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 October 2026

• Course: Mondays 6.00pm - 8.00pm 
  Delivery: On-campus (face-to-face)
  Timeline: Starts 5 October 2026 - ends 15 March 2027

• Course: Wednesdays 3.00pm - 5.00pm 
  Delivery: On-campus (face-to-face)
  Timeline: Starts 7 October 2026 - ends 17 March 2027

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

*As part of the Languages at Leicester's 20th Anniversary, University of Leicester's students (undergraduate and postgraduate) are welcome to apply for a Bursary Fund covering 50% of this course fee. For further details, see our dates and fees and Terms & Conditions (Point 13).

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 6 weeks.

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 

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).