About this subject
Do you wish to speak with family and friends in another language? Perhaps you are planning a holiday and would love the confidence to order food, ask for directions, or connect with local people. Or maybe you are simply looking for a rewarding 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 a coffee and croissant 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.
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Course levels
We offer French courses from beginner to advanced level. Our experienced tutors will provide support to ensure that every learner reaches their own language learning goals.
- Our Beginners' language courses will 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.
Online courses and workshops
Our online French courses give you the flexibility to develop your skills wherever you are.
Whether you are just starting out or looking to refine your techniques, you can learn, practise, and grow from the comfort of your own home.
All our language courses are mapped against the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) for languages.
Each level spans two to three years. If you are unsure which level is right for you, please refer to the table here or use the 'guide to language levels' 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 Year 1 | B1 Intermediate | 200 |
| Lower intermediate Year 2 | B1 Intermediate | 250 |
| Intermediate Year 1 | B1 Intermediate | 300 |
| Intermediate Year 2 | B1 Intermediate | 350 |
| Intermediate Year 3 | B2 Upper Intermediate | 400 |
| Upper intermediate Year 1 | B2 Upper Intermediate | 450 |
| Upper intermediate Year 2 | B2 Upper Intermediate | 500 |
| Upper intermediate Year 2 | B2 Upper Intermediate | 550 |
Guide to language levels
To help you choose the right course, see our guide to the levels.
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 £20 to £35. They can also recommend other optional resources.