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University Language Programme

The University Language Programme (ULP) provides a range of language courses to students, staff and members of the general public. You'll have the opportunity to learn a new language or improve your existing foreign language skills.

Why learn a foreign language?

Learning a foreign language is a wonderful opportunity to not only learn the language itself, but also to learn more about your own first language and yourself. It reveals different perspectives on life, enabling you to see the familiar in your community, life and culture through a different lens. It facilitates critical thinking, asking about differences, looking for equivalents in your first language and culture and much more.

Learning a foreign language can also help with finding work after graduation – a certified level of proficiency can help you to distinguish yourself from other applicants.

If you're an absolute beginner, have some prior foreign language skills or are at an advanced level, we'll help and support you to build your ability so that you can communicate confidently in your chosen language.

Language skills can support your professional development or build your abilities for international work or travel. You'll be taught by experienced language specialists, many of whom are native speakers, so that you can benefit from an authentic experience.

What you'll learn

Our language classes are divided into Stages. Stage one is designed for real beginners whilst stage six and seven are for advanced learners. Find out which stage is right for you, how you'll learn, and what you can achieve as part of your study.

Language awards

You can validate your studies with a recognised Certificate or Diploma in Language Learning. In some languages we also award UNILANG Certificates (CEFR) which are recognised across Europe and beyond.

Employers may require you to indicate your CEFR grade for languages in your CV when considering you for work placements.

Hear from our students as they talk about their experience studying on the University Language Programme

 

I managed to take a Spanish course alongside my degree through the University Language Programme (ULP) because I want to work globally, speaking different languages puts me at a huge advantage.”

Jessica Riley-Heenan, BA (Hons) Global Studies and TESOL

In the future, I would like to work for the United Nations as well as taking the time to aid and volunteer at refugee camps. By learning Arabic with the ULP, I feel more confident in being able to achieve my career goals.

Gida Malafronte, BA (Hons) Global Studies and International Relations

I visited Spain for three weeks as research for my third year project. I even had the chance to visit the costume department at Valencia Opera House.I was able to use my language knowledge and learn new technical vocabulary. I feel that I now have more confidence and this experience has opened up the possibility of a future living and working in Spain.

Hannah Varley, BA (Hons) Costume Design and Making