The French for Beginners course is designed for you if you have little or no experience of learning the French language, or you need to refresh your basic language skills. Whilst on this course you will build your knowledge and understanding of vocabulary and grammar and develop your communication skills for practical purposes.
This course is especially appropriate for primary school teachers who are now required to teach French in class, following the 2014 curriculum changes that made language-learning compulsory for all children between seven and 11.
Please note: this course is not suitable for international students requiring a short term student visitor visa.
Beginners 1 and 2
We offer a beginners 1 course in September 2026 and beginners 2 in February 2027.
You must do the September course before you can take the February beginners course.
The February course is a natural progression of the September one, and will allow you to continue to develop your skills and build upon your learnings from it.
Dates and times
The courses run on Monday evenings from 5.30-7pm.
Beginners 1 runs from September 2026 to January 2027.
Beginners 2 runs from February to June 2027.
Location
The courses are held at our Main Campus, Twickenham.
Price
The full cost of each course is £255.
St Mary's University staff and students can receive a 10% discount: use the booking link on the Discounted short courses page (St Mary's login required).
Content
During the Beginners 1 course, you will study the following topics, to build upon your understanding of everyday language:
- greetings
- describing yourself
- French around the world
- talking about the weather
- finding your way around town
- ordering food and drink
- cultural elements (songs/stories/traditions).
The Beginners 2 course in February is a natural progression and will allow you to continue to develop your skills and build upon your learnings from the October course. Topics will include:
- conversation for your holiday in France
- asking questions
- telling the time
- directions
- different tenses.
Requirements
All participants must be over 18 years of age to enrol.
Award
Upon successful completion of the course, you will receive a certificate of attendance, issued by St Mary’s University.
Book your place now
For more information about this course please contact the Short Courses Team: