Course Levels

We teach European Spanish, but some references are made to the other forms of Spanish spoken around the world, especially to Spanish spoken in Latin America.

We offer five levels in Spanish, from Post Beginner to Advanced.

A description of each course level can be found below.

Post Beginner

This level is suitable for those who have completed the Complete Beginner course with Foreign Languages and/or can:

• use basic structures and vocabulary to interact with others
• introduce yourself (nationalities, occupation etc.)
• describe a house using demonstrative adjectives and prepositions of place
• talk about your daily routine
• use the verbs llamarse, tener, estar and haber in the present tense

Lower Intermediate Part 2

Enrol on this course if you have some previous knowledge of Spanish (completed the Beginner’s course with Foreign Languages and/or have a GCSE or similar qualification) and/or can:

• ask and answer questions
• describe what you do in your free time
• express preferences and opinions (verb gustar)
• use the preterite and present perfect and contrast the two
• understand news articles adapted for this level

Intermediate Part 2

Enrol on this course if you have completed the Intermediate Part 1 level with Foreign Languages and/or have an AS level or equivalent in Spanish and are able to interact in Spanish in common social situations with a degree of flexibility

and/or if you can:

• express opinions and engage in conversation on a number of non-abstract topics such as jobs and free time
• understand straightforward written texts on familiar topics such as travel and facts about society
• use and understand the past tenses and recognise Present Subjunctive
• talk about the environment
• understand news reports

Upper Intermediate Part 2

Enrol in this course if you have completed the Intermediate level with Foreign Languages and/or have an A level or equivalent in Spanish. If you can already communicate in a number of less predictable situations, including some more abstract topic areas and/or:

• can navigate comfortably between a wide range of tenses and moods
• express your opinion about current issues and use the subjunctive
• can formulate hypothesis
• can write with a good level of accuracy
• can deliver a speech with reasonably good fluency and without notes
• can discuss about various topics that you can research independently

Advanced Part 2

Enrol in this course if you:

• have completed the Upper Intermediate level with Foreign Languages, lived in a Spanish speaking country or are at B2/C1 in the CEFR

Or if you:

• have a very sound knowledge of grammar
• can express yourself reasonably fluently
• can produce extended pieces of writing
• can present an argument convincingly and take part in debates
• can analyse complex texts dealing with any topics
• can understand authentic broadcasts

If you attend this course, you will be able to practise Spanish on a weekly basis by working with complex written materials, including advanced grammar and idioms, often of an abstract nature, and engaging in a variety of speaking and listening activities.

Enrolment

The Spring Term will start on 3 February 2020 and enrolments will open for members of the public and staff on 18 December 2019. To enrol, you should select from the appropriate link below:

University staff

Members of the general public

Independent Language Learning

Members of the public and University staff can access independent language learning resources including films, books, and online resources to help you build your knowledge and language skills from the Language Learning Zone.