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Language Centre FAQs

 
  • What is SOAS Language Centre?

    SOAS Language Centre is part of the Faculty of Languages and Cultures at the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London. 

    The Language Centre offers tuition at all language levels from absolute beginners’ to highly advanced.

  • Can you tell me about degree related courses?

    SOAS Language Centre cannot deal with enquiries about undergraduate and postgraduate courses. See the SOAS pages about undergraduate and postgraduate courses.

  • Which languages do you offer?

    SOAS Language Centre teaches languages of Asia and Africa. See our list of languages currently on offer.

  • Who can sign up for your courses?

    Courses offered by SOAS Language Centre are open to anyone interested in learning a language. 

    If you want to enrol for a Certificate and Diploma in Modern Language Course - Arabic, Chinese, Japanese - normally you must be qualified to enrol for a degree course. 

    If you want to enrol for Teacher Training Courses see the  pages for Arabic and Chinese Postgraduate Certificate/Diploma courses.

  • Do you offer languages besides those listed?

    We may be able to offer tuition in other Asian and African languages on request. Contact us if you cannot find the language you are looking for.

  • Which course types are there?

    We provide beginners, intermediate and advanced evening and daytime language courses.

    We also offer full-time Diploma Courses in Arabic, Chinese and Japanese, part-time Diploma Courses in Arabic, Chinese and Japanese; intensive Summer and Easter language courses, Individual Tuition (part- or full-time), and Postgraduate Certificate / Diploma Teacher Training Courses in Arabic and Chinese.

  • Do you offer bespoke courses?

    Yes, we offer tailor-made courses for groups, companies and individuals.

  • Do I get a qualification?

    All our evening and daytime courses are offered outside of any degree programme. 

    For courses leading to a qualification please see the next question. 

    All students of evening and daytime courses are issued with a certificate of attendance on request.

  • Do you offer courses leading to a qualification?

    The Certificate and Diploma in Arabic, Chinese and Japanese, and the Postgraduate Certificate / Diploma in Teaching Arabic and Chinese Courses are recognised SOAS qualifications based on full-time and part-time study over a prescribed period.  

    The Certificate in Sanskrit is a part-time course over 3 years of study.

  • What is the minimum age of your students?

    We do not normally accept students under the age of 18. 

    Students under 18 should normally be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

  • Do you divide the teaching year?
    Yes, the course schedule is based on the standard academic year of three terms starting in September, January, and April. We also offer intensive courses over Easter and summer.
  • How long is a course?

    An evening or daytime course usually consists of three terms taught over one year.

  • What is a term?

    A term is a self-contained unit of weeks of teaching. Each term, depending on the language course, has ten or twelve weeks.

  • How many lessons does a course have?

    Between thirty and thirty-six lessons.

  • How many hours are there per lesson?

    Two hours taught once a week. See the timetable pages for any exceptions.

  • If I am a beginner which term do I start form?

    Beginners need to start from term 1. See our timetable pages for course start dates.

  • If I am not a beginner, how do I know at which level to start?

    If you are not a beginner arrange an assessment with a teacher who will discuss your options with you.

    Fill our Needs Analysis Form (same page as above) to help us identify a suitable course for you.

  • Are there examinations?

    Our evening and Saturday language courses do not normally have examinations but there are end of term progress tests.  

    Accredited courses have examinations; see the course description pages for details.

  • Are courses guaranteed to run?

    Our courses require a minimum number of students. See Terms and Conditions for further information.

  • How many students are there per class?

    Classes are designed to have no more than 15 students per class.

  • What if the course will not run?

    The Language Centre will immediately arrange for a full refund of your course fees.

  • I already know something of the language but want to learn more. What shall I do?

    Contact us for an assessment or possibly an informal talk.

  • Who are your teachers?

    Most of our language teachers are mother-tongue speakers of the languages we offer. They may be assisted by the academic teaching staff of the Faculty of Languages and Cultures. 

    Staff of the SOAS Language Centre also teach within the degree programmes of the Faculty.

  • Can I contact your teachers directly?

    No you cannot normally. If you wish to contact any of our teachers, the Language Centre will forward any correspondence or messages.

  • What facilities are available for Language Centre students?

    Language Centre students have full use of the Language Resources Room for self-access learning materials, and our extensive on-line resources.

    Language Centre students also have access to SOAS facilities such as the Library and Student Common Room.

  • Can I use the Library?

    All SOAS Language Centre students are offered access to the SOAS Library.

  • How do I apply for a course at SOAS Language Centre?

    Eaxh course description page has a "how to apply" link. We have different application forms for different types of courses

    Also, we can e-mail, fax or post the application form to you. Just call or send an e-mail and tell us which course it is.

    You can post or fax your application form with your payment details back to us.

  • How do I book a place on a course?

    To be booked onto a course, return your completed application form with your payment details.

  • Can I cancel an already booked course?
  • How do I know that I have been booked on a course?

    We will send you a confirmation letter.

  • Can I reserve a place on a course?

    We cannot reserve places as we operate a first-come-first-served policy. We can only book you onto a course when we have received your completed application form with your payment details.

  • How can I pay?

    You can pay by cheque or by credit card or debit card. Please make your cheque payable to SOAS.

  • When do I pay?

    Payment must be made when applying.

  • Do I need to apply and pay for all three terms (of the course)?

    You can book on a term-by-term basis or for all three terms together.

  • Where are SOAS Language Centre classes held?

    Classes are held throughout SOAS at Russell Square and at Vernon Square in Central London.

    See the SOAS Locations page.

  • How do I find my classroom?

    You will be directed to your classroom at the start of term.

  • How can I contact you?

    See our Contact Us page.

  • Where are the Language Centre offices?

    SOAS Language Centre offices are located at 22 Russell Square in London WC1.

    Russell Square on Google maps

     

    Our postal address, telephone and fax numbers are shown on our "Contact Us" page.

  • What are the opening hours of the Language Centre enquiries office?

    Our office hours appear on our "Contact Us" page.

    We are normally closed over Christmas, and at Easter and Bank Holiday weekends.