What you'll study
With a range of languages from beginner to advanced, there is an ideal course for you.
How you'll learn
Your language study is designed in a flexible and blended learning mode which consists of taught sessions and guided self-study.
You will take part in two hours of weekly class contact time and will need to complete an additional two to four hours per week guided self-study. Details are provided on our online workspace, NOW.
Your regular and continuous engagement with all learning opportunities is critical to your success.
Stages
Our language classes are divided into Stages. Stage one is designed for real beginners whilst stage six and seven are for advanced learners. Check out the entry requirements to determine which stage is most appropriate for you. Some languages are available across levels in terms of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). This allows students to work towards UNILANG recognition, which is highly recognised by employers. For more information, see our 'Awards' section.
See which CEFR levels are taught at each ULP stage and find out more about CEFR.
Courses and entry requirements
- Stage One (no prior knowledge or qualification needed)
- Stage Two (GCSE at grade C or D or point 4 to 3 in the language or equivalent)
- Stage Three (GCSE at grade A or B or point 7 to 5 in the language or equivalent)
- Stage Four (GCSE grade A*, point 9-8 or AS level grade C or above in the language or equivalent).
See how each stage relates to CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages).
- Stage Five (A-level at grade C or above in the language or equivalent)
- Stage Six (A-level at grade E or above in the language or equivalent, plus at least one year study/experience of the language)
- Stage Seven (A-level grade E or above in the language or equivalent plus at least two years study/experience of the language).
See how each stage relates to CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages).
- Stage One (no prior knowledge or qualification needed)
- Stage Two (GCSE at grade C or D or point 4 to 3 in the language or equivalent)
- Stage Three (GCSE at grade A or B or point 7 to 5 in the language or equivalent)
- Stage Four (GCSE grade A*, point 9-8 or AS level grade C or above in the language or equivalent)
- Stage Five (A level grade D or E in the language or equivalent,)
- Stage Six (A level at grade C or above in the language or equivalent
See how each stage relates to CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages).
- Stage Five (A-level at grade C or above in the language or equivalent)
- Stage Six (A-level at grade E or above in the language or equivalent, plus at least one year study/experience of the language)
- Stage Seven (A-level grade E or above in the language or equivalent plus at least two years study/experience of the language).
See how each stage relates to CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages).
- Stage One (no prior knowledge or qualification needed)
- Stage Two (GCSE at grade B or C, or point 6 to 4 in the language or equivalent)
- Stage Three (GCSE at grade A* or A , or point 9 to 7 in the language or equivalent)
- Stage Four (AS level grade C or above, or A level grade E or above in the language or equivalent)
- Stage Five (A-level at grade C or above in the language or equivalent)
- Stage Six (A-level at grade E or above in the language or equivalent, plus at least one year study/experience of the language).
See how each stage relates to CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages).
- Stage One (no prior knowledge or qualification needed)
- Stage Two (GCSE at grade B or C, or point 6 to 4 in the language or equivalent)
- Stage Three (GCSE at grade A* or A , or point 9 to 7 in the language or equivalent)
- Stage Four (AS level grade C or above, or A level grade E or above in the language or equivalent)
- Stage Five (A-level at grade C or above in the language or equivalent)
- Stage Six (A-level at grade E or above in the language or equivalent, plus at least one year study/experience of the language).
See how each stage relates to CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages).
- Stage One (no prior knowledge or qualification needed)
- Stage Two (GCSE at grade B or C, or point 6 to 4 in the language or equivalent)
- There is no Stage Three for Italian
- Stage Four (AS level grade C or above, or A level grade E or above in the language or equivalent)
- Stage Five (A-level at grade C or above in the language or equivalent)
- Stage Six (A-level at grade E or above in the language or equivalent, plus at least one year study/experience of the language).
See how each stage relates to CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages).
- Stage One (no prior knowledge or qualification needed)
- Stage Two (GCSE at grade C or D, or point 4 to 3 in the language or equivalent)
- Stage Three (GCSE at grade A or B, or point 7 to 5 in the language or equivalent).
See how each stage relates to CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages).
- Stage One (no prior knowledge or qualification needed)
- Stage Two (GCSE at grade B or C, or point 6 to 4 in the language or equivalent)
- Stage Three (GCSE at grade A* or A, or point 9 to 7 in the language or equivalent)
- Stage Four (AS level grade C or above, or A level grade E or above in the language or equivalent)
- Stage Five (A-level at grade C or above in the language or equivalent)
- Stage Six (A-level at grade E or above in the language or equivalent, plus at least one year study/experience of the language).
See how each stage relates to CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages).
- Stage One (no prior knowledge or qualification needed.
See how each stage relates to CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages).
Assessments
Assessments will take place in class during University term time. To progress onto the next stage of your chosen language you must complete and pass all the assessments on the previous stage.
Awards
If you study the language as a supplementary or external student, you will be awarded a certificate for each language stage you pass.
If your language module counts towards your degree, the credit points will be added automatically to your transcript.
This is awarded to supplementary or external students who successfully complete either three stages (stages one to five), or two stages from stage one to five and one year-long course (stages six or seven). This can be progression in the same language or a combination of different languages. For example, German stages one, two and three or French stage one, Spanish stage one and Mandarin stage one.
This is awarded to supplementary or external students who have successfully completed three stages with at least two stages at stage six and / or seven. This can be progression in the same language or a combination of different languages. For example, German stages five, six and seven, or Spanish stage five and six and French stage six.
The UNILANG scheme provides you with a recognised certificate which maps your language learning achievements against the descriptors of the Common European Framework of Reference for languages or the CEFR. The CEFR descriptors are recognised indicators of language proficiency throughout Europe, and they are increasingly gaining currency in many countries outside Europe. Within Europe, CEFR descriptors are frequently used to indicate language competency for work or study. Employers will require you to indicate your CEFR grade for languages in your CV when considering you for work placements.
The ULP has joined the UNILANG recognition scheme. Currently we can issue UNILANG Certificates for Arabic, French, German, Italian and Spanish for A1, A2, B1, B2 and C1 relating to the availability of the relevant language stage. We will expand the number of participating languages in the coming years.