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?
Italy is a popular destination for tourists and you'll hear Italian spoken in the streets of Italy, Switzerland, San Marino and Vatican City, but did you know that it is also an official language in parts of Croatia and Slovenia? Through learning Italian, you'll see Italy's famous culture, history and food in a whole new light!
Our courses run over a period of weeks for a term three times a year from September to July plus short courses at the start of summer.
Enrolments open each term in March, July and November. If courses have already started you may still be able to join so please contact us.
If courses are full please sign up to our newsletter to hear when enrolments open again.
Course levels
We offer Italian courses from beginner to advanced level, in line with Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) for languages. Each level is split into termly modules that will help you progress at your own pace.
Our experienced tutors will tailor the course to ensure that every learner reaches their own language learning goals.
- Our beginners language courses are designed 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.
- Our Intermediate language courses aim to build your language skills by introducing you to more complex grammar and vocabulary that will help you to freely discuss a range of topics.
- Our advanced courses aim to develop your speaking skills to encourage you to apply and extend your knowledge of vocabulary and grammar in verbal communication.
All of our language courses are mapped against the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) for languages. For 2023 to 2024, we have changed how we name our courses to better reflect 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 languages self assessment form to help you to choose the right language level.
Fees and discounts
We have a range of discounts and support with fees available, including money off your first course if you are a library member, a Surrey Heritage user, or over the age of 66.
Please note: Your tutor will also advise you of any required course books, which typically cost £15 to £30. They will also be able to recommend other optional resources that you may find useful for your learning.