FAQs

1. How long are your courses?
Each course consists of 30 lessons, delivered over three terms of 10 weeks each.

2. What languages do you offer and are the levels?
We offer courses in Albanian, Bulgarian, Czech, Estonian, Finnish, Georgian, Hungarian, Latvian, Lithuanian, Macedonian, Polish, Romanian, Russian, Serbian/Croatian, Slovak, Slovene and Ukrainian. Levels include Beginner, Lower Intermediate, Upper Intermediate, Lower Advanced, Advanced, Advanced Plus and Higher Advanced Plus. Please check each language's course structure for specific content.

3. What time do the courses start and how long do they last?
Lessons begin at 6.30pm and run for 2 hours.

4. Where do the lessons take place?
The lessons take place online only.

5. On what days of the week do the lessons take place?
Classes run from Monday to Thursday. Refer to the timetable on the speicfic language's page for details. 

6. What textbooks do you use?
Textbook requirments vary. Some courses have set textbooks, while others use a variety of materials. A list of books and materials is available on each language page. Teachers will inform you of any specific textbooks at the course start.

7. Who will teach my courrse, and will I always have the same teacher?
Courses are taught by experienced, professionally qualified native speakers. We strive to ensure continunity with the same teacher but reserve the right to make changes if necessary. General course content is outlined on the Course Structure & Term Dates page. 

8. What kinds of people take your courses?
Our students include professionals, retirees, and undergraduate and postgraduate students. Participants must be 18 years or older.

9. What if I miss a lesson?
Please inform your teacher in aadvacne if you will miss a lesson. Homework will be emailed to you after the class. 

10. Do courses run during UCL reading weeks?
Yes, courses run as normal during UCL reading weeks unless otherwise informed by your teacher.

11. Do we get homework?
Yes, homework is assigned, but the amount varies by teacher. The more you practice between lessons, the faster you will progress. 

12. If I complete a course will I get a qualification?
Our courses are non-credited. However, students who attend over 70% of their lessons throughout the year can receive course completion certificates at the end of the Summer Term.

13. Are your courses eligible for the UCL Higher Education Achievement Report (HEAR)?
Yes, our courses are HEAR eligible. If you are a UCL Current Student, it will be added to your transcript at the end of the term. If not, please contact the Short Course Administrator.

14. Can I attend a taster class or have private lessons?
We do not offer taster classes or private lessons.

15. Are your classes recorded?
Some classes may be recorded, depending on the teacher. Please check with your teacher for details. 

16. Do I have access to the SSEES Library?
Yes, you have access to the SSEES Library. Contact the Short Course Administrator for more information. 

1. How do I decide which course level to apply for?

Each language page includes a description of the different course levels. Beginners must enrol in the October term.

2. What if I am not a complete beginner but it's been a while since I studied this language?

Each language page includes level descriptions. If unsure, we can assess you before enrolment to ensure you are placed in the right class. This assessment includes a conversation with your prospective teacher. 

For more information, see assessment information on How to Enrol.

3. What if I find the course too difficult or too easy and want to change classes?

Discuss with your teacher first. They can advise you and, if necessary, liaise with the Short Course Administrator to reassign you. Changes are typically nor possible after the second week of term.

4. I have accessibility or learning needs. What should I do?

Contact the Short Course Administrator before the first class. If the course has begun, speak directly with the teacher to discuss your needs.

1. How do I enrol?

Visit the How to Enrol page for details

2. When do I enrol?

Enrolment periods for 2024/25 are as follows:

Term 1 (Autumn) - August 2024

Term 2 (Winter) -   December 2024

Term 3 (Summer) - April 2025 (April Enrolment is not accepted outside these periods. For more information, contact the Short Course Administrator

3. How many courses can I take at the same time?

You may take as many course as you like - provided the schedules do not clash! Check the timetables on each language page.

4. How big are the classes?

Online classes are capped at fifteen participants to ensure individual attention from the teacher. 

5. When do the courses start?

All courses begin in October.

6. Can I join a course later in the year?

Beginners must start in Autumn Term (i.e., October). Non-beginners may join in the Winter and Summer Term if places are available, and their level is appropriate. See the How to Enrol page for details

1. What are the course fees?

See the Course Fees page.

2. Do you offer any concessionary rates?

 Discounted Course Fees are available for UCL staff, students, alumni and staff relatives, and to the staff, students and alumni of the partner institutions of the University of London. If you are eligible for any of these discounts, you must supply proof of your entitlement at the time that you enrol. (e.g. a copy of your student/alumni/staff card, degree certificate, transcript, etc.) . See the Course Fees page.

3. Do I have to pay course fees in advance?

Yes, all course fees must be paid in full before the course starts. It can be for one, two or all three terms. Enrol early as places are limited. 

4. What payment methods are accepted?

Payments are via the UCL online store by credit/debit card. We do not accept cash, cheques, or instalments payments. A payment link will be after you submit your enrolment form. You will be emailed a receipt.

5. Can I get a refund if I cannot attend all the lessons?

No, we do not offer refunds for partial attendance.

6. Can I reserve a place on a course before paying?

No, places cannot be reserved without payment. 

7. What if I decide to withdraw from a course?

Course fees are refundable (minus an administration charge) if you withdraw in writing at least two weeks before the term starts. No refunds are given for cancellations less than two weeks before the term starts. UCL students enroled for all three terms in advance are not eligible for refunds due to the substantial discount offered. SSEES is not responsible for changes in your circumstances preventing attendance.

Visit T&Cs and Cancellations for more information.

If you require any further information, please do not hesitate to Contact Us.

Shelley-Anne Modeste, Short Course Administrator

Email: eveningcourse@ucl.ac.uk

Phone: +44 (0) 20 7679 8738