“If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart.” Nelson Mandela
Languages for All is a programme of language courses run by the Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures, offering a range of optional (extracurricular) courses in Modern Foreign Languages. The courses are open to everyone – Royal Holloway students and staff, plus the wider community. Please see 'What courses are on offer?' below for more information including dates and fees.
Classes can be taken in the following languages:
- French
- German
- Italian
- Spanish
- Mandarin
- Japanese
Why learn a language?
It is increasingly acknowledged that knowledge of a foreign language is an extremely valuable transferable skill, recognised by the government and by businesses as strategically important. If you have language skills you can enhance your employability and broaden your outlook – and if you travel they are incredibly useful. You can’t always assume English will be enough!
If you already know a language, you might want to take it further – or learn another. Each language you learn will make the next one easier! It’s not hard to get to grips with the basics, and if you enjoy it you’ll be inspired to put in the work required to take it to the next level.
Learning a language is incredibly worthwhile. But don't just take our word for it, see what the British Academy has to say.
What courses are on offer?
Bookings are now open for two term courses (taking place over Terms 1 and 2) starting in October 2023.
French:
German:
Mandarin:
Spanish:
Japanese:
The courses will run over both Term 1 and Term 2 (with a possible extension in Term 3 subject to sufficient demand and staff availability).
Classes will begin in week 3 - the week commencing October 2nd 2023. They will run for 10 weeks during Term 1 including study week (week 7; 30 Oct- 3 Nov). Classes will end in Term 1 in week 12 - the week commencing December 8th 2023.
For Term 2, classes will recommence in week 18 - the week commencing January 15th 2024. They will run for 10 weeks during Term 2 however classes will not take place during the study week (week 23; 19/23 Feb). Classes will end in Term 2 in week 28 - the week commencing March 25th 2024.
There will be a total of 10 x 2 classes per term. Therefore you will receive a total of 20 classes totalling 40 hours of language learning.
Tuition will be delivered by experienced language teachers with close supervision and support from academic staff in Royal Holloway's Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures.
What's the right level for me?
Beginners I classes are for those starting from scratch and those with very limited experience. The class will take learners to A1 ‘breakthrough’ level as described in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
Beginners II classes are appropriate for students who have completed one year of beginners' or with some limited experience in a language (approximately level A1.1 in the Common European Framework). The class will take learners from A1.1 to A1.2 level.
Intermediate classes (I and II) are suited to those with some background in learning the language – for example, you may have completed one or two years at school level and are approximately at A2 level. The class will take learners from A2.1 to A2.2 competence in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
Self-assessment of your language level
The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is an international standard for describing language ability.
To assess your level on the CEFR and book the course most suited to your skills, please refer to the European language levels - Self Assessment Grid.
How will I be assessed?
If you satisfactorily complete a course you'll receive a certificate of Attendance/completion. We are not currently planning to prepare you for a formal qualification.
What dates and times will the courses run?
The courses will run over both Term 1 and Term 2 (with a possible extension in Term 3 subject to sufficient demand and staff availability). Classes will begin in week 3 - the week commencing October 2nd 2023. They will run for 10 weeks during Term 1 including study week (week 7; 30 Oct- 3 Nov). Classes will end in Term 1 in week 12 - the week commencing December 8th 2023.
For Term 2, classes will recommence in week 18 - the week commencing January 15th 2024. They will run for 10 weeks during Term 2 however classes will not take place during the study week (week 23; 19-23 Feb). Classes will end in Term 2 in week 28 - the week commencing March 25th 2024.
Timetable:
To see a provisional timetable please click the link.
Term dates:
To see Term dates for 2023/24 academic year, please click this link.
To make classes as easily accessible as possible for everyone, they run outside the typical working day and / or the most commonly used teaching hours at Royal Holloway.
If you have any questions about the delivery of this course, please contact languagesforall@rhul.ac.uk.
How much will it cost?
Term 1 and 2 courses:
Members of the public: £325
Royal Holloway alumni & staff (discounted fee): £300
Royal Holloway students (discounted fee): £275
BOOK YOUR COURSE HERE
Payment should be made on enrolment before the start of courses. Please be aware that refunds cannot be given if you withdraw from a course. See our terms and conditions for more information.
