Italian Beginners (Level 1)

This is for you if you have no prior knowledge of Italian (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

Courses starting in October 2026

• Course: Wednesdays 5.00pm - 7.00pm 
  Delivery: On-campus (face-to-face)
  Timeline: Starts 7 October 2026 - ends 17 March 2027

• Course: Thursdays 7.00pm - 9.00pm 
  Delivery: On-campus (face-to-face)
  Timeline: Starts 22 October 2026 - ends 14 April 2027

Length: 20 weeks (60 learning hours)
Fees: £290* (payable in two termly instalments of £145 each)
Bursary Fund available for UoL Students (£145)*

These courses require a minimum of 8 and it can have up to a maximum of 20 students. The course fee includes all tuition, 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 May 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. UoL students can apply for the Bursary Fund. You are welcome to join in the second term of a course if you have previous knowledge and experience of the language. For courses started in October, a third term will run from April to June, comprising 10 weeks.

Entry level

No previous knowledge of Italian is required. The course is suitable for absolute beginners.

Course content

• Exchanging personal information
• Describing family and friends
• Simple shopping transactions: at the bar, restaurant, and supermarket
• Dealing with time: telling the time, understanding timetables
• Spaces and places: describing your house, asking for and understanding simple directions

Resources

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 Italian 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 Italian 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 Italian language. Students will be encouraged to seek opportunities to learn and practice 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

Upon completing the Beginners level (1), you can progress onto the Post-Beginners level (2).