A number of our undergraduate courses offer you the option to study a foreign language as an elective module.
Having the ability to speak more than one language can enhance your career prospects, as more and more employers are beginning to advertise positions that require multiple languages.
With The University Language Scheme you can learn to study:
- French (stages one to six)
- German (stages one to six)
- Spanish (stages one to six)
- Italian (stages one to three)
- Chinese (stages one and two)
Modules are 20 credits and taught over two semesters following the standard UG teaching calendar.
If you are completing a semester abroad as part of your degree, you may be able to study a semester 10 credit version of the module.
To find out more about module content and assessment, log into My Student Record.
Entry qualifications
The stage you study depends on your previous qualifications, experience, and learning:
Stage one
- Beginners with no previous knowledge of the language
Stage two
- GCSE grade 4/5/C in the last three years
- SHU ULS stage 1 pass (or equivalent)
Stage three
- GCSE grade 6-9/B-A* in the last three years
- AS level pass
- A level pass at grade E
- A level study but no pass grade
- SHU ULS stage 2 pass (or equivalent)
Stage four
- A level pass grade D or higher
- SHU ULS stage 3 pass (or equivalent)
Stage five
- A level pass (or equivalent) plus one year of formal study
Stage six
- A level pass (or equivalent) plus two years of formal study
- or a substantial overseas placement for a minimum of three months
2023/24 fees for language modules
Language modules are 20 credits and taught over 2 semesters. The fee for studying a language module currently is:
Studying a language for additional credit
The University Language Scheme also provides the opportunity for you to study a language alongside your course for additional credit at a reduced fee.
Please be aware that places are limited and therefore subject to availability. Additionally, timetabling constraints may prevent you from taking a foreign language alongside your course.
Apply to study a foreign language
The window to apply for the language scheme is now closed.
Still interested in studying a language? Complete an expression of interest form.
You will need to confirm that you would like to study a language through the University's elective module selection process. This runs in March for returning students and September for new students.
What happens next?
If you have applied for the scheme, we will email you to tell you if you were successful in securing a place.
If you express interest while the scheme is closed, we will be in touch and provide you with additional information about available language modules.
We aim for your language sessions to be added to your timetable for the start of teaching. If we are unable to do this, we’ll provide you with session details for the first week of teaching.
Timetabling for languages
If you are successful in securing a place to study a language for additional credit, you will be timetabled with students who are studying a language as part of their course.
Contact us
If you have any questions about studying a language as part of your course or about The University Language Scheme, you can email us.
We aim to respond to emails within three working days.
