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Accessibility statement
An image to illustrate Elementary Spanish 1: ¡en camino! short course
Elementary Spanish 1 takes you further on your Spanish learning journey with 16 engaging units. You’ll explore topics such as work, sport and family, while developing a stronger grasp of Spanish grammar, including the past tense. Learning is supported through audio and video resources, along with a dedicated course website, forums and access to a learning adviser. Some prior knowledge of Spanish is recommended, either through informal learning or earlier study, such as our Beginners Spanish series. On successful completion, you will receive a digital badge to share on social media, include in email signatures or use as a certificate.
In each unit you'll explore Spanish language, culture, and specific learning techniques including activities to help memorise words and phrases. As you develop your vocabulary and understanding you'll cover topics including:
Throughout the course, you will improve your ability to understand spoken and written Spanish and to communicate your own information and ideas. You will acquire a knowledge of the basic structures of Spanish along with key vocabulary. Each unit comprises 3–4 hours of interactive activities, exercises, explanations and tips about language-learning. It’s a good idea to keep notes either in a notebook or on your preferred digital device. There are regular revision units and at the end of each unit there is a quiz for you to practise what you’ve been learning.
We look forward to seeing you soon on Elementary Spanish 1: ¡en camino!
Please note that although this course is non-accredited, it can be used towards the module Making your learning count (YXM130) to gain OU credits.
After completing this course, you should be able to:
The course is designed to help you achieve a level of language proficiency equivalent to level A2 of the Council of Europe Common European Framework of Reference for languages (CEFR).
The course is taught entirely online, with the aid of a learning adviser to offer support where needed. You will have access to online forums that you are strongly encouraged to participate in, as they are an excellent source of support and information. These forums combine peer support with input from the language specialist learning adviser(s). Other support is available via the StudentHome website and computing helpdesk.
The course is made up of 16 units, with each unit expected to take about 3–4 hours to study. In total, you’ll need around 64 hours to complete the course.
You can begin at any time during the life of the course and study at your own pace. The course will be open to you for a time period of between 6 and 18 months depending on your course registration date and you will be advised of the specific time limitations upon enrolment.
All learning materials are delivered entirely online and there is no formal tuition for this course.
Your study is self-directed and you’ll have access to a course website, which includes:
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the academic regulations, which are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.
There are no entry requirements for this course.
However, it's beneficial if you have some basic knowledge of Spanish, similar or equivalent to the language, skills and vocabulary practised in Beginners Spanish 1: ¡Empezamos! (LGXS001), Beginners Spanish 2: ¡En marcha! (LGXS002), and/or Beginners Spanish 3: ¡Adelante! (LGXS003)
If you have any doubt about the suitability of the course, please contact us.
The course is delivered online and makes use of a variety of online resources. If you use specialist hardware or software to assist you in using a computer or the internet you are advised to contact us about support which can be given to meet your needs.
The OU strives to make all aspects of study accessible to everyone and this Accessibility Statement outlines what studying LGXS004 involves. You should use this information to inform your study preparations and any discussions with us about how we can meet your needs.
StartEngland fee
At anytime before 31/07/2026£195
We accept American Express, Mastercard, Visa and Visa Electron.
If this course is geared towards your job or developing your career, you could ask your employer to sponsor you by paying some or all of the fees. Your sponsor just needs to complete a simple form to confirm how much they will be paying and we will invoice them.
The fee information provided here is valid for short courses starting in the 2026/27 academic year. Fees typically increase annually. For further information about the University's fee policy, visit our Fee Rules.
You can start this course anytime.
You can start this course anytime.
Level info