King’s Language Centre offers credit-bearing language modules for Study Abroad students. These modules can help you develop your skills as a global citizen and improve your listening, speaking, reading and writing skills in a language of your choice.
Teaching focuses on practical communication and gives you opportunities to interact with other speakers of the language. You’ll develop skills you can use in your studies, at work and in your free time.
Why choose a Language Module
Choosing a language module can help you:
develop the language skills, tools and knowledge to become an independent lifelong learner, using another language for your studies and personal development
gain a better understanding of language, culture and society, while developing your intercultural awareness
develop practical language skills for everyday life, professional settings and international business environments
enhance your employability and prepare for a career in a multilingual and global workplace.
Key module details
Full-year modules
2 hours of teaching each week across both semesters (20 weeks in total)
Around 4–8 hours of independent study each week
Important to know: You can’t enrol on a full-year module if you’re only in London for one semester.
One-semester modules (undergraduate students only)
4 hours of teaching each week (usually split across two sessions) for 10 weeks
Around 8–10 hours of independent study each week
The exception is Intercultural Awareness, which has one two-hour class each week for one semester.
Important to know: Make sure the module you choose runs during the semester you’ll be in London. Some modules run only in semester 1 or semester 2.
The table below provides an overview of the module’s key details, including credits, duration, teaching mode, location, class size and available levels
| Credits | 15 |
| Duration | One semester or full academic year options |
| Teaching mode | In-person |
| Location | Strand or Waterloo Campus |
| Class size | Maximum 20 students |
| Levels available | Stage 1 (Complete Beginner) to Stage 7 (Near-native). *Subject to demand and minimum enrolment |
Languages and modules available
You can choose from:
Arabic
French
German
Italian
Japanese
Korean
Mandarin
Portuguese
Russian
Spanish
Intercultural Awareness.
You can find detailed information about each option on the Study Abroad language module options webpage.
Who can apply?
If you’re a visiting Study Abroad student at King’s for one semester or the full academic year, you can take one of the following as an optional 15-credit module:
a language module
Intercultural Awareness, if you’re an undergraduate student.
You must be able to attend all classes and be available for all examinations, including resit examinations where applicable.
Important to know: Check your eligibility with the Study Abroad office before applying for a language module.
You may be able to take both Intercultural Awareness and a language module. Check with the Study Abroad office to find out if this is possible for you.
How to apply
As a Study Abroad student, you can register your interest in a language module before Registration Week.
The Study Abroad office will provide you with a link to a sign-up form. You’ll need to complete the form with:
the language you’d like to study
your current ability level.
If you’d like to take Intercultural Awareness, the Study Abroad office will advise you on how to add the module.
Important to know: Places are limited on all modules, so we recommend applying early.
Choosing the right level
If you’re a complete beginner, you won’t need to complete a level assessment.
If you already have some knowledge of the language, you may be asked to complete a level test once you’ve set up your King’s IT account.
If the results of your test aren’t conclusive or we need more information about your ability level, you may be invited to a virtual level assessment with a teacher. They’ll recommend the most suitable level for you.
Assessment
You must complete all assessments for your module.
Written exams take place in person, either on campus or at a specified exam venue in London.
Assessments take place throughout the module and at the end of the module.
Assessment requirements
For most language modules, your assessment includes:
formative assessment – practice work that doesn’t count towards your final mark
an oral exam (40% of your final mark)
a written exam (60% of your final mark).
For Intercultural Awareness, you’ll need to submit an essay.
You can find more detailed information in ‘Assessment for Language Modules’ and ‘Assessment for Intercultural Awareness Module’ on LC: How am I assessed in the Language Centre?
Further information
For detailed information about modules, eligibility requirements, module structure, and assessments, please visit the Language Module pages in the Study Abroad Catalogue.
Once you’ve set up your King’s IT account, we recommend viewing the Language Centre Course information pages on KEATS where you can find detailed module descriptions, frequently asked questions, student support resources and the LC Timetable.
If you have any questions about your eligibility to take a Language Module, please contact the Study Abroad office.
Contact information
Language Centre
Email: languagecentrepartners@kcl.ac.uk
Address: Language Centre, 170 Strand, London, WC2R 2LS
Website: https://www.kcl.ac.uk/language-centre
Study Abroad
Email: studyabroad@kcl.ac.uk
Website: https://www.kcl.ac.uk/abroad