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University-Wide Language Programme

We offer free language classes to all current Newcastle University students.

About the programme

Always wanted to learn a new language? Join the University Wide Language Programme and take language classes for free alongside your current degree!

We offer classes in over ten languages to current Newcastle University students. For the academic year 2024/25, the planned offering is as follows:

  • Arabic
  • British Sign Language
  • Catalan
  • Chinese (Mandarin)
  • Dutch
  • French
  • German
  • Italian
  • Japanese
  • Korean
  • Portuguese
  • Russian
  • Spanish
  • Spanish for Business

Classes take place in the evenings or on Wednesday afternoons. Modules with more than one group may also have teaching on a Friday afternoon.

You'll receive two weekly contact hours of teaching. Modules are worth 10 credits but do not count towards your main degree calculation. The modules will be recognised on your transcript as extra credit.

Please note that students may only study one language on the University-Wide Language Programme at any one time. We are unable to make exceptions to this rule. 

Before enrolling

Learning a new language can be great fun but also requires time, patience and lots of effort.

Many students misjudge the amount of study time they'll need to dedicate to their language modules, and eventually decide to drop out.

Unfortunately, places on the programme are wasted as a result. It's important that you consider whether you can afford the time and commitment.

Before applying, please ensure you:

Please note that students who take a language as a part of their main degree (including all SML degree programmes as well as others such as Linguistics with French) cannot take the same language on the UWLP. You are able to pick to study a different language with us instead.

How to apply

To apply for the UWLP, you will need to fill out an application form. 

Semester 2 applications are now open via the application form.

Applications will be processed in the order in which they are received. We send out space allocations in batches due to the high volume of applications we receive. As such, it may take us up to 6-8 weeks to respond to your application during especially busy periods. Thank you for your understanding.

How to withdraw from a UWLP module

Withdrawals normally should be requested via the Withdrawal Form specific to the academic year in which you are studying with us. Please note that you may only withdraw during the designated withdrawal window.

Withdrawals for Semester 2 of 2024-25

You can withdraw from Semester 2 of the UWLP via the withdrawal form

Useful language resources

The Language Resource Centre offers free language learning facilities to all members of the University.

You can also download the uTalk language learning app. uTalk is free and allows you to learn words in 130+ languages on any device. It's also part of your list of useful apps in the Student Portal.

  1. Register with the Language Resource Centre
  2. Wait for an e-mail from education@utalk.com with your login credentials
  3. On the uTalk app or website, select Login > Login with e-mail
  4. Enter your login credentials from the e-mail and start learning!
UWLP Banner

Get in touch

Many general queries about the UWLP can be answered via the Student Handbook linked at the top of this page. You can also contact us on the details below:

Telephone: +44 (0) 191 208 7513

E-mail: uwlp@newcastle.ac.uk

Or come and see us at the Level 6 reception of the Old Library Building.

Please note we get very busy during term times so we might not be able to reply straight away, but we will get back to you as soon as we can.

Table with multiple countries

When I get fluent in the language, that will be my advantage over others in the market. If I decide to go out to Spain, I would probably find a job much more easily.