University wide language programme
Staff and students alike can prepare for an international career by learning a language whilst studying or working at the University of Salford.
External applicants are defined as alumni, friends and family of Salford employees, the general public or corporate applicants.
Salford Languages currently offers courses in Arabic, British Sign Language, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese and Spanish. Our language classes are centred around our students and have been designed to develop practical language skills.
You will work towards achieving learning outcomes, gaining a range of transferable skills such as focused listening, teamwork and cultural appreciation.
The course will run from September to May and each week you will attend a two-hour class to help progress and consolidate your learning around the four core skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing.
You will also benefit from a large range of online resources and materials through our virtual learning environment, Blackboard.
The learning process
The module content is very practical, preparing you for using the language in your future career, whether in the UK or abroad. The lower stages will help you cope with everyday situations abroad or when dealing with visitors; the higher stages aim to develop your ability to use the language more widely in a professional context.
How will I learn?
You will develop all four language skills (speaking, listening, reading and writing) through class work, incorporating pair work and group work. When you have successfully completed the course, you will be able to communicate at a basic level in various everyday situations, be able to understand and write simple messages and have some understanding of the way of life in the countries where the language is spoken.
- Class contact is two hours per week, plus a further hour each week of directed self study with extra practice materials and activities provided through the Blackboard virtual learning environment.
- You can also benefit from dedicated learning space in Language Resource Centre on the 9th floor of Maxwell Building.
- Formative assessments are carried out during class time and via Blackboard in Semester one to help you assess your own progress and consolidate learning.
- UWLP module content
Language levels
Each language is taught at four different levels called 'Stages'. You can improve your existing skills or start learning a new language from scratch. Stages are allocated based on previous experience and/or qualifications in the language.
That will depend on what experience you already have (if any) of learning the language. As a general rule, even if you last studied the language a long time ago, you should join the Stage that matches any qualifications you have (see prerequisites).
| Level | Prerequisites |
|---|---|
| Stage one: beginners | No previous experience or Grade D or below at GCSE (or equivalent) |
| Stage two: lower intermediate | A1+, Grade A-C at GCSE (or equivalent) or a pass at stage one |
| Stage three: intermediate | A2, Pass at AS level up to grade C (or equivalent) or a pass at stage two |
| Stage four: upper intermediate | A2+, B1/UK Pass at AS level at grade A or B (or equivalent), pass at A2 level up to grade D (or equivalent) or a pass at stage three |
If you have grade A-C at A2 (or equivalent) or have already completed stage four in a particular languages, you are deemed to have enough knowledge of that language to cope quite well abroad, so we encourage you to choose a different language.
Eligibility
All staff and students at the University of Salford are able to study on the non-credit bearing option providing they have agreement with their line manager / Personal Tutor that participation in the programme will not negatively impact on their work, academic performance or other University commitments. Some programmes offer the University-Wide Language Programme modules as a credit-bearing optional module. You can find a full list of eligible programmes here.
If you are unsure whether your programme offers a language module, please ask your Programme Leader or email salfordlanguages@salford.ac.uk - we’re happy to help with this and any other languages related queries.
The courses are available to members of public, with family and friends of all staff members eligible to receive a 25% discount in fees. More information on the external offering.
Course outline and assessment
Summative assessments take place at the end of Semester two for students enrolled on credit-bearing modules. The marks obtained will contribute towards your level mark for that year.
For participants following a non-credit bearing course, if you wish to obtain a certificate you can sit the summative assessments at end of semester two. The certificate is not a recognised qualification but will indicate your language level in line with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages which is internationally recognised as an assessment of foreign language proficiency.
Find out more information on the structure of your Oral, Reading and Writing Assessment.
How to book a course
The enrolment process has two steps:
- Select the University Wide Language Programme (UWLP) via Online Module Enrolment (OME) instead of one of your usual optional modules.
- You will then be prompted to fill in the UWLP Internal Application 2024/2025 application form to select the specific language you wish to study* (you will be asked to select a second choice as well)
If you fail to complete step two, you will not be enrolled and may not be able to secure a place.
Changing your optional modules
If you would like to change one of your optional modules, you are permitted to request this change up to the end of the second week of teaching of either module. If you have any questions about changing your modules please contact us at salfordlanguages@salford.ac.uk.
Non-credit bearing course
To enrol onto one of the courses please follow these instructions:
- Book a course via the UWLP Application: Members of Public/Alumni 2024/2025 webform
- Once you have booked onto a course - payment, or part-payment must be received within one week of the Course starting to remain eligible to attend classes. To make a payment please visit the online shop
Fees, terms and conditions
The fees for each yearlong non-credit bearing course (running approximately for 24 weeks) is £200 which includes the exam, invigilation and certificate. Payment must be received within one week of the Course starting to remain eligible to attend classes.
There is no extra charge on top of tuition fees for the credit-bearing module.
In addition to the Academic Regulations, Salford Languages has the following terms and conditions for the University Wide Language Programme:
Please be aware that may have to cancel, suspend or terminate a course if any circumstances beyond our control prevent or delay its delivery (including but not limited to staff shortage) or if participant numbers fall below a sustainable/viable level. By completing your booking on the course you are deemed to accept these terms and conditions.