Polylang - the University's open language programme

If you're interested in learning a new language or developing one of your current languages, have a look at the University's open language programme, Polylang.

What are the benefits of studying a language?

There are many good reasons to study a language alongside your main subject, including the following:

• You'll enhance your employability and career progression prospects (74% of British employers look for candidates who have at least conversational language skills in a foreign language, according to a Confederation of British Industry survey in 2009).
• You'll improve your general communication skills.
• You'll gain an insight into new cultures and ways of seeing the world.

To find out more about the career opportunities open to those with foreign language skills, visit the Prospects website.

Can I register for a Polylang module?

The programme is open to all students - undergraduate, postgraduate, exchange, and associate students - as well as to members of staff, our alumni community, and members of the public. All levels are catered for, from beginner to advanced students.

If you are an undergraduate student at the University and want to study a Polylang module next year, you need to include it in your module choices by 27 April 2012. The codes are:

Arabic 1ARAP99
Chinese 1CHIP99
French 1FREP99
German 1GERP99
Italian 1ITAP99
Japanese 1JAPP99
Russian SRUSP99
Spanish 1SPAP99

Which languages are available?

Languages available in 2012/13 are as follows - click on the language for more details:

Language	Draft timetable
Arabic	Arabic
Chinese	Chinese
French	French
German	German
Italian	Italian
Japanese	Japanese
Russian	Russian
Spanish	Spanish

 

When do the modules run?

Modules are year long and classes take place at different times to ensure that they accommodate the majority of timetables. Have a look at the draft timetables, above, for the different languages, to get an idea of when classes may take place.

2011/12 teaching timetable
Semester One: 10 October - 9 December 2011
Semester Two: 23 January - 23 March 2012
Oral Exams: Week starting 26 March 2012
Easter break: 9 April - 27 April 2012
Written exams: 1 May 2012

Will I have to pay an extra fee and will the module count towards my degree?

Undergraduate students

• You can take a Polylang module as a Westminster Elective module free of charge within your 120-credit (per year) limit.
• All modules carry 15 credits and can potentially count towards your progression and degree qualification, although there are restrictions.
• If you cannot take a Polylang module within your 120 credit limit, you can still study a language with Polylang but you would need to  pay an additional module fee (£450 for home students).

Postgraduate students 

• As a postgraduate student, you will need to pay an additional fee (£450 for home students) to take a Polylang module, unless it is explicitly included in your programme or there is an agreement with the Course leader.
• Polylang modules cannot contribute to a postgraduate award, but students can be given a Certificate of Achievement.

How are modules taught?

Teaching on the modules is classroom-based, but a range of extra study materials will be available to support your learning, including online resources.