What level should I study?

Most beginners start at Level 1, Part 1. Once you have completed Part 1, you can complete Parts 2 and 3 to complete your language level.

By the end of Part 3, you will be able to communicate in basic everyday situations. You will be able to understand simple texts and ascertain specific information on simple topics

Course structure:

Level 1, Part 1: for students with no knowledge of the language.
Level 1, Part 2: for students who have completed Level 1, Part 1 or the equivalent of 15 hours tuition.
Level 1, Part 3: for students who have completed Level 1, Parts 1 & 2 or the equivalent of 30 hours tuition.

if you are a False beginner (This is a student with some very limited experience), we recommend that you have a look at the description of part 2 and part 3 of the language you wish to learn. Find the class in our search, then click on 'view details' where you will be able to access an overview of the course syllabus. You can also book an online assessment if you wish - just email languagecentreshortcourse@kcl.ac.uk for more information.

This course will be ideal for you if you have:

Completed Level 1
A GCSE/O-level or equivalent grade C or above
Reached A1 of the CEFR

By the end of the course, you will be able to communicate on everyday matters and be able to deal with simple written texts.

This course will be ideal for you if you have:

Completed Level 2
A recent GCSE/O-level, grade A
Reached A1/A2 of the CEFR

(For Japanese and Mandarin A1/A2 of the CEFR) By the end of the course, you will have acquired the language and grammar to assist you with most situations likely to arise when travelling in areas where the target language is spoken.

This course will be ideal for you if you have:

Completed Level 3
An AS-level or A-level
Reached B1 of the CEFR

(For Japanese and Mandarin A2 of the CEFR) By the end of the course, you will be able to converse with relative ease on a wide range of issues and you will be able to read complex factual texts. .

This course will be ideal for you if you have:

Completed Level 4
An A-level
Reached B1/B2 of the CEFR and have had further contact with the language

At this level, you will improve your command of topic-related vocabulary and idioms and the ability to vary your style according to the situation. By the end of the course, you will be able to express yourself confidently and with a high level of proficiency.

This course will be ideal for you if you have:

Completed Level 5
Achieved B2/C1 of the CEFR or a high level of proficiency in the foreign language.

At this level, you will learn how to recognise implicit meaning of written and spoken texts and how to make presentations on various subjects. By the end of the course, you will be able to communicate with near-native proficiency.