an indication of how you are progressing in different language skills.
  • During lessons, tutors constantly give feedback on how you are using the language and how to say or write things differently or better.
  • You can arrange to see your tutor/s in office hours.

Feedback on written exams

If you would like to request feedback on the final Written Exam, please send an email to: languages@exeter.ac.uk or info.penryn@exeter.ac.uk, stating your name, student ID number and the language and level you have taken. You must request this feedback by the end of Term 3 at the latest. We aim to provide you with written feedback within 2 weeks of receiving your request.

Levels of study

Choosing the correct level

Please, note that students are not allowed to register for a module for which they already have the equivalent language competence (accredited or not).

Our tutors will be available at advertised registration events to advise you on the most appropriate level to study. You can also:

  • Check the relevant Module Description for the language and level you are interested in.
  • Read the more detailed module programme for each module on ELE.
  • Refer to the general Entry and Exit Descriptors below.

Entry description Exit description
Beginners: A complete beginner with little or no previous experience of the language. You may have had some exposure to the language and/or achieved a GCSE Grade C or below. 

Beginners Fast-track: As above, but students must be able to demonstrate a successful track record of learning another similar foreign language/s, e.g. minimum pass at GCSE (A*-B) level in another MFL.

 Beginners: Has basic understanding of present, past and future tense. Can get by in simple everyday situations. Understands the gist of conversations in predictable situations e.g. at the restaurant. The exit level is equivalent to A1 of CEFR.

Beginners Fast-Track: Same exit level as Intermediate 1. See Intermediate 1 Exit Description
Entry description Exit description
Completion of Language Centre Beginners or pass at GCSE Grade A-B (or equivalent). Can deal with everyday situations with reasonable confidence, e.g. making travel arrangements or finding your way around. 

 

Can deal with routine daily activities and exchange oral and written information on predictable topics. Can confidently describe professional roles and responsibilities in a basic way and talk about personal relationships.  The exit level is the equivalent to A2 of CEFR.
Entry description Exit description

Intermediate Two: Completion of Language Centre Intermediate 1 or AS level (Grade A-B) or A level (Grade C or below) or equivalent. You will be able to use the language in a wide range of situations. 

Intermediate Fast-track: Students must be able to demonstrate a successful track record of the chosen language with a minimum of A* or A grade at GCSE (or equivalent). Knowledge of an additional foreign language is an advantage.

 Can exchange oral and written information on familiar topics. Can give opinions about topics such as politics, company culture, the environment. Can read and write confidently about various topics.  The exit level is equivalent to B1 of CEFR.
Entry description Exit description
Completion of Language Centre Intermediate 2 or A level Grade A-B (or equivalent). You will be able to communicate well in the language.  Can deal with various work-related and leisure tasks. Oral proficiency is good and clear and conversations about unpredictable topics can be understood. Can give and understand advice on professional matters.  The exit level is equivalent to B2 of CEFR.
Entry description Exit description
Completion of Language Centre Advanced 1 or A level + 1 year (or equivalent). You may also have spent time in a country where the language is spoken. Can confidently write letters and documentation to native speakers. Can deal effectively with work-related and leisure tasks, making appropriate use of the language according to the professional or social context.  The exit level is equivalent to a solid B2 of CEFR.
Entry description Exit description
Completion of Language Centre Advanced 2 and/or students with language skills at higher advanced level. Particularly appropriate for students returning from an extended period of study abroad.  Can deal with complex and varied tasks at social and professional level. Vocabulary is varied and precise, speech is near fluent and most complex situations are understood.  The exit level is equivalent to C1 of CEFR.