Skip to main content

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs for our Alumni and local community


When does the course start?

The courses will start week commencing Monday 2 October 2023. 

Please note that we reserve the right to close a class if the minimum of 10 students has not been reatched.

How many weeks does the course run for?

The course runs for 20 weeks . 

 

How many hours a week will I be expected to commit to the course? 

There will be one two-hour class per week. To make good progress, you will also be expected to complete around two hours of self-study per week. Students are expected to attend at least 70% of the classes.

Who can apply?

Classes are open to students, alumni, staff and members of the local community. 

 Can I take more than one language course?

As demand is high, students are only permitted to take one language / level course at a time.

Can I change the level of the course if it is not suitable for me?

Yes, providing there are places in an alternative class.

Will I receive a certificate at the end of the course?

You will receive a certificate on successful completion of the course. You will be required to attend regularly (at least 70% of the classes) and to pass the assessments.

Are the course tutors native speakers?

All tutors are language specialits, highly experienced in teaching in University and adult centres and native speakers of the language .

Will I be expected to buy a course book? 

Yes, your tutor will give you details of the course book if appropriate during the first class.

How many students are there in each class?

Under normal circumstances we admit a maximum of 30 students in each class. However, in order to maintain safe social distances, class sizes will be limited at 16 students face to face. For online classes, we will admit up to 20 students.

Can I withdraw from the course after the course has started?

Fee-paying students (alumni and local community) may withdraw at any time. However, course fees cannot be refunded after the end of the first week of the course.

Brunel students may withdraw from the course at anytime  by fill in a withdrawal form.  Students must submit documentary evidence to excuse their absence from the course. If satisfactory evidence is not submitted, students may be charged a withdrawal fee of £50. Please refer to our  terms and conditions .

What are the course fees?

Course fees:

Courses are free for current Brunel students

Staff members and Brunel alumni will receive a 50% reduction on the full course fee. The current reduced rate is £200.

For local community members the current fee is £400 for the full 20-week course.

How can I contact the course tutor?

Your course tutors will give you their Brunel email address in the first class. 

When do the courses run?

Please refer to the latest  timetable 

Are there any classes during the summer?

At present, we do not have any classes during the summer.

What languages can I study?

We teach British Sign Language, Arabic,  French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Russian and Spanish. 

What levels of language study are offered?

We teach courses from beginners to intermediate-advanced, levels A1-B2 according to the Common European Framework. You can find information about the levels offered in each language in the Language Levels tabs.

When can I apply for a language course?

Enrolment opens on 11 September 2023. If you are a member of the local community or Alumni you can apply here.

How do I know if my application has been successful?

There are a limited number of spaces available. Due to a large volume of applications you will not be contacted if we cannot offer you a place. 

When will I be contacted if I am on the waiting list?

Applicants on the waiting list are contacted as soon as places become available. No further places are offered after the second week of the course.

Where do the classes take place?

 The majority of courses will take place face-to-face on campus. For more information visit the timetable

Can I receive a certificate even if I do not complete the assessment?

Yes, you can receive a certificate of attendance if you attend at least 70% of the classes.

The certificate will display the dates of the course and the language and level studied. It will also show  the level attained according to the Common European Framework.