University of Sunderland

University Language Scheme: French, Spanish, German, Japanese, Chinese

* Exceptions may apply.  Please see Fees and Finance for further information.

Introduction

Please note that this course is free to registered students. External applicants are charged a fee of £300 per 10 credit module.

ULS REGISTRATION WEEK
September 2013
This information will be posted onto the website once finalisation of dates has been completed.

If you are keen to learn to communicate in a foreign language, want to enhance your skills and your C.V., are considering travelling or working abroad and are enthusiastic about experiencing different cultures and meeting different people, a language module is the ideal choice.

At registration staff will be on hand to advise you on which module is appropriate for you, taking into account factors such as, how long ago it is since you studied the language, what qualifications you already have (if any).

The ULS is a large university-wide scheme, which aims to promote lifelong learning by allowing all students and staff of the university, as well as members of the public, to begin the study of a language from scratch or to build on the knowledge of a language they have studied previously.

The scheme consists of six linguistic stages ranging from Stage 1 Beginners, to Stage 6 Advanced III, mapped against the Common European Framework for Languages. For details of the stages available in each langague see 'Contents' below. The stage at which a student joins the scheme depends on how much of their chosen language they already know. Guidance on the most appropriate module for each student to take is given by staff at registration.

The credits from ULS language modules count either towards a student's main programme of study (if the module is taken as an elective) or towards a University of Sunderland award (if the module is taken in addition to the main programme or as a stand- alone module). The awards are as follows: University Certificate (level 1), University Diploma (level 2) or University Advanced Diploma (level 3). The level of credits awarded for a module depends on how far a student progresses on the scheme: completion of one stage on the Scheme attracts level 1 credits, two stages, level 2 credits and three stages, level 3 credits.

The University Language Scheme also offers modules in English for Academic Purposes and English for Business Studies. These modules are open to all students whose first language is not English. For information about these modules please click here.

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Course Content

Fees

Current students:  FREE

Members of the public: Without a degree:  Price on application

Graduates:   Price on application

PROVISIONAL CLASS TIMES 2012-13             (Subject to numbers)

All modules are 10 credits unless otherwise indicated.

FRENCH

Stage 1 - FRE131 (Semester 1) and FRE141 (Semester 2 - subject to numbers)

• Group A Tuesday 2.00-4.30
• Group B Thursday 5.00-7.30

Stage 2 - FRE132/232 (Semester 1) and FRE142/242 (Semester 2)

• Tuesday 5.00-7.30

Stage 3 - FRE133/233/333 (BSemester 1) and FRE143/243/343 (Semester 2)

• Thursday 2.00-4.30

Stage 4 - FRE134/234/334 (20 credits)

• Monday 5.00-7.30

Stage 5 - FRE235/335

• Thursday 9.00-11.00

Stage 6 - FRE336 (20 credits)

• Thursday 2.00-4.00

Stage 6 - FRE346: French Interpreting and Translation (20 credits)

• Wednesday 2.00-4.00

GERMAN

Stage 1 - GER131 (Semester 1) and GER141 (Semester 2)

• Monday 4.30-7.00

Stage 2 - GER132/232 (Semester 1) and GER142/242 (Semester 2 - subject to numbers)

• Friday 1.00-3.30

Stage 3 - GER133/233/333 (Semester 1) and GER 143/243/343 (Semester 2)

• Thursday 10.00-12.30

Stage 4 - GER134/234/334 (20 credits)

• Friday 10.00-12.30

Stage 5 - GER235/335 (20 credits)

• Wednesday 9.00-11.30

Stage 6 - GER336 (20 credits)

• Wednesday 9.00-11.30

Stage 6 - GER346 German Interpreting and Translation (20 credits)

• Wednesday 1.00-5.00

SPANISH

Stage 1 - SPA131 (Semester 1) and SPA141 (Semester 2)

• Group A Tuesday 2.00-4.30 (Semester 2 subject to numbers)
• Group B Thursday 2.00-4.30

Stage 1 (Intensive)

SPA131 and 141 Intensive) Semester 1

• Wednesday 3.00-5.00 and
• Friday 1.00-3.30

Stage 2 - SPA132/232 (Semester1) and SPA143/243/343 (Semester 2 - subject to numbers)

• Group A Friday 9.00-11.30

Stage 2 (Intensive)

SPA132/232 and 142/242 Intensive) (Semester 2)

• Wednesday 3.00-5.00
• Friday 1.00-3.30

Stage 3 - SPA133/233/333 (Intensive)(Semester 1) - 20 credits

• Monday 2.00-4.30 and
• Wednesday 2.00-4.00

Stage 4 - SPA134/234/334 (20 credits)

• Monday 2.00-4.30

Stage 5 - SPA235/335(20 credits)

• Tuesday 9.00-11.30 and
• Thursday 6.00-8.30

Stage 6 - SPA336 (20 credits)

• Monday 2.00-4.30

Stage 6 - SPA346 Spanish Interpreting and Translation (20 credits)

• Tuesday 2.00-4.00

CHINESE

Stage 1 - CHI131 (Semester 1) and CHI141 (Semester 2 - subject to numbers)

• Wednesday 5.00-7.30

JAPANESE

Stage 1 - JAL131 (Semester 1) and JAL141 (Semester 2)

• Group A Tuesday 6.00-8.30
• Group B Wednesday 6.00-8.30 (semester 2 subject to numbers)

Stage 2 - JAL132/232 (Semester 1) and JAL142/242 (Semester 2 - subject to numbers)

• Thursday 6.00-8.30

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Entry Requirements

The University Language Scheme is open to all students as well as members of staff and external students.

Direct entry points are determined by previous knowledge of the language (if any). All languages can be studied from scratch.

Members of staff and external students register for the ULS as part time students under the Customised Awards Scheme.

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Fees and Finance

The fees for this course are as specified in the table at the top of the page.

Please note that different fees apply to students studying for "Equivalent or Lower Qualifications" (ELQs). For more information about ELQs, please see the page Information for applicants who already have an HE Qualification.

For information about University scholarships and bursaries please see the page Fees and Finance.

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Teaching and Assessment

A wide variety of teaching and learning methods are used in classes. Students practise their chosen language(s) by: watching audiovisual material, listening to recordings, using online material, using the language laboratory, through role-play and group activities, as well as more traditional methods.

All language students learn to communicate using the four skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing as well as through studying grammar.

In addition, aspects of culture are introduced and investigated by students.

Learning is supported by our Language Centre and the use of the University's virtual learning environment. All students carry out some guided independent learning which reinforces work carried out in class.

All ULS modules have elements assessing speaking, listening, reading and writing as these four skills form the core of the learning outcomes in every module. In addition to the four language skills, Level 2 and Level 3 modules each have an additional learning outcome assessed by a mini project.

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Work Experience

Language students are well placed to take advantage of opportunities for studying abroad via Socrates, as Language Assistants and on other schemes.

Staff encourage students to explore options for studying or working abroad and make publicity material available to them via notice boards and the Language Centre.

As well as encouraging students to take up opportunities for study exchanges via Socrates, many of our students visit the foreign country during vacations to work, study or travel. Direct contact with the foreign language and culture in this way is hugely beneficial as well as being enjoyable.

During term time the Language Centre acts as a contact point for arranging 'conversation exchanges' between language learners and native speakers.

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Career Opportunities

Studying a language on the ULS not only enhances career opportunities in this country but also opens up opportunities for work and travel abroad.

'It really does open doors (especially for a Sunderland lad like me who would probably be working in a call centre now and spending my weekends in the pub). I'm really grateful for the opportunities that the Language Scheme has given me.' (Ex-student of Journalism, who took modules in Spanish and Japanese, now working and living in Japan).

Numerous studies have shown the importance of language skills and the need for graduates to be able to offer a foreign language. Students who have studied on the ULS graduate not as specialist linguists, but as specialists in other subjects who are also able to offer employers skills in a foreign language, cultural awareness and enhanced key skills.

'Language skills are viewed as an asset for initial job applicants. Questions about language skills are common at interview and may even be used as a tie breaker in a final shortlist.' (Connell, 2002).

'Languages teach you adaptability and communication skills. Learning how to interact with speakers of other languages means you are less likely to be stuck in one mode of thinking. It can help you see things from a range of perspectives - making you more adaptable, creative, and insightful. The ability to operate cross-culturally is becoming just as much valued by employers as straight language skills'. (CILT, 2004).

'The job market in the North East is European, even global and those without good levels of competence in a language, allied to appropriate vocational skills, are at a disadvantage in being able to apply for vacancies in the Region.'(ONE North East Languages Skills Audit 2000).

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Facilities

ULS classes are taught in Forster Building, which houses our new digital language laboratories, and Language Centre.

In the Language Centre students have access to foreign satellite television and our collection of learning materials: audio recordings, audio-visual material and publications such as dictionaries and grammar books.

Other books, newspapers and journals are available from the Murray Library just across the road from Forster Building.

*World Class Web/Design Tools*
The University of Sunderland has made a significant investment in providing students with access to the latest releases of Adobe products.

Selected PCs within the St Peter's and Murray Libraries have been pre-loaded with the Creative Suite 4 (CS4) Adobe Design Premium Suite for your exclusive use.

CS4 Creative includes key products such as Indesign, Illustrator, Dreamweaver as well as Photoshop and a range of many others.

Further information is available from:

http://www.adobe.com/uk/products/creativesuite/design/
For information regarding locations of PC or Macs within your own faculty that have access to Adobe products please contact your Faculty IT Support.

If you are interested in purchasing Adobe products for your own PC/Mac Adobe offer significant savings for student purchases via any of its approved re-sellers.

Please visit:

http://www.student-software.co.uk/

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