Find your language level: the seven language stages

We offer a language learning programme based on your level of ability, not on your year of study.

Language degree options are offered at seven levels or stages of proficiency. Entry levels are normally stages 1 to 4. You would normally expect to progress at the rate of one stage each year, but the scheme is flexible enough to permit you to jump a stage if you make exceptional progress at some point. Each student is therefore encouraged to work towards challenging but realistic targets.

Descriptors in the word documents below detail the learning outcomes and qualification equivalencies for each language stage.

Language stages Descriptions
Stage 1 = complete beginner stage 1 (doc.)
Stage 2 = post GCSE stage 2 (doc.)
Stage 3 = post AS/A level stage 3 (doc.)
Stage 4 = good A Level standard stage 4 (doc.)
Stage 5 = A level plus one year of study stage 5 (doc.)
Stage 6 = A level plus two years of study stage 6 (doc.)
Stage 7 = virtually native speaker stage 7 (doc.)
Overview of stages overview (doc.)

All language stages operate on the basis of at least three contact periods a week (and one exended session for the part-time programme) plus a substantial amount of independent study.

In the classes, which are generally conducted in the target language, you will have the opportunity to work on all aspects of the language and practise a range of skills: for example, you will build up a systematic knowledge of grammar and vocabulary, develop strategies for reading and listening, and practise writing and speaking in a range of styles and contexts. In addition to this, you will be given a variety of learning tasks to carry out in your own time, either individually or in small teams. These tasks might include establishing e-mail partnerships with students in other countries, researching a topic on the web, or compiling a portfolio of topic-related materials from media sources.