Accessibility statement

Discover a new language, explore different cultures or learn more about the power of communication. They’re open to everyone, you can learn at your own pace, and our specialist Learning Advisers will support you along the way. Choose from our range of flexible short courses in Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Spanish, artificial intelligence and intercultural competence.

Our short courses in languages, cultures and communication are fully online and designed to fit around your life. You can study for as many or as few hours per day, week or month as you want. When you complete a course, you’ll receive a digital badge that you can share or use like a certificate.

Whether you’re a complete beginner or want to brush up on existing skills, our courses follow the CEFR scale so you can easily find the right level for you.

Key benefits

Introduction to Arabic language and cultureLearn to speak, read, write, and understand basic Arabic language and culture.

Beginners' Arabic language and cultureMaster basic Arabic language skills and cultural knowledge for everyday communication and professional growth.

Beginners Chinese 1: 开始吧 kāishĭ ba!Start learning Mandarin Chinese on a short course that’s perfect for beginners (CEFR level A1).

Beginners Chinese 2: 开始吧 kāishĭ ba!Expand your Mandarin vocabulary by exploring topics like food and leisure activities (CEFR level A1).

Beginners Chinese 3: 开始吧 kāishĭ ba!Ideal for those with a grasp of beginners’ Mandarin to improve their skills (CEFR level A1).

Chinese business culture essentialsBuild positive, long-term business relationships using knowledge of Chinese culture and values.

Elementary Chinese 1: 入门了 rùmén le!Step up your basic knowledge of Chinese with our elementary course in Mandarin (CEFR level A1).

Elementary Chinese 2: 入门了 rùmén le!Take your Mandarin up a level with new topics such as feelings and opinions (CEFR level A2).

Elementary Chinese 3: 入门了 rùmén le!Develop your Mandarin vocabulary, including how to apologise formally and give presents (CEFR level A2).

Beginners French 1: eh oui!Kick-start your learning journey with this introduction to French designed for beginners (CEFR level A1).

Beginners French 2: bien sûr!Continue to build your French skills for communicating in everyday situations (CEFR level A1).

Beginners French 3: absolument!Enhance your knowledge of French to prepare for further language study (CEFR level A2).

Elementary French 1: allons-y!Start to understand and produce more complex language with an elementary course (CEFR level A2).

Elementary French 2: en avant!Explore exciting new subjects in French, such as employment and studying (CEFR level B1).

Elementary French 3: vous y êtes!Learn to talk about your health and improve your grammar by using different tenses (CEFR level B1).

Beginners German 1: fang an!Discover key German phrases and the cultural diversity of German-speaking countries (CEFR level A1).

Beginners German 2: mit Vergnügen!Study new topics like food, seasons, and time to build up your German vocabulary (CEFR level A1).

Beginners German 3: richtig so! Further your German knowledge by learning to give your opinion on new and varied topics (CEFR level A2).

Elementary German 1: sprechen und verstehenLearn to express your opinions and start mastering everyday situations in German (CEFR level A2).

Elementary German 2: sprich weiter!Step up your German language-learning by taking on more complex conversations (CEFR level B1).

Elementary German 3: weiter geht’s Hone your German language skills with our third elementary level short course (CEFR level B1).

Beginners Italian 1: primi passiA perfect 'aperitivo'! Learn Italian starting with simple topics such as reading menus (CEFR level A1).

Beginners Italian 2: in camminoBuild on your study and learn to talk about time, work, transport, and holidays in Italian (CEFR level A1).

Beginners Italian 3: stai andando bene! Delve further into Italian language and culture by exploring geography, food and festivals (CEFR level A2).

Elementary Italian 1: in campo!Step up your progress in Italian with new vocabulary and key expressions (CEFR level A2).

Elementary Italian 2: avanti tutta!Develop your Italian skills, including talking about the past and childhood (CEFR level B1).

Elementary Italian 3: all'opera!Explore more complex topics in Italian, including social media and Italian migration (CEFR level B1).

Beginners Spanish 1: ¡Empezamos!Discover one of the world’s most widely spoken languages with a short course (CEFR level A1).

Beginners Spanish 2: ¡En marcha!Learn to talk about time, your daily and weekly routine, work, interests and hobbies (CEFR level A1).

Beginners Spanish 3: ¡Adelante!Begin conversing in this popular language using new topics to build your vocabulary (CEFR level A2).

Elementary Spanish 1: ¡en camino!Build on your beginners’ Spanish with new topics, including sport and grammar (CEFR level A2).

Elementary Spanish 2: ¡vamos a seguir!Advance your Spanish language skills with new topics, situations and phrases (CEFR level B1).

Elementary Spanish 3: ¡muy bien!Develop your Spanish further, including learning to use the past tense (CEFR level B1).

Cinema in the Spanish-speaking worldDiscover the cultural impact of the cinematic landscapes of Spain, Argentina, and Chile.

AI language technology in the workplaceExplore Language Technology, a rising form of Artificial Intelligence, and its impact in our working lives.

An introduction to artificial intelligenceExamine historical, ethical and social issues around Artificial Intelligence technology.

Teaching languages and cultures with AILearn how to use Generative AI in education and explore the opportunities and challenges it brings.

An introduction to intercultural competence in the workplaceImprove your intercultural communication skills in the workplace.

The languages of crisesExamine the role of languages and cultures in situations of crisis across the world, including the COVID-19 pandemic.

Introduction to European crime fictionDiscover new ways of looking at crime fiction texts by European authors.

Effective communication strategies and skills for workEnhance workplace communication skills: master effective requests, responses, and problem-solving in professional settings.

Level info