Spanish Beginners (Level 1)

This is for you if you have no prior knowledge of Spanish (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 starting in January 2025

• Course: Thursdays 6.00pm - 8.00pm
  Delivery: On-campus (face-to-face)
  Timeline: Starts 30 January - ends 3 July 2025
  Lengths: 20 weeks (60 learning hours)
  Fees: £270 (payable in two termly instalments of £135 each) 

Courses started in October 2024

• Course: Mondays 6.00pm - 8.00pm
  Delivery: On-campus (face-to-face)
  Timeline: Resumes 20 January - ends 24 March 2025
  Lengths: 10 weeks (30 learning hours)
  Fees: £135

• Course: Wednesdays 3.00pm - 5.00pm
  Delivery: On-campus (face-to-face)
  Timeline: Resumes 22 January - ends 26 March 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 in a new Fast Track Beginners course.

Entry level

No previous knowledge of Spanish is required. The course is suitable for absolute beginners. You can use the ELP self-assessment grid to judge how competent you are in the language. Alternatively, if you require help to assess your level please contact us or come along to one of our drop-in sessions.

Course content

• Exchanging personal information
• Describing your family and friends
• Describing daily routines
• Discussing hobbies and things you like to do in your free time
• Simple shopping transactions: at the bar, restaurant
• Telling the time, understanding timetables
• Describing your house
• Asking for and understanding simple directions

Resources

Ele Actual A1 by Ediciones Virgilio Borobio.

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

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 Spanish 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 Spanish 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 Spanish 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

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