Certificate courses in French, German and Spanish
Introduction
The University of Brighton offers short courses in French German and Spanish to University staff, students and the local community.
The University Certificates in Modern Languages (UCML) offer a pathway from beginner to advanced level and can open up opportunities for careers involving teaching, liaison, negotiation, advice or translation in the respective language.
The courses develop communicative skills together with contextual studies and language for specific vocational needs. Students gain the ability to cope with spoken, written and aural communication. Textbooks, newspapers, magazines, television, radio recordings and a variety of ICT tools provide a relevant cultural, social and professional framework in which the language is practised and developed.
The sessions are normally two hours per week. Students take part in a range of activities including role-play, pair and group work, and simulation exercises. They make both formal and informal presentations requiring a substantial amount of preparation time, and conduct research into appropriate topics.
Further details can be found in the tabbed items on this page including specifics as to timetable and enrolment for each phase of the UCML.
Application
Application
Entry to the 2011/12 Language Courses is now closed.
Information for 2012/13 will be available from August 2012.
The University of Brighton's part-time language classes are two hours each week and lead to the University /ertificate in Modern Languages (UCML). This is a university-validated award referenced against the Common European Framework for Languages.
Continuing UCML students
This information applies to University of Brighton Students, University of Brighton Staff and Members of the Public
If you have successfully completed the following levels
- Intermediate Foundation
- Intermediate Elementary
- Advanced 1
- Advanced 2
you are requested to enrol online for the next level. Please contact ucml@brighton.ac.uk for further information.
Online enrolment is from Monday 22nd August. To guarantee your place on the programme, please ensure you enrol no later than Friday 16th September. If you have not re-enrolled by this date it will be assumed that you do not wish to continue with the programme and your place will be released.
New Full-Time University of Brighton Students
Please attend a UCML Information Session, which will be held in the first week of the Autumn Term 2011.
Information Sessions 2011/12
- Tuesday 27th September, 1-2pm, 218 Checkland Building, Falmer Campus
- Wednesday 28th September, 11am-12noon, G8 Mithras House, Moulsecoomb Campus
- Wednesday 28th September, 11am-12noon, G7 Pavilion Parade Campus
- Thursday 29th September, 3pm-5pm, 117 Mithras House, Moulsecoomb Campus
It is your responsibility to confirm with the Course Leader or School Administrator for your main course of study whether a language module can be chosen as an option within your main course of study before completing the enrolment form.
If you are studying a Language in addition to your main course, as a separate course, then you must attend the above information sessions and Admission Session before attending the first timetabled class.
Admission Session 2011/12
- Friday 7th October 10am-4pm, The Foyer, Ground Floor (outside Asa Briggs), Checkland Building
Applications will ONLY be available at the Admission Session. Places will be allocated on a first come first served basis and once capacity has been reached a waiting list will be started for those remaining. Any forms submitted direct to the admin office after the 7th October will be added to the waiting list. Those on the waiting list will be notified within two weeks of the final admission date if a place becomes available.
If you are successful in gaining a place on the course you will receive a letter from Registry advising you to complete online enrolment. (You will not receive an additional studentcard.) On-line enrolment will commence Monday 24th October and must be completed no later than Friday 4th November. Failure to do so will jeopardise your place on the course.
University of Brighton Staff
If you are new to the UCML Programme please attend a UCML Information Session, which will be held in the first week of the Autumn Term 2011.
Information Sessions 2011/12
- Tuesday 27th September, 1-2pm, 218 Checkland Building, Falmer Campus
- Wednesday 28th September, 11am-12noon, G8 Mithras House, Moulsecoomb Campus
- Wednesday 28th September, 11am-12noon, G7 Pavilion Parade Campus
- Thursday 29th September, 3pm-5pm, 117 Mithras House, Moulsecoomb Campus
Applications will ONLY be available at the Admission Session.
Admission Session 2011/12
- Friday 7th October, 10am-4pm, The Foyer, Ground Floor (outside Asa Briggs), Checkland Building
Places will be allocated on a first come first served basis and once capacity has been reached a waiting list will be started for those remaining. Any forms submitted direct to the admin office after the 7th October will be added to the waiting list. Those on the waiting list will be notified within two weeks of the final admission date if a place becomes available.
You should be aware that once you have completed your application at the admission session and been notified of a place on the course you must then complete:
- A Fee Waiver form if appropriate (on staffcentral) http://staffcentral.brighton.ac.uk and send it to Kerrie Lawson, Course Administrator before 28th October 2011.
- Online enrolment and use your student login (not your staff login) details to do so
You'll be issued with a studentcard once online enrolment has been completed.
Members of the Public
Please e-mail your enquiry to UCML@brighton.ac.uk
Once your application has been processed you will receive a letter from Registry advising you to complete online enrolment. You’ll be issued with a studentcard once online enrolment has been completed.
It is most important that you provide full information on your application form to ensure that delays are not incurred.
Fees
Fees
The Course fee for 2011/12 is £563*.
Full-time University of Brighton Students
You are entitled to study one additional part-time course at the university free of charge per academic year.
University of Brighton Staff
Fee Waivers are available for members of staff. Please visit http://staffcentral.brighton.ac.uk for information on eligibility and the appropriate form.
Members of the Public
Senior Citizen Discount – Specific Terms and Conditions
Continuing Students Fully self funded students aged 60 or over on the first day of the academic year (26th September 2011) are entitled to a reduction in fees of 50% or £500 (whichever is the lower) subject to the production of their birth certificate or passport as proof of age.
This fee reduction is no longer available to new students.
Unemployed / Disabled Student Fee Waiver – Specific Terms and Conditions
Fully self funded students who are on part-time courses and are unemployed or in receipt of disability benefits are eligible to apply for a reduction in fees of 50% or £500 (whichever is the lower) subject to the production of appropriate proof of unemployed / disability status.
Accepted forms of evidence are:
- Job Seekers Allowance
- Incapacity Benefit
- Income Support
- Disability Allowance
The Benefits Agency can provide students with a letter confirming that they are in receipt of these benefits. The letter must clearly state that the student is in receipt of the benefits at the formal start of the course. Students with housing benefits and / or family tax credits are not eligible.
Please indicate that you are applying for discount on your language application form. You must then complete an additional application for discount which should be submitted with the appropriate documentation on form DW 109 (part of online enrolment procedure) and sent before 31st October 2011 to Student Administration, Registry, Fees, Student Office, University of Brighton, Cockcroft Building, Lewes Road, Brighton, BN2 4GJ.
*IMPORTANT If you have a higher qualification or equivalent to the language module you wish to study with us, you will be subject to the ELQ (Equivalent or Lower Qualification) Fee of £1930 per academic year.
Intermediate
Intermediate
The Intermediate course is appropriate for people who may have studied the language, French, Spanish or German, some years ago and now wish to improve their skills. It is recognised by employers as offering a working level of proficiency. Foundation (beginners) level classes are also available.
NB: In 2011/12 the Intermediate German course which includes Foundation, Elementary and Intermediate levels is not available.
Course structure
The course is divided into four components - subject language study, general communicative skills, background studies, and specific vocational needs. Students gain the ability to cope with the basic structures of the respective language in spoken, written and aural communication. Textbooks, newspapers, magazines, television, radio recordings and a variety of ICT tools provide a relevant cultural, social and professional framework in which the language is practised and developed.
During the sessions - normally two hours per week - students take part in role-play, pair and group work, and simulation exercises. They make both formal and informal presentations requiring a substantial amount of preparation time, and conduct research into appropriate topics. A range of activities is designed to reflect students' specific professional interests.
Career and progression opportunities
The certificate provides an enhanced, marketable employment profile. Holders may also progress to the Advanced Level Certificate in Modern Languages (UCML Advanced).
Entry Level Points
Foundation
Students will be complete beginners in the language or will have some knowledge of the language but in the judgement of the Course or Pathway Leader, do not yet satisfy the requirements of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages Basic User Level A1.
Elementary
Students will have a GCSE or will have successfully completed the appropriate Foundation Level course, i.e. Module xx415, or in the judgement of the Course or Pathway satisfy the requirements of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Basic User Level A1.
Intermediate
Students will have successfully completed the Elementary Level course, or in the judgement of the Course or Pathway Leader, have an equivalent competence and satisfy the requirements of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages Basic User Level A2.
Each language level consists of one module which is studied for the whole academic year and students are assessed at the end of each semester. Students may demonstrate competence equivalent to formal qualifications – for example, if they have lived/worked in a country where the chosen language is spoken.
The length of time taken to complete the course will depend on your entry level:
- From Foundation it would take three years
- From Elementary it would take two years
- From direct entry into Intermediate phase it would take a minimum of one year*
What does the course consist of?
A variety of realistic activities are used to help develop accurate listening skills and conversational confidence. Attention is also given to providing a sound grammatical base for everyday written tasks. An individual focus enables personal and vocational needs to be met.
The Course Study Pattern
The class meets for a two-hour taught session once per week throughout the academic year (October-June). While all four skills of reading, listening, writing and speaking are practised throughout the course, greater emphasis is placed on reading/listening in semester one and writing/speaking in semester two. In addition students are expected to undertake guided self study (min. 3 hours per week recommended) and to make use of the Open Learning Centre, Libraries and studentcentral.
Assessment
Progress is monitored throughout the course and relevant assessments are set towards the end of each semester (January and May). To qualify for the award, students will have to successfully complete the Intermediate (final) year of the course. Students become eligible for the Intermediate award once they have studied and passed two consecutive modules including Elementary and Intermediate*.
What sort of materials are used?
In addition to course books, we make use of television, audio/video tapes, radio, newspapers and magazines. Further resources such as satellite channels, CD-ROM, videos and audio are available in the Library and the Open Learning Centre.
*If you wish to commence the course at Intermediate level it would be necessary to complete the assessments for Elementary to qualify for the award. Please contact UCML@brighton.ac.uk for further information.
Advanced
Advanced
The Advanced course is taught in three interrelated modules - subject language study, comprehension skills, speaking skills and writing skills - each catering for a wide variety of individual needs. All feature teaching in the subject language, familiarity with the relevant culture and current affairs, and emphasise learner-directed activities.
Course structure
Students attend a two-hour class per week over two or three years depending on which level that they begin the course. (See Phases below.)
Areas of study
Comprehension Skills develops speed, accuracy and confidence when dealing with authentic listening and reading materials. Likely topics include the relevant business environment, the current political scene, sport and entertainment. Speaking Skills increases confidence when speaking the language in a variety of situations, improving oral fluency, range of expression, pronunciation, intonation, spontaneity and accuracy. Writing Skills develops written style for specific and general purposes.
Career and progression opportunities
The UCML advanced certificate opens up opportunities for careers involving teaching, liaison, negotiation, advice or translation in the respective language.
Entry Level Points
Advanced 1
Students will have successfully completed the Intermediate Level Course, have an AS level or, in the judgement of the Course or Pathway Leader, have an equivalent competence and satisfy most of the requirements of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages Independent User Level B1.
Advanced 2
Students will have successfully completed the Advanced Level 1 module, have an A level or in the judgement of the Course or Pathway Leader, have an equivalent competence and satisfy the requirements of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages Independent User Level B1, and some of those of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages Independent User Level B2.
Advanced 3
Students will have successfully completed the Advanced Level 2 module, or in the judgement of the Course or Pathway Leader, have an equivalent competence and satisfy the requirements of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages Independent User Level B2.
Each language level consists of one module which is studied for the whole academic year and students are assessed at the end of each semester.
Students may demonstrate competence equivalent to formal qualifications – for example, if they have lived/worked in a country where the chosen language is spoken.
The length of time taken to complete the course will depend on your entry level:
- From Advanced 1 it would take three years
- From Advanced 2 it to would take two years
- From direct entry into Advanced 3 phase it would take a minimum of one year*
What does the course consist of?
The course is designed to respond to the particular needs of the participants. It includes a variety of listening and reading exercises, activities and tasks that increase competence in speaking the language, and practice in writing accurately and effectively. Grammar and structural practice is addressed throughout the course. The course is designed both for those who need high level communicative skills for their job and those who simply love the language and the country.
The Course Study Pattern
The class meets for a two-hour taught session once per week throughout the academic year (October-June). While all four skills of reading, listening, writing and speaking are practised throughout the course, greater emphasis is placed on reading/listening in semester one and writing/speaking in semester two. In addition students are expected to undertake guided self study (min. 3 hours per week recommended), to make use of the Open Learning Centre, Libraries and studentcentral.
Assessment
Progress is monitored throughout the course and relevant assessments are set towards the end of each semester (January and May). Students become eligible for the Advanced award once they have studied and passed two consecutive modules; Advanced 2 and Advanced 3.
What sort of materials are used?
We utilise television, radio, newspapers, magazines and a variety of books in all the languages. The courses take advantage of this wealth of material to concentrate on topics of interest to the group that reflect the contemporary life and culture of countries where the studied language is spoken. Further resources such as satellite channels, CD-ROM, videos and audio are available in the Library and the Open Learning Centre.
*If you are commencing the course at Advanced 3 level it would be necessary to complete the assessments for Advanced 2 to qualify for the award. Please contact UCML@brighton.ac.uk for further information.
Timetable
The Timetable for this Academic Year 2011/12 will be available at the Information Sessions in the first week of term, the provisional timetable is available as a pdf.