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Learning a foreign language at the University of Bath

General information about our foreign language courses.

A language tutor teaching students in a language lesson at the University of Bath.
Develop your language and intercultural skills

Do you want to maximise your career prospects, develop your intercultural competence, and enjoy a rewarding learning experience at the University of Bath? Then look no further – the Foreign Languages Team within the Skills Centre will inspire, engage and support your language-learning, while increasing your skills for employability, giving you a competitive edge in the global marketplace.

“Deciding to learn languages with the Skills Centre was one of the best decisions I have made...I’m finishing my degree with good prospects for interviewing with global companies and a lovely group of international friends.” (Hannah Glover, MSc Chemistry, 2024)

About our language courses

We offer courses in seven different languages, ranging from Beginners to Advanced: Arabic, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, and Spanish.

Our courses lead to globally recognised qualifications:

Our courses are in two parts; part one runs in Semester 1 (October to December) and part two runs in Semester 2 (February to May). You need to register each semester to progress to the next level.

We do not recommend you taking more than one language course in one semester due to the time commitment involved in learning a language.

Course delivery

Most of our classes are in-person on campus, but some run remotely online. Lessons are generally 110 minutes long, with 50 minute lessons available in some languages. Please refer to the timetable on each language page for further details.

Learning activities

We offer interactive learning activities tailored to the level of each class. Activities may include role plays, quizzes, presentations, and informal group discussions.

To achieve the intended learning outcomes, you are expected to complete autonomous learning in addition to attending the lessons. Your teacher will tell you what is required.

Moodle is our main Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) where you will find an overview of the course content and intended learning outcomes, along with a wide range of resources to support your learning.

Class sizes

We keep our class sizes small (maximum 25 students per class) so we can give you as much individual support as possible. All classes are inclusive, accessible and will develop your language learning in a supportive and structured way.

Course fees

Fees include all tuition, course materials, and the opportunity to participate in our wide range of enrichment activities: student-led Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) sessions, Language Cafés, and cultural events.

Students opting to enter for external internationally recognised qualifications will also benefit from exam preparation workshops in semester two. Workshops are offered alongside the foreign language course, with no additional charge. Examination entry fees will be payable to the respective awarding organisation; further details will be provided by your teacher.

Language course fees must be paid in full at the time of enrolment, through our online booking system.

Fee concessions are available for University of Bath students and staff.

10-week course, 110 minutes per week 10-week course, 50 minutes per week
Full fee £190 £95
Concession fee £99 £49

Funding for Bath bursary recipients

If you are in receipt of a Bath bursary, you may apply for a fully funded place on our courses. Funding is limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. Please note that should your attendance on the course fall below 50% the University reserves the right to invoice you for the cost of non-attended lessons.

Terms and Conditions

Cancellation policy

You have the right to cancel your enrolment within 14 days of the date that payment is made, and you will receive a refund of the course fees. Thereafter, if you withdraw from a course at any time, you will not be entitled to a refund.

Changes to the programme

Whilst every effort is made to avoid changes to the programme, published details may be altered without notice at any time. We reserve the right to withdraw or amend any part of this programme without prior notice. In cases where we cancel a course, we will issue a full or partial refund of course fees, as appropriate.

Transfer of course

Once a course has started, we may be able to agree a transfer to another course under certain circumstances. For example, if you have enrolled on a course and the level is not suitable and you wish to transfer to a different level of the course. If you wish to transfer to a different course, please contact fl-enquiries@bath.ac.uk, stating the reason for your request and the course you wish to transfer to. We may require you to take a placement test to assess the suitability of your request.

Find out more

Enquiries

If you have any questions, please contact us.


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