Levels of study

Enrol for a beginner level module if you have no knowledge of the language and have never attended classes in the language before, or if you know just a few words or phrases.

Beginner modules are labelled Introductory (for Catalan, Chinese, French, German, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish) or Stage I (a) (for Arabic, Chinese, Japanese).

• These modules are modules taught at 4 hours per week, from September to April (22 weeks), and are worth 30 credits. Arabic, Chinese and Japanese can be taken over one semester, for 15 credits (I (a) in semester 1 and I (b) in semester 2).

Expected level on completion:

• Introductory: A2 CEFR level
• [Arabic, Chinese, Japanese] I (a): A1+ CEFR level
• [Arabic, Chinese, Japanese] I (b): A2 CEFR level

Enrol for a Stage I (b) elementary module (only for Arabic, Chinese, Japanese) if the following applies to you:

• Successful completion of a Stage I (a) module at QMUL.
• A1 CEFR level or GCSE grade 3-5 (old grade: D or C).
• You can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases.
• You can introduce yourself and others and can ask and answer questions about personal details such as where you live, people you know and things you have.
• You can interact in a simple way providing that the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help.

Elementary modules are labelled [Arabic, Chinese, Japanese] I (b) modules. They run in semester 2 (January to April) and are worth 15 credits.

Expected level on completion:

Stage I (b): A2 CEFR level  (UK GCSE grade 7 equivalent)

Lower Intermediate modules are labelled I Intensive or II Intensive. If you are a first-year student and you want to take a Lower Intermediate level module in French, German or Spanish, enrol for [French/ German/ Spanish] I Intensive. If you want to take a module in Catalan, Chinese, Portuguese or Russian, or you are a second or third-year student, enrol for [Catalan/ Chinese/ French/ German/ Portuguese/ Russian/ Spanish] II Intensive. For Arabic, lower intermediate modules are labelled Modern Arabic Language and Culture II (a) (for semester 1) and Modern Arabic Language and Culture II (b) for semester 2.

Enrol for such a module if the following applies to you:

• Successful completion of a year-long "Introductory" module or a module at stage I (b) at QMUL.
• A2 CEFR level or GCSE grades 6-9 (old grades: B-A*)

• You can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance, e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment.  
• You can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters. 
• You can describe in simple terms aspects of your background, immediate environment and matters in areas of immediate basic need.

The modules taught at 4 hours per week, from September to April (22 weeks), and are worth 30 credits. Arabic is taught in semester-long modules - II(a) for semester 1 and II(b) for semester 2, worth 15 credits each.

Expected level on completion: B1 CEFR level.

Enrol for modules labelled [French/ German/ Portuguese/ Russian/ Spanish] I (ONE) if the following applies to you:

• Existing B1 CEFR level
• AS level grades C-A*

• You can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. 
• You can deal with most situations likely to arise whilst travelling in an area where the language is spoken. 
• You can produce simple connected text on topics, which are familiar, or of personal interest. 
• You can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes and ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans. 

These are year-long modules (30 credits), leading to a low B2 level. They are taught at 4 hours per week, from September to April (22 weeks). 

Expected level on completion: Low B2 CEFR level.

Enrol for modules labelled [French/ German/ Portuguese/ Russian/ Spanish] II (TWO) if the following applies to you:

• Successful completion of a [French/ German/ Portuguese/ Russian/ Spanish] I.
• Full A level grades C-A*
• B1/2 CEFR level

• You can understand the main ideas of complex text on a wide range of topics. 
• You can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with fluent speakers possible. 
• You can produce clear, detailed text on a range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.

In the case of Chinese, please enrol for Chinese III (CHI6200) for an upper-intermediate level module (B2).

The modules are year-long (30 credits), taught from September to April (22 weeks), at 4 hours per week.

Expected level on completion: B2 CEFR level.

Enrol for an advancel-level [French/ German/ Portuguese/ Russian/ Spanish] III (THREE) module if the following applies to you:

• Successful completion of [French/ German/ Portuguese/ Russian/ Spanish] II at QMUL.
• Existing B2/C1 CEFR level.
• A level grades C-A* plus further study or stay in country where the language is spoken.

• You can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognise implicit meaning. 
• You can express yourself fluently and spontaneously without obvious searching for expressions. 
• You can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes. 
• You can produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organisational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices. 
• You can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes and ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.

These are year-long modules (30 credits), taught at 4 hours per week, from September to April (22 weeks). 

Expected level on completion: C1/C2 CEFR level