Elective Credit-Bearing Language Courses for Students
Languages for International Mobility are elective credit-bearing language courses open to undergraduate and PhD students from any subject area at the University of Glasgow.
Each course runs for one semester and is designed to fit around your main degree, allowing you to develop practical language skills and cultural awareness alongside your studies. These courses are particularly suited to students who are interested in studying, working or travelling abroad, or who want to add a language to their degree without switching subjects.
You do not need to be studying languages already, and all languages and courses are available from beginner level. These courses are covered by your University fees or student loan, so you can take them at no extra cost.
To enrol, do so via MyCampus at the same time as your other modules, usually in August.
Am I eligible?
- These courses are open to all current undergraduate students, regardless of their subject of study.
- Most students take them in Years 1 or 2 using available elective credits.
- Some Year 3 students may be eligible, depending on their degree programme.
- Honours students can take a course as additional credits, and PhD students may enrol if places are available.
- Your Advisor of Studies can help you check whether a course fits into your degree.
Why study a language alongside my degree?
- Develop transferable skills valued by employers, including communication and cultural awareness.
- Build confidence in international and professional settings.
- Make friends from outside your subject area and expand your network.
- Gain skills that support opportunities to study or work abroad.
- Broaden your university experience without changing your main subject.
What languages can I study?
Languages currently offered include:
- Arabic
- Catalan
- Chinese (Mandarin)
- French
- German
- Italian
- Japanese
- Portuguese
- Russian
- Spanish
- Ukrainian
For course options, levels and descriptions, see the Modern & Foreign Languages Course Catalogue
How do I apply?
- Enrol in Languages for International Mobility courses via MyCampus at the same time as your other modules, usually in August.
- These courses can be taken as part of your required 120 credits (recommended option), but it may also be possible to take them for 10 or 20 extra credits.
- If you are unsure whether the course fits into your programme, check with your Adviser of Studies first.
- Places may be limited, so it’s a good idea to enrol early.
- If you have previously studied a language and would like to enter directly into Level 2, Level 3, or Level 4, please contact emanuela.ponti@gla.systa-s.com or barbara.divers@gla.systa-s.com. They will advise you on completing a short entry quiz on Moodle to determine the most suitable level.
How do the courses work?
- Each course is worth 10 credits per semester, and students can learn a maximum of two different languages per semester.
- Courses run for one semester only, making them easy to fit around your studies.
- Students typically attend around 22 hours of classes per semester and per language.
- Teaching takes place in person on campus, during the daytime or early evening.
What will I learn?
- Courses develop listening, speaking, reading and writing skills.
- There is a strong focus on practical communication.
- You will also develop cultural awareness for real-world and international contexts.
- Courses are available from beginner to more advanced levels, depending on the language.
How am I assessed?
- Courses are formally assessed and a grade is awarded.
- Assessment usually includes an end-of-semester examination.
- All courses are externally examined as part of the University’s quality assurance processes.
- Credits can contribute towards your degree.
Choosing the right option
- Languages for International Mobility courses are credit-bearing and formally assessed.
- The University also offers Short Courses which focus on learning a language for everyday use.
- Exploring both options can help you decide which best suits your goals.