Information & FAQs

• Each course takes 60 hours (30 lessons) to complete.
• The 30 lessons are delivered in 3 x 10-week terms, which follow the pattern of the academic year.
• Our courses are designed to teach students how to communicate effectively in their chosen language.
• All four skills are taught (reading, writing, listening and speaking), with particular emphasis being placed on oral communication.
• Our courses present the language as it is spoken today in everyday situations, covering basic survival skills for beginners through to fluent communication at advanced levels.
• Class sizes allow maximum involvement of all participants and vary between 3 - 15 participants. All our classes are online only.
• Our evening courses are non-credit bearing, but on completion of the three terms of their course, all students with an attendance record of 70% or above are issued with a certificate of attendance.

For any short course student who wishes to access the SSEES library (reference only), please contact the Short Course Co-Ordinator at eveningcourses@ucl.ac.uk so that a UCL Visitor card can be arranged for you. Once access is granted, you will be able to access books and journals in the library but will not be permitted to borrow them.  Alternatively, you can log on to electronic resources.

The UCL SSEES Library houses a range of dictionaries, newspapers, cultural magazines, language learning materials, and a Multi-Media Room, with an extensive collection of films and documentaries in a wide range of languages.

If you wish to have borrowing rights or would like to access other libraries at UCL, please visit UCL Library Membership Services for more information on how to join as an external user.

1. How long are your courses?
Each course consists of 30 lessons, delivered over three terms of 10 weeks each.

2. What languages do you offer and what are the levels?
We offer courses in Albanian, Bulgarian, Czech, Estonian, Finnish, Georgian, Hungarian, Latvian, Lithuanian, Macedonian, Polish, Romanian, Russian, Serbian/Croatian, Slovak, Slovene and Ukrainian. Levels include Beginner, Lower Intermediate, Upper Intermediate, Lower Advanced, Advanced, Advanced Plus and Higher Advanced Plus. Please check each language's course structure for specific content.

3. What time do the courses start and how long do they last?
Lessons begin at 6.30pm and run for 2 hours.

4. Where do the lessons take place?
The lessons take place online only.

5. On what days of the week do the lessons take place?
Classes run from Monday to Friday. Refer to the timetable on the specific language's page for details. 

6. What textbooks do you use?
Textbook requirements vary. Some courses have set textbooks, while others use a variety of materials. A list of books and materials is available on each language page. Teachers will inform you of any specific textbooks at the course start.

7. Who will teach my course, and will I always have the same teacher?
Courses are taught by experienced, professionally qualified native speakers. We strive to ensure continuity with the same teacher but reserve the right to make changes if necessary. General course content for each language and level is outlined on individual language course page.

8. What kinds of people take your courses?
Our students include professionals, retirees, and undergraduate and postgraduate students. Participants must be 18 years or older.

9. What if I miss a lesson?
Please inform your teacher in advance if you will miss a lesson. Homework will be emailed to you after the class. 

10. Do courses run during UCL reading weeks?
Yes, courses run as normal during UCL reading weeks unless otherwise informed by your teacher.

11. Do we get homework?
Yes, homework is assigned, but the amount varies by teacher. The more you practice between lessons, the faster you will progress. 

12. If I complete a course will I get a qualification?
Our courses are non-credited. However, students who attend over 80% of their lessons throughout the year can receive course completion certificates at the end of the Summer Term.

13. Are your courses eligible for the UCL Higher Education Achievement Report (HEAR)?
Yes, our courses are HEAR eligible. If you are a UCL Current Student, it will be added to your transcript at the end of the term. If not, please contact the Short Course Administrator.

14. Can I attend a taster class or have private lessons?
We do not offer taster classes or private lessons.

15. Are your classes recorded?
No. We do not record classes. Recordings are only made in rare, exceptional circumstances and only when all participants have agreed in advance.

16. Do I have access to the SSEES Library?
Yes, you have access to the SSEES Library. Contact the Short Course Administrator for more information about how to request this. 

1. How do I decide which course level to apply for?

Each language page includes a description of the different course levels. Beginners must enrol in the October term.

2. What if I am not a complete beginner but it's been a while since I studied this language?

Each language page includes level descriptions. If unsure, we can assess you before enrolment to ensure you are placed in the right class. This assessment includes a conversation with your prospective teacher. 

For more information, see assessment information on How to Enrol.

3. What if I find the course too difficult or too easy and want to change classes?

Discuss with your teacher first. They can advise you and, if necessary, liaise with the Short Course Administrator to reassign you. Changes are typically nor possible after the second week of term.

4. I have accessibility or learning needs. What should I do?

Contact the Short Course Administrator before the first class. If the course has begun, speak directly with the teacher to discuss your needs.

1. How do I enrol?

Visit the How to Enrol page for details

2. When do I enrol?

Enrolment periods for 2026/27 are as follows:

Term 1 (Autumn) - 1st August to 30 September 2026

Term 2 (Winter) -   1st December 2026 to 4th January 2027

Term 3 (Summer) - 15th March to 25th April 2027

Enrolment is not accepted outside of these periods. For more information, contact the Short Course Administrator

3. How many courses can I take at the same time?

You may take as many course as you like - provided the schedules do not clash! Check the timetables on each language page.

4. How big are the classes?

Online classes are capped at fifteen participants to ensure individual attention from the teacher. The minimum number of students required for a course to run is 3 students.

5. When do the courses start?

All our courses start in the Autumn Term.

6. Can I join a course later in the year?

Beginners must start in Autumn Term (i.e., October). Non-beginners may join from the Winter Term if places are available, and their level is appropriate. See the How to Enrol page for details.

1. Why do I need to be assessed?

Assessment ensures we understand your language proficiency to place you in the right course. This is required unless you are a beginner starting in October or a returning student advancing to the next level.  

2. How do you assess students?

Complete the Assessment Form and your prospective teacher will call you to agree on the level at which you should join the course. Intermediate and Advanced Russian students are also required to complete a short quiz. See the How to Enrol page for more details. 

3. When do assessments take place?

Oral assessments occur during the enrolment period on dates and times you select on the Assessment Form. 

4. Do returning students need to be assessed?

No. Returning students can enrol directly for the next level. 

1. What are the course fees?

See the Course Fees page.

2. Do you offer any concessionary rates?

Discounted Course Fees are available for UCL staff, students and alumni, and to the staff, students and alumni of the partner institutions of the University of London. If you are eligible for any of these discounts, you must supply proof of your entitlement at the time that you enrol. (e.g. a copy of your student/alumni/staff card, degree certificate, transcript, etc.). See the Course Fees page.

3. Do I have to pay course fees in advance?

Yes, all course fees must be paid in full before the course starts. It can be for one, two or all three terms. Enrol early as places are limited. 

4. What payment methods are accepted?

Payments are made via the UCL online store by credit/debit card. We do not accept cash, cheques, or instalments payments. A payment link will be sent after you submit your enrolment form once space on your chosen course has been confirmed. You will be emailed a receipt, and this acts as confirmation of your place on the course.

5. Can I get a refund if I cannot attend all the lessons?

No, we do not offer refunds for partial attendance.

6. Can I reserve a place on a course before paying?

No, places cannot be reserved without payment. 

7. What if I decide to withdraw from a course?

Course fees are refundable (minus an administration charge) if you withdraw in writing at least two weeks before the term starts. No refunds are given for cancellations less than two weeks before the term starts. UCL students enrolled for all three terms in advance are not eligible for refunds due to the substantial discount offered. SSEES is not responsible for changes in your circumstances preventing attendance.

Visit T&Cs and Cancellations for more information.

If you require any further information, please do not hesitate to Contact Us.

Olivia Bailey, Short Course Co-Ordinator (Maternity Cover)

Email: eveningcourses@ucl.ac.uk

Phone: +442076795709  (internal 45709)