Languages for All (LfA)

Our extracurricular LfA classes are open to everyone. Improve your language skills and cultural awareness among a diverse group of learners.

If you are a current University of York undergraduate student and wish to embed your language learning into your degree as a 20-credit elective module, please check the Languages at York and York Language Elective page.

Semester 2 Short Courses

• Conversation and Culture: French, German, Italian and Spanish courses for students with at least Lower Intermediate level in the chosen language and who are interested in improving their speaking skills through discussion of topics related to cultural and social aspects of the countries in which the language is spoken.
• Languages for Everyday Communication: Beginner and Post-Beginner level language courses in French, German, Italian, Ukrainian and Spanish.
• Languages for Intercultural Understanding: Beginner-level courses to familiarise with languages with non-Roman scripts (Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Korean and Russian). These courses are ideal if you are interested in learning a language that is very different from the language(s) you speak.
• Specialist language courses (TBC).

Languages and Levels

We do not have specific entry requirements. Although we mention ‘prerequisites’ in our course description, this is more to guide students. Provided that you feel confident of your current level, you can choose to go into whatever course you feel is appropriate (e.g. if you haven't got a GCSE but have lived in a country for a year or so then you could still go in a Lower Intermediate course or above). 

To choose which level is right for you, please consult our guide. 

To help you self-assess your level you can take our entry test for the following languages:

• French (up to Upper Intermediate)
• German (up to Upper Intermediate)
• Italian (up to Upper Intermediate)
• Japanese (up to Intermediate)
• Spanish (up to Upper Intermediate)

For more information on our course aims and objectives click on the relevant link below. Please note that our descriptors make references to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).

Practical information for LfA students 

If you are new to our programme and are not a student or member of staff at the University of York, please consult our Guide for new LfA students with key information.

Please make sure you have read our LfA Terms and Conditions.

Dates for LfA Teaching 2023-2024