Levels of study

Enrol for a beginner level module if you have no knowledge of the language and have never attended classes in the language before.

Beginner modules are labelled Stage 1 and Stage 1a:

• Stage 1 modules are modules taught 4 hours per week, from September to April (22 weeks), and, if taken for credit, are worth 30 credits.
• Stage 1a modules are taught 2 hours per week, from September to April (22 weeks). If taken for credit, they are worth 15 credits. They cover roughly half the material of Stage 1 modules. You can also take a Stage 1a module as an intensive one-semester module in Semester 1 (11 weeks, 4 taught hours per week).

Expected level on completion:

• Stage 1: A2 CEFR level
• Stage 1a: A1+ CEFR level

Enrol for a Stage 1b elementary module if the following applies to you:

• Successful completion of a Stage 1a module at QMUL.
• A1 CEFR level or GCSE grade 3-5 (old grade: D or C).
• You can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases.
• You can introduce yourself and others and can ask and answer questions about personal details such as where you live, people you know and things you have.
• You can interact in a simple way providing that the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help.

Elementary modules are labelled Stage 1b modules. They are taught in 2-hour weekly sessions, from September to April (22 weeks). If taken for credit, they are worth 15 credits. You can also take a Stage 1b module as an intensive one-semester module in Semester 2 (11 weeks, 4 taught hours per week).

Expected level on completion:

Stage 1b: A2 CEFR level  (UK GCSE grade 7 equivalent)

Enrol for a Stage 2 or 2a intermediate module if the following applies to you:

• Successful completion of a Stage 1 or Stage 1b module at QMUL.
• A2 CEFR level or GCSE grades 6-9 (old grades: B-A*)

• You can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance, e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment.  
• You can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters. 
• You can describe in simple terms aspects of your background, immediate environment and matters in areas of immediate basic need.

Intermediate modules are labelled Stage 2 and Stage 2a:

• Stage 2 modules are modules taught 4 hours per week, from September to April (22 weeks), and, if taken for credit, are worth 30 credits.
• Stage 2a modules are taught 2 hours per week, from September to April (22 weeks). If taken for credit, they are worth 15 credits. They cover roughly half the material of Stage 2 modules. You can also take a Stage 2a module as an intensive one-semester module in Semester 1 (11 weeks, 4 taught hours per week).

Expected level on completion:

• Stage 2: B1-B2 CEFR level
• Stage 2a: B1 CEFR level

Enrol for a Stage 2b upper intermediate module if the following applies to you:

• Successful completion of a Stage 2a module at QMUL.
• B1 CEFR level
• AS level grades C-A*

• You can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. 
• You can deal with most situations likely to arise whilst travelling in an area where the language is spoken. 
• You can produce simple connected text on topics, which are familiar, or of personal interest. 
• You can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes and ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans. 

Upper Intermediate modules are labelled Stage 2b modules. They are taught 2 hours per week, from September to April (22 weeks). If taken for credit, they are worth 15 credits. You can also take a Stage 2b module as an intensive one-semester module in Semester 2 (11 weeks, 4 taught hours per week).

Expected level on completion:

• B2 CEFR level

Enrol for a Stage 3 or 3a advanced module if the following applies to you:

• Successful completion of a Stage 2 or Stage 2b module at QMUL.
• Full A level grades C-A*
• B1/2 CEFR level

• You can understand the main ideas of complex text on a wide range of topics. 
• You can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with fluent speakers possible. 
• You can produce clear, detailed text on a range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.

Advanced level modules are labelled Stage 3 and Stage 3a:

• Stage 3 modules are modules taught 4 hours per week, from September to April (22 weeks), and, if taken for credit, are worth 30 credits.
• Stage 3a modules are taught 2 hours per week, from September to April (22 weeks). If taken for credit, they are worth 15 credits. They cover roughly half the material of Stage 2 modules. You can also take a Stage 3a module as an intensive one-semester module in Semester 1 (11 weeks, 4 taught hours per week).

Expected level on completion:

• Stage 3: C1/C2 CEFR level
• Stage 3a: C1 CEFR level

Enrol for a Stage 3b advanced plus module if the following applies to you:

• Successful completion of a Stage 3a module at QMUL.
• B2/C1 CEFR level
• A level grades C-A* plus further study or stay in country where the language is spoken.

• You can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognise implicit meaning. 
• You can express yourself fluently and spontaneously without obvious searching for expressions. 
• You can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes. 
• You can produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organisational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices. 
• You can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes and ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.

Advanced plus modules are labelled Stage 3b modules. They are taught 2 hours per week, from September to April (22 weeks). If taken for credit, they are worth 15 credits. You can also take a Stage 3b module as an intensive one-semester module in Semester 2 (11 weeks, 4 taught hours per week).

Expected level on completion:

• C1/C2 CEFR level