The document summarizes the language courses and programs offered through the School of Modern Languages and Cultures at a university. It outlines academic credit courses for undergraduate degrees in 9 languages, as well as lifelong language learning courses. Placement tests are used to determine appropriate course levels. Courses focus on listening, reading, speaking and writing skills to prepare students to use the languages in academic or social settings. Classes are taught by native speakers, and assessment includes exams, portfolios and oral exams.

1. School of Modern Languages and
Cultures
The Language Centre

2. Academic Programme - Modules for credits
These are normally taken as part of an
undergraduate degree course, but open to others (for a
fee)
Lifelong Language Learning Courses
A programme of language courses for students,
staff and the local community

3. The Language Centre
Located on the central campus, on the
ground floor of the Humanities Building.
Equipped with digital language classrooms,
with data projection and electronic
whiteboards
Transnational Resource Centre with a
collection of CDs and DVDs.

4. LANGUAGES
 Arabic – 3 levels
 Chinese (Mandarin) – 6 levels
 French – 7 levels
 German – 6 levels
 Italian – 5 levels
 Japanese – 5 levels
 Portuguese – 1 level
 Russian – 4 levels
 Spanish – 7 levels

5. Accelerated modules for able linguists
In one year,
Beginners – Covers levels 1 and 2
Intermediate – Covers levels 3 and 4

6. Placement and diagnostic testing
GCSE grade B or below → level 2
GCSE grade A/A* → level 3
Int bac standard grade 4 → level 3
Int bac higher grade 4/5 → level 4
AS level grade A/B → level 4
A level grade A/B → level 5
Int bac higher grade 6/7 → level 5

7. Placement and diagnostic testing
Need to get the entry level placement right
Ensure appropriate fit to level
Guard against “easy” credits
 Look at previous qualifications
 Brief written test
 Brief conversation with tutor
 Possibility of change in first three weeks

8. Credits for degrees
All modules can be taken for 30 credits or 24
credits
How many language modules can be taken and
when - depends on degree

9. Lifelong Language programme
As academic programme (languages at several
levels)
+ Greek (modern)

10. Example of progression
(Student can take language elective for credit in
year 2 of degree)
Year 1 - takes academic module as paying extra
Year 2 - takes academic module within degree
credits
Year 3 - keeps language up through Lifelong
Language Learning programme

11. How many languages?
As many as you like!
For example – keep up a language from school,
for academic credit, and try a new language
not-for-credit.

12. Class contact (academic modules)
2 hours per week for European languages
3 hours per week for Arabic, Chinese, Japanese
and accelerated modules
(+ independent study and online language
learning)

13. Language skills
listening comprehension
reading comprehension
speaking
writing
lexis and grammar
skills in preparation for taking an active part in
academic or social life in country of language
studied

14. Native speakers for level 5 and above, and mostly at
other levels too
Staffing

15. Assessment
Mixture of interim tests, e-portfolio, oral
examination and end-of-year examinations

16. Innovative strategies
Use of Moodle environment
Blended learning
Virtual online exchanges
E-portfolio assessment (post A-level)

17. Certification
Language learning appears on HEAR (Higher
Education Achievement record)
Expressed in terms of CEFR (Common European
Framework of Reference)