French Beginners (Level 1)

This is for you if you have no prior knowledge of French (or so little that you effectively want to start again from scratch). You will learn basic skills to enable you to make yourself understood and to find out information in everyday situations.

Key information

Course started in January 2025

• Course: Wednesdays 6.00pm - 8.00pm
  Delivery: On-campus (face-to-face)
  Timeline: Resumes 30 April - ends 2 July 2025
  Lengths: 10 weeks (30 learning hours)
  Fees: £135

These courses require a minimum of 8 and it can have up to a maximum of 20 students. The course fee includes all tuition, access to Blackboard, handouts and any tests/exams, but not a textbook.

Term 1 runs from October to December, Term 2 from January to March and Term 3 from April to July. A full course comprises 60 learning hours. Lessons are two hours long and take place once a week. When enrolling you are committing to the full 20 weeks. There is the option to pay for the full course in one payment or two instalments. You are welcome to join in the second term of a course if you have previous knowledge and experience of the language.

Alternatively, you can join a Fast Track Beginners course.

Course resuming lessons in April/May 2025

• Course: Tuesdays 6.00pm - 8.00pm
  Delivery: On-campus (face-to-face)
  Timeline: Third term: resumes 28 April - ends 16 June 2025
  Lengths: 6 weeks (18 learning hours)
  Fees: £81

The third term runs from April to June, comprising 6 weeks. Lessons are two hours long and take place once a week. You are welcome to join in the third term if you have previous knowledge and experience of the language.

Entry level

This course is suitable for absolute beginners.

Course content

• Numbers and time
• Describing your family
• Professions
• Talking about home and where you live
• Likes and dislikes
• Shopping
• Directions
• Accommodation
• Travel and transport

Resources

• Version Originale 1: Livre De L'Eleve (2009) by Monique Denyer, Agustin Garmendia and Marie-Laure Lions-Olivieri.

There isn’t a University bookshop however The European Bookshop website holds our book list and offers a 10% discount to all our students.

It is not essential to bring a course book to the first class. The tutor will discuss book requirements in class and advise you of the best places to obtain the book if required.

Our approach

This course is taught in French and English. Our programme aims to develop the four language skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing as well as cultural awareness. It provides a good balance between understanding the culture, vocabulary and grammar structures of the French language and enhancing communication and interaction. It supports comprehensive and productive skills in speech and writing through authentic based activities and guided practice in the use of French language. Students will be encouraged to seek opportunities to learn and practise the four skills outside the classroom taking advantage of learning resources provided by tutors and the programme. Lessons are planned to allow intensive interactive practice with individual feedback and advice on progress.

Progression route

Upon completing the Beginners Level 1, you can progress onto the Post-beginners Level 2.