Overview
Course summary
Whether you're taking your first steps to learn another language or are at an advanced level, our courses will help you to communicate confidently in your chosen language.
You will find our classes characterised by an atmosphere of lively debate and enjoyment in learning and, whether you are looking to improve your language skills for professional or personal reasons, our wide range of languages and entry levels make the University of Westminster the ideal place to study.
Who is this class for?
For this level, you should have a solid knowledge of the Persian language and its grammar, and can communicate confidently and fluently in most situations
Our advanced course is made up of three parts, Part One, Part Two and Part Three. Each part builds on what you've learnt previously.
At the advanced level:
- Part One is for you if you have studied Persian for around one year or 300 hours
- Part Two is for you if you have completed Part One, or if you have studied Persian for about 320 hours
- Part Three is for you if you have completed Parts One and Two, or if you have studied Persian for about 340 hours
You can skip Part One and proceed straight to joining Part Two or Three if you have prior experience. If you’re not sure of your level, email us via the contact details at the bottom of this page.
Terms and conditions
Download our:
Course structure
Teaching
Our Persian lessons follow a communicative approach to language teaching, focusing on the language you need to communicate in authentic situations with an emphasis on speaking and listening. Our evening classes are taught by experienced language teachers who are native speakers of the language or equivalent.
There may be content variations at the discretion of the tutor. We may, for example, include additional content when general progress is good, or vary content according to students’ interests.
This year is focused on broadening the vocab and being able to listen, read and understand more challenging materials from sources such as video clips, songs, newspapers and business correspondence. Attention will also be paid to speaking and writing. All students will be expected to do a presentation on a topic of their choice and approved by the teacher.
Learning resources
Materials will be provided by your tutor, mostly coming from Persian printed and audiovisual media. For grammar backup, the following textbook will be used:
- COLLOQUIAL PERSIAN, 3rd edition [4th edition from 2024]
Other recommended literature:
- The Aryanpur Progressive English-Persian, Persian-English Dictionary, Comprehensive, by Manoochehr Aryanpur Kashani (Note: This is a big book! Smaller versions of this dictionary are also available.)
- Among the Iranians: A Guide to Iran’s Culture and Customs, by Sofia Koutlaki
- Culture Shock! Iran, A Guide to Customs and Etiquette, by Maria O’Shea
In Part One of the Persian Advanced course, you'll cover the following topics and grammar:
Topics
In this term, we will cover:
- family life and social events
- narrating / describing events
- language of the social media
- sense of humour: sarcastic or serious
- raising/ defending an argument
- possible pitfalls in cross-cultural communication
Grammar
You will learn:
- conversational management (turn taking, holding the floor, eye contact …)
- expressions used in discussions and debates (agreeing/ disagreeing; humility/ arrogance markers)
- sequencing of main clauses and subordinate clauses; its influence on discourse
- paraphrasing
- style vs register
Part Two builds on what you learnt in Part One, covering the following topics and grammar:
Topics
In this term, we will cover:
- entertainment industries: music, cinema, theatre, TV series
- holidays inside and outside Iran
- Persian literature, poetry
- expressing opinions on social, cultural, political, religious matters
- possible pitfalls in cross-cultural communication (continued)
Grammar
You will learn:
- collocations in Persian
- intricacies of the colloquialisation process in Persian (assimilation, elision, ellipsis)
- phrasal verbs in Persian
- the Arabic element in Persian
- reported speech
- more on perfect subjunctive
In Part Three of the Persian Advanced course, we will cover the following topics and grammar:
Topics
In this term, we will cover:
- telephone skills
- communication skills
- interviewing skills
- letter writing (personal; business)
- possible pitfalls in cross-cultural communication (continued)
Grammar
You will learn:
- habits in the past (I used to do this/ that …)
- focus on possessive endings used as object endings
- more on conditionals
- cohesion/ coherence markers in Persian
- complex structures in written texts
Booking
If you are interested in this course, please fill out our enquiry form and we’ll be in touch when bookings re-open.
This course is currently closed. Please keep an eye on our website for future dates.
If you have any questions about the course in the meantime, please get in touch with us via the details at the bottom of this page.
Discounts and booking deadlines
There are no discounts available at present but please check back for our latest offers.
Online courses – September start
- Standard Fee per Part: £290
The booking deadline is 10 days prior to the start date of each Part.
On-campus courses – October start
- Standard Fee per Part: £350
The booking deadline is 10 days prior to the start date of each Part.
Language courses term dates
Online courses – September start
- Part One: 18 September – 9 December 2023 (12 weeks)
- Part Two (Saturday Courses): 13 January – 6 April 2024 (12 weeks)
- Part Two (Monday Courses) : 15 January- 8 April 2024 (12 weeks)*
- Part Two (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday Courses): 16 January- 4 April 2024 (12 weeks)
- Part Three (Monday Courses): 22 April – 22 July 2024 (12 weeks)*
- Part Three (Tuesday–Saturday Courses): 16 April – 6 July 2024 (12 weeks)
*Bank holidays: Monday 1 April, Monday 6 May, Monday 27 May
On-campus courses – October start
- Part 1: 2 October– 7 December 2023 (10 weeks)
- Part 2: 22 January– 28 March 2024 (10 weeks)
- Part 3 (Monday courses): 15 April– 01 July 2024 (10 weeks)*
- Part 3 (Tuesday -Thursday courses): 16 April– 20 June 2024 (10 weeks)
*Bank holidays: Monday 6 May, Monday 27 May
Looking for another language or level?
If we don't currently offer the language or level you're looking for, please register your interest with us, and we will get in touch if the course becomes available.
How we're delivering courses
Online courses
Why study with us?
- Small class sizes
- Highly qualified native speakers (or equivalent)
Our interactive online courses provide real-time lessons with an expert tutor to practise speaking and listening. You will benefit from live, face-to-face engagement with experienced language teachers in an online, virtual classroom.
Wherever you are in the world, you'll become part of the University of Westminster's global community. You can be assured of a warm welcome here, where your wellbeing, the quality of our teaching and your learning experience are our priorities.
What do you need for an online class?
To get the most from the course, you will need:
- a reliable internet connection
- a PC or laptop with webcam and microphone and a modern web browser installed
We will contact you with joining instructions before your course starts.
Take a look around our virtual classrooms
On-campus courses
Why study with us?
- Small class sizes
- Highly qualified native speakers (or equivalent)
Location and facilities
Most classes are held at our historic headquarters building at 309 Regent Street. This is a dedicated teaching building with purpose-designed facilities.
Our location near Oxford Circus means we're right in the heart of central London, with excellent transport links.
Meet the teacher
We're arranging online meet the teacher sessions where you can discuss your language level, meet our teachers and find out more about our courses. If you're interested, please register via this form and we'll contact you with further information.
Book nowGo to registration page for Meet the teacher sessions
Interested in one-to-one tuition?
Our flexible one-to-one language courses focus on your needs to help you progress with the language of your choice. Lessons can be tailored to your needs, level and capability.
This course is ideal for highly motivated students who want to make quick progress in improving their language skills. Lesson times are flexible.
If you're interested, please apply via this form, and we'll be in touch with further information.
