Sample a new language at university open day

The open day will run from 12 - 2pm and from 6-8pm in Macaulay Hall at the University's Headingley Campus.

The part-time language programme at our University offers one of the largest selections of taught languages in the UK, taught by a team of over 70 specialised academic members of staff, the majority of whom are native speakers. Around 170 classes are offered in 19 languages, from beginner to degree level, at the Headingley Campus, with a selection of the most popular languages also running at Rossett Extended School in Harrogate.

Graham Webb, Principal Lecturer in Languages at Leeds Met, said: "Our part-time language courses give the ideal chance to try that new language you have always wanted to learn for your holidays, for your work or just for pleasure. Learning a language is perfect exercise for the mind, just like doing crossword puzzles or Sudoku, with the added advantage that you develop a lifelong skill and can engage with new people and cultures. With our courses, the focus is always on enjoying learning and engaging with other students and staff that are excited by language and culture."

Daytime and evening classes are available and languages include Arabic, Chinese, Dutch, Farsi/Persian, Finnish, French, Greek, Hungarian, Italian, Japanese, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Swedish, Turkish and Urdu.

Students receive a university award after every two full years of study successfully completed, including Certificates, Diplomas and BA degrees.

Elizabeth Higgins, who is studying Italian with Leeds Met at Harrogate, commented: "I always wanted to go to Italy for its style and culture. I used to work in textile design and travelled throughout Europe but never made it to Italy so I decided that I wanted to do this when I finished work. I've now just been on a week's language course in Florence. It's been my life's ambition to go to Italy and now I've been able to do it.

"I would say to anyone that is thinking of studying a language part-time that it is worth doing. The whole course is taught entirely in Italian so it really keeps your mind active. You also learn a whole new culture and meet like-minded people so it benefits you beyond the lessons. There are twelve of us who have been through six years of study together and that really makes it enjoyable."

Also on offer at Headingley Campus are French and Spanish courses for existing and aspiring primary school teachers to develop their language skills at beginners level. These courses will enable teachers to deliver language classes and activities appropriate to the syllabus for primary schools in Yorkshire.