French
- Level(s) of Study: Short course
- Course Fee:
See fees section
- Start Date(s): Week commencing 29 September 2025
- Duration: 22 weeks and oral assessment week
- Study Mode(s): Part-time
- Campus: City Campus
- Entry Requirements: More information
Introduction:
Learning a foreign language is a wonderful opportunity to not only learn the language itself, but also to reveal different perspectives on life, enabling you to explore new cultures through a different lens.
Languages open doors to your future. Check out for inspiring stories from learners across the world.
Our courses are more than just engaging classroom sessions supported by excellent online resources.
You’ll also have the option to take assessments and be awarded a Å·ÃÀ¾ÞÈé (NTU) Language Programme Certificate of Achievement.
What you’ll study
Our language classes are divided into Stages. Stage one is designed for real beginners whilst stages six and seven are for advanced learners. Check out the entry requirements to determine which stage is most appropriate for you. Some languages are available across levels in terms of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). For more information, see our 'Awards' section.
To see which CEFR levels are taught at each ULP stage and find out more about CEFR, click here.
Online courses are also available. These will be included in the relevant Stage information.
“The online structure is very good and helpful in fitting in with my timetable, the class is small which helps for more one–to–one learning.”
Anonymous student feedback
This course is suitable for beginner learners of French with no prior knowledge of the language.
It is delivered face-to-face on campus with an alternative option of online delivery (see below).
Course Content
During the course you will learn basic language structures used in everyday life in French-speaking countries.
You will learn to speak and write in French about yourself, your work or studies, your daily routines, and your future plans.
You will learn how to arrange meetings, travel and accommodation, and how to ask for directions in French.
You will be able to communicate at a basic level when shopping and travelling, and when you are in restaurants and in hotels in a French-speaking country.
Online French Stage 1
Can’t come on campus? Join our new online module for beginners instead.
Weekly online sessions supplemented with flexible learning online activities using the newest online teaching software.
The online classes will be delivered by the teacher via MS Teams, and you can complete many interactive exercises in your own time.
The content, assessments and progression are the same in the face-to-face and the online classes.
This course is suitable for beginner learners of French with some knowledge of the language; it is the right stage for you if you have successfully completed French stage 1 or equivalent (for example, GCSE at grade B or C or point 6 to 4 in French).
Course Content
During the course you will learn how to give information about yourself and others, ask questions and interview others, give and understand information about holidays, vacation jobs, recount past events, express opinions, understand/give descriptions of people and places, etc.
Course Outcome
At the end of the course, you will have deepened your appreciation of French grammar and structures at an elementary level, and you will be able to make comparisons, and talk about recent and past events.
French stage 3 is the right stage for you if you have successfully completed French stage 2 or equivalent (for example, GCSE at grade A* or A or point 9 to 7 in French, CEFR level A1).
Course Content
During this course you will study topics relating for example to the media, culture, tourism, customs and tradition, and the environment.
Course Outcome
At the end of the course, you will be able to express/understand opinions for example about where you live, which media you use, how you keep healthy, describe past experiences, etc.
French stage 4 is the right stage for you if you have successfully completed French stage 3 or equivalent, e.g., AS level A/B/C or A level grade D or E, or CEFR level A2.
Course Content
During this course you will typically study topics relating, for example, to social and environmental issues, equal opportunities, new technologies, cultural differences, etc.
Course Outcome
At the end of the course, you will be able to typically talk about events in the past and future as well as your intentions and wishes using the conditional tense.
French stage 5 is the right stage for you if you have successfully completed French stage 4 or equivalent, e.g. A level grade A, B, or C, or CEFR level B1.
Course Content
We currently use authentic materials (news reports, documentaries, satirical cartoons) on current affairs.
Topic areas typically include the news, politics and social issues.
For some of the activities, you will be encouraged to choose topics related to your main degree subjects or personal interests.
Course Outcome
At the end of this course, you will be able to summarise written and spoken texts, as well as discuss ideas and give your opinion.
In stages 5 and 6, you study towards level B2 (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages).
French stage 6
French stage 6 is the right stage for you if you have successfully completed French stage 5 or equivalent, e.g., an A level in French plus at least one further year of study/ experience of French or equivalent.
Course Content
We currently use authentic materials (news reports, editorials, podcasts and films) on current affairs and French society.
Typical current issues may be cultural differences, illegal immigration, globalisation or gender equality.
For some of the activities, you will be encouraged to choose topics related to your main degree subjects or personal interests.
Course Outcome
At the end of this course, you will be able to summarise extended written and spoken texts, distinguish and use various language registers, as well as discuss and debate complex ideas.
French stage 7
French stage 7 is the right stage for you if you have successfully completed French stage 6 or equivalent (for example, an A level in French plus at least one further year of study or equivalent, CEFR level B2, and/or spent time in a French-speaking country).
Course Content
We currently use authentic materials (news reports, documentaries, podcasts, etc.) on current affairs and social debates in French-speaking countries.
You will be also encouraged for some of the activities to choose topics related to your main degree subjects or personal interests.
Course Outcome
At the end of this course, you will be able to analyse extended written and spoken texts, as well as discuss and debate nuanced and complex ideas.
You will be able to distinguish various language registers, regional vocabulary, accents, and idioms.
How you’re taught
Your language study is designed in a flexible and blended learning mode which consists of taught sessions and guided self-study.
Assessments will take place in class during University term time. To progress onto the next stage of your chosen language you must complete and pass all the assessments on the previous stage.
Contact hours
You will take part in two hours of weekly class contact time and will need to complete an additional two to four hours per week guided self-study.
Campus and facilities
From access to our libraries and sports facilities, to subsidised bike hire, careers advice, and student discounts, as a ULP student you will be a full member of the NTU student body and are entitled to a student card and use of the University facilities.
Entry requirements
- Stage 1 (no prior knowledge or qualification needed)
- Stage 2 (successful completion of French stage 1 or equivalent, e.g. GCSE at grade B or C or point 6 to 4)
- Stage 3 (successful completion of French stage 2 or equivalent, e.g. GCSE at grade A* or A or point 9 to 7, or CEFR level A1)
- Stage 4 (successful completion of French stage 3 or equivalent, e.g. AS level A, B or C, or A level grade D or E, or CEFR level A2 )
- Stage 5 (successful completion of French stage 4 or equivalent, e.g. A level grade A, B or C, or CEFR level B1)
- Stage 6 (successful completion of French stage 5 or equivalent, e.g. A level French plus at least one further year of study/experience of French)
- Stage 7 (successful completion of French stage 6 or equivalent, e.g. A level French plus at least one further year of study/experience or CEFR level B2 and/or spent time in a French speaking country).
Getting in touch
If you need more help or information, get in touch at ulp@ntu.ac.uk
Fees and funding
The course fee is £300
* Payment is due at the time of booking.
How to apply
You apply depending on the type of student you are. If you are not sure what type of student you are please check our ULP page, or contact the ULP Administration team.
For members of the public and NTU staff:
Check the dates, days and times and book your place via the NTU online store .
For NTU supplementary students:
Check the dates, days and times and book your place via the NTU online store .
Accredited students must complete the
Your class will be added to your timetable or we’ll contact you if we need any further information.
Exchange students
Exchange students who are accredited should read the information for ULP Accredited Students.
You may register and pay for a ULP module via the
Any questions?
Check our FAQs or Contact the ULP Administration team:
- Email: ulp@ntu.ac.uk
- Telephone: +44 (0)115 848 2285