French for Absolute Beginners
| Duration | 9 weekly meetings | |
|---|---|---|
| Tutor | Romina Ciraci | |
| Course code | FRE26A4182A | |
| Fee | £176 | |
| Concessionary fee | £151 (find out about eligibility and funding options) | |
| Location | 50-51 Park Place |
| Duration | 9 weekly meetings | |
|---|---|---|
| Tutor | Romina Ciraci | |
| Course code | FRE26A4182B | |
| Fee | £176 | |
| Concessionary fee | £151 (find out about eligibility and funding options) | |
| Location | Online course |
Are you an absolute beginner in French?
Would you like to learn essential language for everyday situations and gain the confidence to communicate in simple conversations?
This course is based on a communicative approach, enabling you to develop practical language skills for real-life situations.
By the end of the course, you will be able to introduce yourself, ask and answer simple questions, and communicate confidently in a range of everyday contexts.
Topics covered include:
- Greetings and introductions
- Talking about yourself, your family, work and studies
- Numbers, the alphabet, dates and time
- Daily routines and leisure activities
- Food and drink
- Shopping and clothing
- Asking for and understanding directions
- Building simple everyday conversations
Who is this course for?
This course is designed for absolute beginners with little or no previous knowledge of French.
It is ideal for anyone who would like to start learning the language in a supportive and friendly environment, whether for travel, work, personal interest or future study. No prior knowledge of French is required.
Learning and teaching
The course is based on a communicative approach, with an emphasis on active participation and practical language use.
Students are encouraged to take part in a variety of supportive and engaging activities designed to build confidence in speaking, listening, reading and writing.
Classes include pair and group work, role plays, short dialogues, and interactive tasks that help students develop the language needed for everyday situations.
English will be used where appropriate to explain key grammar and vocabulary, particularly during the early stages of the course, with increasing use of French as students gain confidence.
Coursework and assessment
To award credits, we need evidence of the knowledge and skills you have gained throughout the course. Some of this evidence must be available for external examiners to ensure that academic standards are maintained across all courses and subjects.
There are no formal written examinations. Assessment may include a portfolio of written work, short practical tasks, and active participation in class.
Assessment methods are designed to support your learning, build your confidence, and reflect the practical nature of the course. We aim to make assessment both enjoyable and appropriate for adult learners with busy lives.
Reading suggestions
Please don't purchase any textbooks until you have had correspondence from the tutor regarding the first class.
For independent study, the following resources are recommended:
- Odyssée – Niveau A1 (Livre de l'élève + Audio en ligne), D. Abi Mansour, S. Anthony, P. Fenoglio, K. Papin, A. Soucé & M. Vergues, CLE International, 2021.
- 100% FLE – Communication essentielle du français A1, M.-L. Lions Oliviéri & E. Mottironi, Didier FLE, 2023.
Library and computing facilities
As a student on this course you are entitled to join and use the University’s library and computing facilities. Find out more about using these facilities.
Accessibility
Our aim is access for all. We aim to provide a confidential advice and support service for any student with a long term medical condition, disability or specific learning difficulty. We are able to offer one-to-one advice about disability, pre-enrolment visits, liaison with tutors and co-ordinating lecturers, material in alternative formats, arrangements for accessible courses, assessment arrangements, loan equipment and dyslexia screening.
