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 students currently studying at the University of Bath:

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

This course is suitable if you have never studied French before. 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 broadcasted 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

French for Business (Semester 2)

This is a beginner level course designed to develop your competence and fluency in using French in a range of business and employment contexts.

On the course you will also:

• further your understanding of French society and culture
• develop your intercultural competence
• improve your employability skills

You will work towards the 'diplôme de français professionnel' qualification. A commitment to independent study outside of class is important.

DELF preparation workshops

Diplôme d'Études en Langue Française (DELF) qualifications are awarded and recognised by the French Ministry of National Education. These globally recognised qualifications will validate your competence in the French language and enhance your employability.

If you wish to study for the DELF exam, you will be expected to attend the workshops as well as your French Intermediate or Upper Intermediate course.

Enrol on these workshops if:

• you are enrolled on Intermediate or Upper Intermediate French courses, and
• you wish to enter for the DELF B1 examination at the end of Semester 2, and
• you are available to sit the exams on 6 June 2024 in Cardiff.

These workshops will:

• focus on exam technique and preparation
• provide guidance to support your independent study towards the exams

Course dates and times

All courses consist of 10 weekly interactive sessions delivered either on campus in person (IPL = In-person learning) or remotely (LOIL = Live online interactive learning).

Enrolments are now closed.

Student experience

"The French course at Bath has been a truly enjoyable and rewarding experience. Here, I got to learn not only about the French language, but also about the French culture. The teacher and classmates are wonderfully friendly as well, and everyone is encouraged to speak. It's an unmissable opportunity that I highly recommend." (Yun Ling, MSc Computer Science)

In addition to our courses, there are opportunities to develop your language and intercultural skills informally with other students through Peer Assisted Learning, Virtual Exchange and the Language Café.

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.