Languages
Explore our range of language courses, language enhancement courses and language talks!
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We offer a wide range of different language courses, allowing our learners to communicate confidently in the language of their choice and to become independent language learners. Our courses develop learners' four linguist skills: speaking, listening, reading and writing. These skills can be applied to all the different languages we offer. In addition, learners are encouraged to develop an understanding of the different cultures of the language they are learning. To further their learning, we also deliver Language Talks and Enhancement courses, you can read more about these below.
Our learners have reported that upon completing a course, they now felt self-assured to communicate in their chosen language; this has helped learners who travel or are relocating to another country to live. They've told us that they've also gained:
. Confidence to talk to locals
. Improved memory by keeping their brain active
. Increased creative thinking
. Development of self-pride
. Relationships with other adult learners
. Increased job opportunities
. Developed perspectives, through learning about new cultures
. Ability to explore new things, for example, films and art in their original form.
Not sure what level you're currently learning at?
Below you will find the pathway for language learning at Leicester Adult Education. Our Modern Foreign Languages courses are aligned with the Common European Framework for Reference for the Languages (CEFR). Please note that our languages courses are not qualification courses.
We hope this will help you decide what level your language learning may be at. If you need any more help, please do get in contact with us and we will help you. You can also join one of our languages open days.
CEFR levels gained after completing the course are in brackets next to the course title. Learn more about the Common Reference Levels on the Council of Europe's website.
Getting Started with ... (CEFR Level = Pre-A1)
These courses are for learners with no previous knowledge of the language that want to start from the very beginning. These courses are 5-weeks long.
Language for Beginners (CEFR Level = A1)
Beginners courses are intended for people with some previous knowledge of the subject, ideally having previously completed the Getting started with course as this is a continuation course. Beginner courses focus on learning basic sentences, grammar, and structures to help you interact in the language in simple contexts. These courses are 25-week courses.
We also offer Essential Languages for Holidays for beginners that have some previous basic knowledge. These courses are designed to prepare learners with a previous basic knowledge with survival phrases to use the language during holidays. The three courses are: Travel and Accommodation, Food and Drinks and Basic Conversation. You can enrol onto all three or onto the one that interests you the most. These courses are three, 4-hour courses.
Level 1 (CEFR Level = A1/A2)
Level 1 courses are suitable for those who have already attended a beginners courses over a year or have completed 40 hours learning the language.
Level 1 courses are 30-week courses, equating to 60 hours of learning.
Level 2 (CEFR Level = A2-B1)
To enrol onto a level 2 course, you should have completed 120 to 180 hours of learning the language. A level 2 course takes 2 years to achieve.
. Level 2 year 1: one 30-week course = 60 hours. CERF Level = A2/B1
. Level 2 year 2: one 30-week course = 60 hours. CERF Level = B1
Level 3 (CEFR Level = B1-B2)
To enrol onto a level 3 course, you should have completed 240 to 300 hours of learning the language. A level 3 course takes 2 years to achieve.
. Level 3 year 1: one 30-week course = 60 hours. CERF Level = B1/B2
. Level 3 year 2: one 30-week course = 60 hours. CERF Level = B2
Level 4 (CEFR Level = B2-C1)
To enrol onto a level 4 course, you should have completed 360 to 420 hours of learning the language. A level 4 course takes 2 years to achieve.
. Level 4 year 1: one 30-week course = 60 hours. CERF Level = B2/C1
. Level 4 year 2: one 30-week course = 60 hours. CERF Level = C1
Level 5 (CEFR Level = C1-C2)
This level is a one 30-week course, 60 hours, and is the highest level we offer. These courses are for advanced learners only and are aimed at developing the skills to achieve a post-advanced level of the language.
To enrol onto a level 5 course, you should have completed 400 hours of learning the language. CEFR Level = C1/C2
Advanced Courses (CEFR Level = B1-C2)
These courses are for advanced learners of the language, with a minimum CERF level of B2. These courses are based on developing language-specific cultural knowledge.
For example, we offer Language Talks. These talks are for intermediate and advanced users of the language, with a minimum CEFR level of B1. Talks are in the language and are intended to expose learners to different topics and practise and improve their reading, listening and speaking skills.
Please note that not all levels are available in all the languages that we offer.
Please do contact us if you have any questions about our language levels.
Language Talks and Advanced courses
We also offer foreign language talks and advanced language courses in a variety of interesting subjects, for those who are at intermediate/advanced level. The language talks are for those who want to improve their listening skills. You can sit back, relax, and listen to the language being spoken.
Our range of advanced courses are for those who can already hold a conversation in the language with confidence and are available in French, Spanish and Italian. For example, we do cooking courses, debates and cinema lessons.
British Sign Language
We also offer British Sign Language courses, for beginners and intermediates.
Learner's Story: Brenda and Carmel - Spanish Beginners to Confident Talking to Locals
Sisters, Brenda and Carmel, decided to join our Spanish language courses after struggling with language barriers on a previous trip. Their goal was to complete El Camino de Santiago, a pilgrimage in Northern Spain and they did just that – with the confidence to talk to locals!
“All the classes have been well prepared and targeted to our individual needs. There has been a variety of activities to promote interaction in the class. Our is a person who is full of enthusiasm and energy, and is always encouraging and positive.”
Brenda and Carmel joined us a beginners and now they’re at Level 5! We have lots of levels of languages available, so if you've been inspired, check out our upcoming courses below. You can filter by 'Languages' from the course search box, or search for a particular language.
Search for our Language courses