Choose from 8 languages
Learning another language at university is a great way to meet new people and make yourself more employable.
Being able to talk confidently with people who speak another language is also useful when you work, study or take a holiday abroad.
When you study with us on campus, you can learn a language for free alongside your course with our Institution-Wide Language Programme (IWLP). When studying a full-time undergraduate degree, you have the flexibility to choose to study a language for personal interest as well as for credits towards your degree.
These classes are in-person only and are subject to availability.
Learn a language for free at the University of Portsmouth
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Languages you can study
- Arabic
- British Sign Language
- French
- German
- Italian
- Mandarin
- Spanish
Learn a language for fun or as part of your degree course
You can choose one of several language classes options, depending on your level and whether you'd like credit for the module.
Learn a language for fun
Option 1: Beginner route without credits
These classes are for students who have limited or no previous formal learning or qualifications in their chosen language. Most students join this beginner route. The beginner modules are divided into Stage 1, Stage 2 and Stage 3.
Applications for classes in Teaching Block 1 in 2024-25 will open 4 March 2024 and close 26 July 2024.
Applications for classes in Teaching Block 2 in 2024-25 will open 7 October 2024 and close 22 November 2024.
Your classes will be added to your timetable. First year undergraduate students can apply from Teaching Block 2 of their first year.
Please make sure you are logged into your university email account when completing this application form.
Option 2: Advanced route without credits
If you have more substantial knowledge or existing qualifications in the language you'd like to study, you can apply for advanced language classes outside of your course. This is for students who have passed an A-level qualification in the language, (or equivalent).
Applications for classes in Teaching Block 1 in 2024-25 will open 4 March 2024 and close 26 July 2024.
Applications for classes in Teaching Block 2 in 2024-25 will open 7 October 2024 and close 22 November 2024.
Please make sure you are logged into your university email account when completing this application form.
Learn a language as part of your course
Option 3: Learning a language for credits
If you wish, you can achieve credits for studying a language at either beginner or advanced level in the second year of a full-time Bachelor's degree only. This will be a 20-credit module in either Teaching Block 1 (September - January) or Teaching Block 2 (January to May) of your second year.
You can apply to do an IWLP module for credits when choosing your options for the next academic year. Your School will be able to advise you on how to proceed.
How the credits work
If you take a credit module at beginner level (Stages 1, 2 or 3), it is simply a ‘pass or fail’ module.
If you take a credit module at advanced level (Grade 3A, 3B, 4A, 4B, 6A and 6B), the final grade of the module will count towards your degree classification.
Staff
As a member of staff you also have the opportunity to learn a language for free. You will need to complete the online application form. Please be aware that student applications are prioritised and places are subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed.
Please make sure you are logged into your university email account when completing this application form.
How language classes work
Study level
When you apply, we'll determine your ability and which language level suits you best.
Classes and your timetable
All seminars take place in-person, and students must be able to attend on-campus.
- For Beginner Level (Stage 1, Stage 2 and Stage 3) there is a weekly 2-hour seminar.
- For Advanced Level (Grade 3A, 3B, 4A, 4B, 6A and 6B) there is a weekly 2-hour seminar plus a 1-hour seminar.
Each IWLP module lasts one Teaching Block. You can study your chosen language either in Teaching Block 1, or in Teaching Block 2 – or in both teaching blocks of an academic year, if you wish.
There are 11 classes in Teaching Block 1 and another 12 classes in Teaching Block 2.
Once your place is confirmed, the classes will appear on your timetable. Please check your timetable regularly, as these classes will be added as the semester progresses.
Extra support and resources
Away from language classes, there are plenty of opportunities for you to get extra support to practise your language skills.
Language Corner
The Language Corner service is an optional weekly drop-in session for students enrolled on an IWLP module. You can meet with a language tutor, get help with specific challenges and practise your skills with a proficient speaker of your chosen language.
Global Cafe
The Global Café is a place where students from all over the world meet to learn about each other's cultures and practise speaking in each other's languages. It is held each week in Park Building.
To find out more, join in the fun, and meet other people from around the world, contact globalcafe@port.ac.uk.
Moodle
Moodle is the University’s virtual learning environment (VLE). You can access all IWLP study resources on Moodle from anywhere with a web connection.
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