Optional language modules

Group of students in a seminar room chatting with a lecturer

Add a global dimension to your degree by learning a language and the culture of the country where that language is spoken.

Why learn a language?

There are many benefits to learning a language, from giving your brain a different kind of work out, to adding a valuable skill to your CV. Discovering other languages and cultures expands your horizons and allows you to see the world in new ways. 

Lecturer stood next to a map of the world on the wall

How do optional language modules work?

Pick up a new language as a beginner or continue with a language you have studied before.

Chinese, Italian, French, German and Spanish.

Language modules can be taken as an option on many Lancaster University undergraduate degrees. Each module runs over one academic term, and you can choose to take a language module instead of one of the other optional modules listed in your degree structure.

While our flexible model gives you lots of choice in how you study languages, the number of language modules you can take and which years of your degree this is possible will depend on the structure of your chosen degree.

You may be able to continue to take optional modules in a chosen language during each year of your degree and reach an advanced level by the time you graduate.

Alternatively, you may prefer to try two or three different languages during your degree, gaining a basic level of understanding and speaking in each by the time you graduate.

In some circumstances timetable clashes may restrict your choice. You will be able to find out which language modules are available for your course when you arrive at Lancaster and your academic timetable is provided.

Language options

Suitable for complete beginners and students who have studied up to GCSE level

  • Chinese
  • French
  • German
  • Italian
  • Spanish

Suitable for students with A level, International Baccalaureate ‘higher’ level or equivalent in the chosen language

  • Chinese
  • French
  • German
  • Italian
  • Spanish

Suitable for students who have previously taken a Becoming Independent module in the chosen language

  • French
  • German
  • Spanish
  • Italian
Group of students working in groups with laptops open

What will you learn?

You'll gain a broad set of language skills including speaking, listening, reading and writing while exploring the people, cultures and societies connected to your chosen language.

You’ll mix with students across different years of study and degree subjects, gaining new friendships and networking opportunities.

As well as learning the language, you’ll explore other topics which might include:

  • The cultures and communities of countries around the world in which your chosen language is spoken
  • How language shapes identity and cultural understanding
  • The art of translation and communication across cultures

Understanding language levels

Our language modules are mapped against the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and the Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi (HSK) standard test for non-native Chinese speakers.

language levels accordion

How do I enrol for an optional language module?

When your place at Lancaster University has been confirmed, you will receive pre-arrival information from August onwards. This will include information about your module choices and how to enrol for optional modules.

Find out more

To find out more about optional language modules, please contact the Languages team at Lancaster University.

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