Awarded to Languages for All for our innovation in language learning

Languages for All gives you foreign language skills that will set you apart from other graduates. You will learn core language skills that:

• give you a competitive edge in graduate employment;
• expand your options for studying abroad;
• help you gain the confidence to work and travel internationally; and
• increase your global and cultural awareness.

At a time when companies struggle to find graduates who can speak more than one language, you can stand out from other applicants with language skills. You will also gain the confidence to work in an international environment, being able to hold everyday conversations with clients and customers in their own language. Customers are also more likely to buy if they are addressed in their mother tongue.

In today's globalised world, increasing your global and cultural awareness will help you to understand others better and make better decisions as a result.

As well as learning the language itself, the process will equip you with other advanced graduate skills, such as:

• effective and confident communication;
• listening skills;
• the basic understanding of language learning methodology;
• empathy and understanding of others;
• collaboration; and
• enhanced interpersonal skills.

Language Express offers a structured, taught programme of language learning for those who want to learn a new language. We offer modules at beginner and post-beginner level. It gives you the opportunity to:

• study outside of normal teaching hours in a friendly and less formal setting;
• study Arabic, French, German, Mandarin Chinese, Russian, or Spanish if you are a student at our Colchester Campus;
• study French or Spanish at beginner level if you are a student at our Southend Campus;
• take up a new language in a very focused, purpose-driven way, concentrating on communicative skills; and
• increase your language skills so that you can cope with living, studying or working abroad for a short time (while English is still the predominant language).

Study methods

Language Express is taught through two hours of evening classes per week. It will not conflict with your normal timetabled studies during the day. The lessons are specifically tailored to help you study or live in another country, with the aim that:

• after one year you would be able to cope with a short stay in the country (for a conference, short course or summer school); and
• after two years you would be able to cope with living in the country (for a study abroad year, for example) but studying or working in English.

You can also take advantage of the following additional language activities to further improve your language skills.

• Language Cafés Wednesday afternoon conversation classes supported by Europhones (native-speaking Teaching Assistants).
• Modern Languages Film Club Europhone-supported activities around foreign language films.

Study hours and proficiency levels

A typical module includes two contact hours per week plus two to four hours of self study time. For 2013-14, we provide modules at beginner and post-beginner level. Students with an existing qualification such as a GCSE in a language are encouraged to join the post-beginner level.

Assessment

You will be assessed through class tests of your reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. Successful completion of the module will lead to it being listed on your further achievements transcript (your grade will not be shown).

Fees

Every student at Essex is entitled to one fully-subsidised Languages for All module alongside their degree course. If you would like to learn more than one language through Language Express, or to continue learning in subsequent years, then the cost is £220 per language, per year.

Language Portfolio allows you to study a language through flexible web-based learning alongside your main course. It gives you the opportunity to:

• study French, German or Spanish at your own level and pace but receive support and guidance from native speakers of the language; and
• increase your language skills so that you can deal with a range of situations when travelling abroad.

Language Portfolio is only available at our Colchester Campus.

Study methods

Using the well-established language learning software, Tell Me More, you can study French, German or Spanish at any level from beginner to advanced. After an initial placement exercise to establish your level, language tutors will develop a tailor-made learning programme with you.

You're not on your own. Your progress will be monitored and there is support available to you throughout the course. In addition to the web-based learning, there are five additional activities to enhance your language skills.

• Language Cafés Wednesday afternoon conversation classes supported by Europhones (native-speaking Teaching Assistants).
• Modern Languages Film Club Europhone-supported activities around foreign language films.
• Online advice A web and e-mail facility for posting questions and obtaining answers.
• Assessment Tell Me More has built in testing based on the Common European Framework so you know how well you're progressing.

Study hours and proficiency levels

You will be expected to study for three to four hours per week online in order to progress to a sufficient standard. How and when you undertake your study is up to you. If you choose to take part in the additional activities then this will increase the number of hours per week that you study. Your proficiency level will be assessed by a placement test in the Tell Me More software and we provide support for levels A1 to B2.

Assessment

In addition to the testing built in to Tell Me More, you will be asked to produce a portfolio of work, for which you will get marks and feedback. Successful completion of the module will lead to it being listed on your further achievements transcript (your grade will not be shown).

Fees

Every student at Essex is entitled to one fully-subsidised Languages for All module alongside their degree course. If you would like to learn more than one language through Language Portfolio, or to continue learning in subsequent years, then the cost is £205 per language, per year.

Eligibility

Languages for All is open to all full-time and part-time registered students who are enrolled on a University of Essex course (undergraduate, postgraduate taught, postgraduate research and full-year incoming abroad students). This does not include students studying individual modules or short courses.

Application dates

Applications are accepted at the start of each academic year. Applications for study in the 2013-14 academic year will be open from 9 September 2013 to 11 October 2013.

The following modules are currently at maximum capacity: LX296 German One, LX 297 German Two, LX596 Russian One and LX597 Russian Two. Applications for these modules will be automatically placed on a waiting list in case more spaces become available.

How to apply

Please do not apply for multiple modules unless you definitely want to study more than one module. Second or third module enrolment will be subject to a fee.

Before applying, you must read the Languages for All terms and conditions:

I have read and accept the Languages for All terms and conditions.