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UCL Centre for Languages & International Education (CLIE)

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FAQs

Introduction

What languages do you offer?

We offer Arabic, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin, Portuguese and Spanish.

What levels do you offer?

Seven levels from complete beginners (level 1) to advanced (level 4) and post-A level (levels 5, 6 and 7). We also offer French for Art Historians and Italian for Art Historians at an intermediate level. Currently Arabic is available at levels 1 to 5, Dutch is available at levels 1 to 4 and Portuguese is available at levels 1 to 5. 

Who can take a language module?

You must be a current undergraduate or postgraduate student at UCL or another college of the University of London, and be able to take a language as one of your modules.

When do courses run?

All CLIE modules (15 or 30 credits) run over BOTH Term 1 AND Term 2 i.e. from October to March. 

I'm only here for the Autumn term (Term 1) - can I take these courses?

You must be here for the full academic year to take a language module. All CLIE modules (15 or 30 credits) start in October and run through to March.

I'm a postgraduate student - can I take these courses?

Yes.  

Portico

What is Portico?

Portico is the UCL Student Information Programme where you can select your modules, view module results, view the module directory as well as update your personal details and contact addresses.

What do I need to access Portico?

You need a UCL userid and password.

I'm not a UCL student; can I access Portico?

Only students registered at UCL can access Portico. If you are an intercollegiate student your courses will be registered for you once you have completed registration at the UCL CLIE.  You will get access to UCL services, including Portico, shortly after you have competed your registration at UCL.

Registration

Language interviews

Where are the interviews taking place?

Interviews take place online.

I haven't studied the language before; do I need to come for an interview?

Yes. You need to see a CLIE language tutor for an interview to ensure that you are registered for the correct module. You will also be given additional information about the course, including recommended materials and timetabling.

I've had my interview and my language module is different from the one I selected on Portico; what should I do?

We will amend your language module on Portico before approving it.

Timetable

What is the timetable for these courses?

Because students taking our language modules come from many departments and faculties we do not timetable these classes in advance. Each CLIE module is scheduled around the availability of those students who register to take it.

How are the courses timetabled?

Language module classes are timetabled around the availability of those students who register to take it.

Can I see my language module on my online personal teaching timetable?

Language module class, tutor and room information will be available on the UCL Online Timetable from Sunday 11 October 2020. 

In order for your language module class to appear on your Online Timetable on Sunday 11 October 2020 you must have registered with the CLIE no later than Wednesday 07 October 2020 AND been assigned to a group.

Groups

What is a group?

All CLIE language modules are taught in groups which are kept as small as possible. To distinguish between the different groups for each course each one has a different label.

What is the connection between a class and a group?

Classes are normally two hours in duration.  A 15-credit module normally has one 2-hour class per week (labelled group A, B, C, D... etc) and a 30-credit module normally has two 2-hour classes per week (labelled groups A1, A2, B1, B2... etc).

For example:

15-credit modules:
LCIT0002 group A
LCIT0002 group B
LCIT0002 group C etc

30-credit modules:
LCIT0010 groups A1 and A2
LCIT0010 groups B1 and B2
LCIT0010 groups C1 and C2 etc.

The group label has no connection with the level of the course.

Classes

Where is my class held?

Language module class, tutor and location information will be available on the UCL Online Timetable from Sunday 11 October 2020. 

Who is my tutor?

Who is my tutor?

Language module class, tutor and room information will be available on the UCL Online Timetable from Sunday 11 October 2020. 

When is my first class?

When is my first class?

Classes start in the week beginning Monday 12 October 2020. 

Do I need to register to attend a class?

Do I need to register to attend a class?

Yes. Only fully registered students can attend CLIE module classes.

Can I audit/attend a class without taking it for credit?

Can I audit/attend a class without taking it for credit?

No. Only students taking the course for credit (i.e. as part of your degree programme) and who have fully registered with the CLIE can attend CLIE language module classes. 

If you wish to take a language course that is not for credit, please see our Evening Courses programme.

Attendance

I can't attend a particular class - what should I do/who do I contact?

To fully benefit from the programme you should attend ALL your language classes. Absence from a class means missing an essential element of the course.

UCL expects students to aim for 100% attendance, and has a minimum attendance requirement of 70% of scheduled learning, teaching and assessment activities. If you do not meet this requirement you may be barred from summative assessment.

If you are (or will be) unable to attend a class, please contact your CLIE language tutor as soon as possible, giving reasons, and discuss how to catch up.

I missed my class - what should I do?

To fully benefit from the programme you should attend ALL your language classes. Absence from a class means missing an essential element of the course.

UCL expects students to aim for 100% attendance, and has a minimum attendance requirement of 70% of scheduled learning, teaching and assessment activities. If you do not meet this requirement you may be barred from summative assessment.

If you missed a class you should contact your CLIE language tutor as soon as possible, giving reasons, and discuss how to catch up.