About this subject
Do you want to speak to family and friends in another language? Perhaps you are going on holiday and want to be able to order in a restaurant? Or maybe you just fancy a new challenge?
French is one of the world's most popular languages to learn. It is spoken by 320 million people across the world from Europe and Africa, to Canada and the Caribbean.
Our courses will give you plenty of opportunities to practice your French and help you speak with confidence. You could go to work in Geneva, connect with family and friends in Quebec or even order cafés et croissants in Paris.
Our courses run over a period of weeks for a term. We have three terms in the year from September to July plus short courses at the start of summer.
Enrolments open every term in March, July and November. If courses have already started you may still be able to join so please contact us.
Sign up to our newsletter to hear when enrolments open again.
Course levels
We offer French courses from beginner to advanced level. These are in line with Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) for languages. Each level is split into termly modules with additional short courses designed to support your learning further.
Our experienced tutors will tailor the course to ensure that every learner reaches their own language learning goals.
- Our beginners language courses are here to get you speaking the language from day one. You will also have the chance to practise your listening, reading and writing skills. And, learn some essential grammar.
- Brush up courses are perfect to help you revise beginner level language. Take the opportunity to re-build your confidence before continuing your language learning journey.
- Our Intermediate language courses aim to build your language skills. You will be introduced to more complex grammar and vocabulary that will help you to discuss a range of topics.
- Our advanced courses aim to develop your speaking skills. You will be encouraged to apply and extend your knowledge of vocabulary and grammar in verbal communication.
All our language courses are mapped against the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) for languages. For 2023 to 2024, we changed how we name our courses. The new names better show the CEFR levels and help learners understand where they are in their language learning journey.
Each course spans two to three years and is arranged into termly modules. If you are unsure which level is right for you, please refer to the table here or complete our online self-assessment form below.
| Our course levels | CEFR Level | Number of hours of prior learning you should have had to join the first module of this level |
|---|---|---|
| Beginners (Modules 1 to 3) | A1 Beginner | 0 |
| Beginners (Modules 4 to 6) | A1 Beginner | 50 |
| Beyond Beginners| (Modules 1 to 3) | A2 Elementary | 100 |
| Beyond Beginners (Modules 4 to 6) | A2 Elementary | 150 |
| Lower intermediate (Modules 1 to 3) | B1 Intermediate | 200 |
| Lower intermediate (Modules 4 to 6) | B1 Intermediate | 250 |
| Intermediate (Modules 1 to 3) | B1 Intermediate | 300 |
| Intermediate (Modules 4 to 6) | B1 Intermediate | 350 |
| Intermediate (Modules 7 to 10) | B2 Upper Intermediate | 400 |
| Upper intermediate (Modules 1 to 3) | B2 Upper Intermediate | 450 |
| Upper intermediate (Modules 4 to 6) | B2 Upper Intermediate | 500 |
| Upper intermediate (Modules 7 to 9) | B2 Upper Intermediate | 550 |
Self assessment
Complete our language self assessment form. It will help you choose the right language level.
Fees and discounts
We have many discounts and fee support options. These include money off your first course if you are a library member, Surrey Heritage user, or over 66.
Your tutor will also advise you of any required course books, which typically cost £15 to £30. They can also recommend other optional resources. You may find them useful for learning.