We offer various courses based on the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).

Courses

Our language courses aim to develop your linguistic skills and intercultural competence. You can find out more on the general information page.

The following French courses are available for members of the public and University of Bath staff:

The cost for each course is £144 per semester.

University of Bath staff receive a 10% discount. Staff will be invoiced for the cost of the course after they have enrolled on MySkills.

Placement test

If you have never learned French with us before, please take this placement test so that you know which course is suitable for you.

Please also refer to the course descriptions below.

Course descriptions

Complete Beginner (Semester 1)

Working towards CEFR level A1.1

Enrol on this course if you have never studied French before or if you know a few basic phrases. At the end of this course, you will be able to:

• understand frequently used expressions and take part in basic factual conversations
• read simple texts and write notes and short paragraphs with prompts
• have some knowledge of the culture of the countries where French is spoken

Post Beginner (Semester 2)

Working towards CEFR level A1.2

Enrol on this course if you have completed the Complete Beginner course with us, or if you can:

• engage in basic conversations, exchanging information such as age, name, nationality, occupation, etc
• read simple texts and write short paragraphs on familiar topics such as daily activities

Elementary Part 1 (Semester 1)

Working towards CEFR level A1.3

Enrol on this course if you have completed the Post Beginner course with us, or if you can:

• understand basic classroom instructions and main points in short, clearly spoken messages
• engage in conversations on familiar topics such as routine or leisure activities
• write about familiar topics in simple linked sentences

Elementary Part 2 (Semester 2)

Working towards CEFR level A1.4

Enrol on this course if you have completed Elementary Part 1 with us, or if you can:

• engage in everyday conversations on topics such as the weather, hobbies and daily routines
• express opinions, preferences and simple facts
• write short coherent texts on familiar topics

Lower Intermediate Part 1 (Semester 1)

Working towards CEFR level A2.1

Enrol on this course if you have completed Elementary Part 2 with us, or if you have a GCSE or equivalent, or if you can:

• engage in conversations on a range of familiar topics, recognising the difference between present and past events
• understand short recordings on familiar topics delivered in relatively slow-paced standard language
• write short texts about daily routines, simple events and opinions

Lower Intermediate Part 2 (Semester 2)

Working towards CEFR level A2.2

Enrol on this course if you have completed Lower Intermediate Part 1 with us, or if you have a GCSE or equivalent, or if you can:

• interact with a degree of fluency and accuracy in common social situations
• understand texts on a number of non-abstract topics and give considered opinions
• write longer texts on a variety of topics, including past events

Intermediate Part 1 (Semester 1)

Working towards CEFR level B1.1

Enrol on this course if you have completed Lower Intermediate Part 2 with us, or if you have an AS level or equivalent, or if you can:

• interact in familiar situations with a degree of flexibility and fluency
• understand the gist and some detail of broadcast materials on topics of general interest
• write structured texts on a variety of topics, including experience and future plans

Intermediate Part 2 (Semester 2)

Working towards CEFR level B1.2

Enrol on this course if you have completed Intermediate Part 1 with us, or if you have an AS level or equivalent, or if you can:

• describe experiences with accuracy, talk about dreams, ambitions, and hypothetical situations
  
• understand the gist of simple news reports
• write structured texts on a variety of topics, including experience and future plans

Upper Intermediate Part 1 (Semester 1)

Working towards CEFR level B2.1

Enrol on this course if you have completed Intermediate Part 2 with us, or if you have an A level or equivalent, or if you can:

• communicate in various situations, including some unpredictable and abstract topics, express opinions about current issues and formulate hypothesis
• understand and comment on simple news reports
• write about experiences and hypothetical situations with a degree of confidence

Upper Intermediate Part 2 (Semester 2)

Working towards CEFR level B2.2

Enrol on this course if you have completed Upper Intermediate Part 1 with us, or if you have an A level or equivalent, or if you can:

• communicate clearly on a variety of topics, deliver an unscripted presentation with reasonable fluency
• understand and comment on most broadcast news and current affairs programmes with some support
• write about abstract topics and hypothetical situations with a good level of accuracy

Course dates and times

All courses consist of 10 weekly interactive sessions delivered remotely (LOIL = Live online interactive learning). We regret that we are unable to run any in-person French courses at the present time.

Semester 1 courses will run on the following dates and times:

Enrolment for Semester 1 courses is now closed.

Dates and times for Semester 2 courses will be published in December 2023 and enrolment for Semester 2 will open in January 2024.

Student experience

"I highly recommend the Upper Intermediate French class with a lovely mix of University of Bath students and members of the public. The work is challenging with interesting topics. We were given plenty of opportunity to improve our French oral skills. There is a positive and encouraging atmosphere which allows for people of any age or skill to interact. Give it a go! Don’t be afraid to repeat the class, as I have done to improve my weaknesses." (Kim Milewski)

Outside the classroom, we also share cultural events organised by French associations in the UK such as the Institut Français and Alliance Française with our students. These events offer additional opportunities for you to develop your knowledge of French language and culture.