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.
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. We have three terms in the year from September to July.
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. 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.
- 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.
Online courses and workshops
Our online Italian 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 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 £20 to £35. They will also be able to recommend other optional resources.