Course Levels

Our Language courses are delivered for a range of ability levels - from beginners to advanced. The information below will help you decide what course would best suit your language level. Our Languages Co-ordinator is on hand to discuss your individual level further - feel free to contact Antonio Barriga Rubio

Beginners 1 and 2 courses

These courses are designed for learners with no previous knowledge of the language and they aim to introduce you to its sounds, basic structures, common vocabulary and expressions. Learners should gain appreciation of the functioning and conventions of the language. The courses will also introduce a basic knowledge of the countries where the language is spoken and encourage your curiosity about the country, the people, their environment, society, traditions and culture.

These courses ae delivered over 10 weeks.

Improvers 1 and 2 courses

These are a continuation of the Beginners courses and will develop the skills to cope with a wider range of situations. You will learn to revise the sounds, basic structures, common vocabulary and expressions of the language from everyday to specific situations. The tutor will provide a basic cultural introduction to the countries where the language is spoken and encourage your curiosity about the language and the various contexts within which it is used.

These courses are delivered over 10 weeks. Completing these courses would be equivalent to GCSE level or similar.

Intermediate and Higher Intermediate courses

To enrol on this level,  you require a good basic knowledge of the language (GCSE level or similar). The courses cover similar topics to those dealt with at Beginners Level but in greater depth and with a wider range of grammatical structures. You will develop your confidence in dealing with a variety of situations. The courses will improve your ability to understand and read the language and to express yourself orally and in writing. Their aim is to enable you to extend your languages skills while performing a range of tasks as well as increasing your knowledge and cultural awareness of the countries where the language is spoken.

These modules are delivered over 20 weeks. Completing these courses would be a equivalent to A-level or similar. 

Advanced 1 and 2

Top enrol on this level you should be reasonably proficient (A-level or similar) in all skill areas and have a sound knowledge of grammar and structures. You should be able to understand native speakers without too much difficulty and be able to maintain a conversation, even though there may be some inaccuracies in your delivery. These courses will improve your linguistic skills and further explore culture, politics and institutions through press, radio, television and online material. The topic-based content of these courses is contemporary and is designed to provide learners with a broad understanding of key social, political, cultural and economic structures.

These modules are delivered over 20 weeks.

Extra courses in languages

These 'extra' courses are available in all the languages that we offer and are generally held during Term 3. These additional courses are aimed at supporting and enhancing your learning experience with us and are an opportunity to keep practicing the language during the spring and summer months, allowing you to become even more fluent and confident. These flexible revision sessions will ensure that you are fully-prepared for the next stage and level of learning a language and are ideal for those who wis to return to learning a language.

Credits gained from the completion of the extra courses do not contribute towards the Certificate of Higher Education in Modern Languages.  

Our Lifelong Learning courses are called ‘Level 1’ courses because they are equivalent to Level/Year 1 of a three-year degree. Find out more about the Credit and Qualifications Framework for Wales.

All accredited qualifications are awarded a National Qualifications Framework (NQF) level, endorsed by the Qualifications, Curriculum and Assessment Authority for Wales. Our Certificates of Higher Education courses are Level 4 NQF.