Why learn a foreign language?
Learning a foreign language is a wonderful opportunity to improve your skills and learn more about yourself.
It reveals new perspectives, enabling you to see your community, life, and culture differently. It facilitates critical thinking skills and can help you find work after graduation – a certified level of proficiency will be provided upon completion.
Whether you're an absolute beginner, have some prior foreign language skills, or are at an advanced level, we'll support you to communicate confidently.
You'll be taught by experienced language specialists, many of whom are native speakers, allowing you to benefit from an authentic language-learning experience!
What courses are available?
We offer courses in:
- Arabic
- French
- German
- Italian
- Japanese
- Korean
- Mandarin Chinese
- Spanish
- Business English
- English as a Foreign Language
Contact the ULP administration team for more information:
- Email: ulp@ntu.ac.uk
- Tel: +44 (0)115 848 2285
What you'll learn
Our language classes are divided into Stages. Stage one is designed for real beginners whilst stage six and seven are for advanced learners. Find out which stage is right for you, how you'll learn, and what you can achieve as part of your study.
Language awards
You can validate your studies with a recognised Certificate or Diploma in Language Learning. In some languages we also award UNILANG Certificates (CEFR) which are recognised across Europe and beyond.
Employers may require you to indicate your CEFR grade for languages in your CV when considering you for work placements.
What type of student am I?
The language courses are open to NTU students, staff and the general public.
Booking processes and fees vary depending on the type of learner you are, to find out more about the courses we offer and book and pay online, please select the relevant option below.
General public and NTU staff
Anyone can join our language courses. Choose from beginners to advanced levels and pay for each level at a time
Accredited NTU students
Accredited NTU students are taking a language course as part of their degree, for example BA (Hons) International Business (with German).
Supplementary NTU students
NTU students can also study a language in addition to your degree, for personal enjoyment or as career development. You pay a deposit which is refunded on successful completion of the module
Exchange students
Study a language course for a term or semester, including Business English (for non-native speakers of English)
Student tesimonials
Hear from our students as they talk about their experience studying on the University Language Programme
I managed to take a Spanish course alongside my degree through the University Language Programme (ULP) because I want to work globally, speaking different languages puts me at a huge advantage.”
Jessica Riley-Heenan, BA (Hons) Global Studies and TESOL
In the future, I would like to work for the United Nations as well as taking the time to aid and volunteer at refugee camps. By learning Arabic with the ULP, I feel more confident in being able to achieve my career goals.
Gida Malafronte, BA (Hons) Global Studies and International Relations
I visited Spain for three weeks as research for my third year project. I even had the chance to visit the costume department at Valencia Opera House.I was able to use my language knowledge and learn new technical vocabulary. I feel that I now have more confidence and this experience has opened up the possibility of a future living and working in Spain.
Hannah Varley, BA (Hons) Costume Design and Making
Frequently Asked Questions
All classes begin in the week in the Autumn, usually the end of September or first week of October. The course web pages will give you the exact start date.
There’s no upper age limit. We take enrolments from NTU students, adults and professionals, and retirees. Everyone is welcome.
We offer a certificate of achievement, certificate of language learning, diploma of language learning or a UNILANG certificate (CEFR). See details of our language certificates.
Typically we take up to 20 learners in a class.
Unless the course is listed as online only, all your classes will take place on NTU's City Campus.
You are not required to take a test for Stage One courses. For other stages, you may be asked to do so. Our team will confirm if this is necessary at the time of booking.
You will learn the four language skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking.
You may have to buy a course book. Information will be shared during the first session.
You may change your language, stage, or class time up to the third teaching week of the course (subject to availability of spaces).
Language classes run for 22 weeks during term-time plus one additional week for your oral assessment. You will need to study for at least two additional hours per week to avoid falling behind. However this will vary depending on your linguistic ability.
You won’t be able to attend a language course until you are registered and have paid your fees.
We will advertise taster sessions in September. Taster sessions are for beginners who are new to a language.