Beyond School

Courses in FE/HE institutions and cultural organisations in Scotland and UK provision via UCAS.

Language learning opportunities

Scotland's Universities and Colleges: Quick Reference Guide

This list provides a quick snapshot of undergraduate courses available in Scottish Higher Educational Institutions and Scotland's colleges. More detailed information can be found under the UK Universities tab via the The Guardian University Guide for Modern Languages and Linguistics and UCAS links.

Scottish Universities

Select any of the universities below for more information on undergraduate courses (updated July 2024).

Specialist language degrees

No single honours language degrees

Combined and joint degrees

Other Language Related Options

Services to/events for schools

Specialist language degrees

n/a

Combined and joint degrees

n/a

Other Language Related Options

n/a

Services to/events for schools

Specialist language degrees

n/a

Combined and joint degrees

Other Language Related Options

Services to/events for schools

Combined and joint degrees

Other Language Related Options

Services to/events for schools

Specialist language degrees

n/a

Combined and joint degrees

n/a

Other Language Related Options

Services to/events for schools

Specialist language degrees

Combined and joint degrees

  • View a wide range of combined options on each language degree course page
  • Portuguese (only available as joint honours)
  • Russian (only available as joint honours)
  • Comparative literature (option to study French, Gaelic, German, Italian, Russian and Spanish as a subject)

Other Language Related Options

Services to/events for schools

Specialist language degrees

n/a

Combined and joint degrees

Other Language Related Options

  • Language modules - (students can study varying levels of French, German, Italian or Spanish modules as part of their course programme or introductory level Portuguese)

Services to/events for schools

Specialist language degrees

Other Language Related Options

Services to/events for schools

Specialist language degrees

No single honours but course information list available on the Languages and Intercultural Studies webpage.

Other Language Related Options

  • Languages CPD (one day short courses aimed at language professionals and new graduates)

Services to/events for schools

Specialist language degrees

  • Language Studies (allows students to study up to two modern languages plus additional beginner language options)

Combined and joint degrees

n/a

Other Language Related Options

  • Languages at the OU (full range of courses and single language modules at various levels)
  • Free OpenLearn (beginner or refresher language courses in Arabic, French, Gaelic, German, Ancient Greek, Italian, Latin, Spanish, Chinese and Welsh along with a beginners' Tamil taster course and introduction to Ukrainian language and culture)

Services to/events for schools

Specialist language degrees

n/a

Combined and joint degrees

n/a

Other Language Related Options

n/a

Services to/events for schools

Specialist language degrees

n/a

Combined and joint degrees

n/a

Other Language Related Options

n/a

Services to/events for schools

Specialist language degrees

Single honours, with or without a year abroad, available in the following. Each can be studied as joint honours with another subject:

Combined and joint degrees

Other Language Related Options

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Services to/events for schools

Combined and joint degrees

  • Modern Languages (French and Spanish combined with Psychology, Business Studies or International Politics - usually include a period of study abroad)

Other Language Related Options

n/a

Services to/events for schools

Specialist language degrees

Combined and joint degrees

Services to/events for schools

Specialist language degrees

n/a

Combined and joint degrees

n/a

Other Language Related Options

Services to/events for schools

Scottish Colleges

SQA offers a comprehensive suite of Higher National and National Language Units and many of these are currently on offer in Scotland's colleges. The following Colleges of Further Education in Scotland have entries for Language Units for 2024-2025 and/or a range of part-time, leisure and short language courses.

Part-time, leisure and short courses

n/a

Full-time, access and vocational courses

n/a

Part-time, leisure and short courses

Full-time, access and vocational courses

n/a

Part-time, leisure and short courses

Full-time, access and vocational courses

Part-time, leisure and short courses

Full-time, access and vocational courses

n/a

Part-time, leisure and short courses

Full-time, access and vocational courses

Part-time, leisure and short courses

French, German, Italian and Spanish are also offered free to pupils still at school (details on our school/university liaison page).

Full-time, access and vocational courses

n/a

Part-time, leisure and short courses

Full-time, access and vocational courses

n/a

Part-time, leisure and short courses

Full-time, access and vocational courses

n/a

Part-time, leisure and short courses

Full-time, access and vocational courses

n/a

Part-time, leisure and short courses

  • A range of language classes at different levels can be accessed via the languages course page, including British Sign Language, French, Italian, Polish and Spanish

Full-time, access and vocational courses

Part-time, leisure and short courses

n/a

Full-time, access and vocational courses

Part-time, leisure and short courses

n/a

Full-time, access and vocational courses

Part-time, leisure and short courses

n/a

Full-time, access and vocational courses

Part-time, leisure and short courses

Full-time, access and vocational courses

Part-time, leisure and short courses

Full-time, access and vocational courses

n/a

Part-time, leisure and short courses

UK-wide and Europe links

The following are a selection of articles and publications offering information and advice to those thinking of studying languages in the UK or in Europe.

For information on language degrees at all UK universities (language specialist degrees and languages as part of a joint or combined degree), please visit the UCAS website:

  • Go to course search
  • Search by subject
  • Select a language
  • Once you have selected the language then you will see, listed by UK University, all the combinations available
  • Click on a course for further information, including entry requirements (Scottish Qualifications)

There's also video advice and a UCAS application guide, aimed at parents, about the UCAS application process, including key dates and deadlines.

Visit Website

The Guardian University Guide is aimed at helping students in the UK and abroad find the right university course. It includes links on how to use the Guardian University Guide and get the most out of your course search. Select Modern Languages and Linguistics in the subject search dropdown box. (Please note the interactive guide may not function if viewing with Internet Explorer. We recommend using Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox).

Visit Website

This supplement, published in 2019, is aimed at parents to help them guide their child in making the right university choice for them and to get the most out of their time there.

Visit Website

From applications to funding, accommodation to career goals, the Save the Student team are donning their parent cap to unpack the world of university and Student Finance.

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University profiles, subject league tables, course information and open days can all be found on this site, along with information about clearing.

Visit Website

The website aims to support students to make informed university decisions. Including whether to attend university, what to study, and where to study it. 

Visit Website

The website provides information for both students and parents, including podcasts, advice blogs and subject guide videos along with a parents' guide to help support students in making their higher education decisions.  

Visit Website

Universities Scotland guide to help university applicants, teachers, guidance staff, parents, guardians and anyone interested in university admissions.

Visit Website

Visit the NICILT website for information on undergraduate language study options at universities in Northern Ireland.

Visit Website

Since 2015, UCAS has been including and processing applications to European universities in the admissions process. Check out the Study in Europe website which helps you make informed decisions about your studies in Europe with their unique database. Stay organised and compare all accredited programs by tuition fees, language, financial assistance, place and institution.

Visit Website

Other language learning opportunities

University of Strathclyde

The Centre for Lifelong Learning (CLL) at the University of Strathclyde offers opportunities to study modern languages as part of its day, evening and summer short course programmes. The languages offered vary from year to year and from term to term. For 2024-25 session French, Gaelic, German, Italian, Mandarin and Spanish language courses are currently on offer. Many of the language programmes commence in October and last for 20 or 22 weeks with some classes commencing in January and June/July. Classes are offered in the evening and/or at weekend. Most languages offer the opportunity to study towards university credit. A wide range of other subjects are also available.

CLL is located on 7th Floor, Graham Hills Building, 40 George Street, University of Strathclyde. For more information, contact 0141 548 2116, email learn-cll@strath.ac.uk or visit the CLL website.

University of Strathclyde also offer undergraduate degrees in languages (more information) and PGDE course for language teachers (more information).

DELE

The University is a centre for the examination in the Spanish Government’s official Diploma in Spanish as a Foreign Language (DELE - Diploma de Español como Lengua Extranjera). The exams are the official accreditation for the degree of fluency of the Spanish exams. They’re issued and recognised by the Ministry of Education, Culture & Sport of Spain and are organised by Instituto Cervantes and the University of Salamanca. New online preparation courses for the DELE exams are available and are aimed at prospective candidates for the DELE exams.

University of Glasgow

The University of Glasgow offers short courses in 15 languages at levels ranging from beginner (A1) to advanced (C1). Languages on offer are: Arabic, BSL, Chinese (Mandarin), Dutch, French, Gaelic, German, Greek, Italian, Japanese, Norwegian, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish and Swedish. Language classes are interactive and collaborative, with plenty of exposure to the language and many opportunities to practise and learn with their peers. As part of normal classroom teaching, students will also be given the option of doing written homework between classes. All of the courses can contribute credit to the Certificate in Higher Education.

Language courses are worth 10 credits and are benchmarked against the Common European Framework of Languages. Students achieve the credits when, through normal classroom activities and two assessed pieces of work, they demonstrate a minimum level of competence expected for their particular course. Unless otherwise stated all courses run for two hours per week over 20 weeks. Term 1 begins on the first Monday in October. New courses are also offered in January and April each year.

The School of Modern Languages and Cultures at the University of Glasgow also offers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in languages.

Goethe Institut Glasgow - Learn German

Learn German with the Goethe Institut for everyday life, personal interest, your job or for university studies. They offer:

  • highly qualified teachers
  • state-of-the-art teaching methods
  • intensive consultation and support
  • a system of course levels applied around the world
  • examinations recognised around the world

More information

Alliance Française de Glasgow - Learn French

The Alliance Française de Glasgow is the official French government’s Language and Cultural centre for Glasgow and the West of Scotland. The Alliance Française de Glasgow is proud to welcome up to 500 students during each term, who all learn French through our communicative approach.

All our teachers are native speakers and are trained to teach French as a Foreign Language. Every new student who is not a complete beginner is assessed before enrolling (a free and friendly meeting with a teacher), in order to establish their level so that they are assigned to the right class.

More information

DELF/DALF

The Alliance Française is an official examination centre which gives you the opportunity to obtain the official French diplomas awarded by the French authorities and recognized internationally.

More information

Yakety Yak Language Cafés

Originating in Edinburgh in 2010, Yakety Yak's Language Cafés have now been launched in Glasgow.

The Cafés offer people the chance to practise their conversational language skills in a relaxed atmosphere. Sessions are currently available in French, Gaelic, Italian and Spanish.

Check the Yakety Yak Glasgow programme for further information.

The Language Hub

The Language Hub C.I.C. is a non for profit organisation based in Glasgow’s west end. The hub teaches foreign languages to children and adults, provides bilingual support, runs cultural and literacy events and operates a foreign language children’s bookshop on site. We believe everyone can learn a foreign language, irrespective of their age or their academic abilities. Our language courses, for all levels, focus on communication and are very much play based. We aim to provide a maximum of opportunities to practise individual skills in the class room. This gives learners the confidence to use their foreign language skills in real-life situations outside the classroom.

Languages currently available include German, Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese and Russian - check the website for availability.

For more information, please visit our website, give us a call on: 0141 258 2700 or send us a message.

Lingo Flamingo

As well as offering language classes for the elderly in care homes, the organisation hosts online classes and face-to-face options in Shawlands. Languages on offer:

  • French
  • German
  • Italian
  • Spanish
  • Japanese
  • Portuguese 

More information on the Lingo Flamingo website.

Live Language, Glasgow

Live Language provides different levels for group and private courses for the following languages:

  • Italian
  • Japanese
  • Spanish

Live Language language courses.

Speech Bubble Languages, East Kilbride

Just outside Glasgow in East Kilbride, SQA accredited language school Speech Bubble Languages offers classes in French and Spanish.

Speech Bubble Languages courses

University of Edinburgh

The Centre for Open Learning offers courses in languages to all adult learners from 16 years old.

Courses are 20 hours over 10 weeks from September to December, January to March and April to June and over 4 weeks in July and in August.

Languages currently offered: Arabic, British Sign Language, Chinese, French, Gaelic, German, Italian, Japanese, Modern Greek, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Swahili, Turkish and Ukrainian.

Find out more about the languages and levels on offer via the short course website.

The University of Edinburgh also serves as a centre for students wishing to sit the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT), the internationally recognised qualification for learners of the Japanese language.

Access Programme

Our part-time Access Programme offers a route into degree study for those returning to education after a break or for those without traditional qualifications. With the part-time Access Programme it's never too late to learn! This key addition to the University of Edinburgh's prospectus allows successful Access students to progress to a language degree in Edinburgh or in other universities.

Institut français d'Écosse - Learn French

Institut français d'Écosse offer a large range of courses:

  • Adult classes
  • Kids & teens classes
  • Private tuition
  • Corporate classes
  • Online courses
  • International French Diploma DELF/DALF
  • International French tests TEF & TCF

IFE can also provide training for teachers so they too can become accredited DELF examiners. This can prove interesting for teachers of French as a foreign language, encouraging them to discover and use the action-based approach in class to further stimulate the students.

More information

DELF/DALF

The Institut français d’Écosse is an official exam centre for DELF and DALF, official diplomas awarded by the French Ministry of Education to certify foreign candidates’ proficiency in French.

More information 

Edinburgh College

Edinburgh College offers a range of courses in BSL, French, German, Italian and Spanish. Whether you’re a beginner or a more advanced learner wishing to gain a qualification in modern languages, there's a course suitable for you. 

The college offers a range of delivery times and modes for their modern language classes to suit different lifestyles. These can be as part-time day, evening or flexible open learning. Full details of the courses available can be found on the course programme link below, selecting Modern Languages in the subject area dropdown:

Edinburgh College courses

Italian Cultural Institute

Courses in Italian language and culture available at various levels.

Yakety Yak Language Cafés

Improve or maintain your foreign language conversation in local cafés around Edinburgh in small groups with an experienced native tutor. We offer French, Spanish, Italian, German, Mandarin, Portuguese, Gaelic, Japanese and Greek.

Visit the YaketyYak website for more information.

SALT Edinburgh

SALT (Spanish Academy Language & Translation) is the first centre dedicated exclusively to the teaching of Spanish courses in Edinburgh. SALT’s team also have a wide range of additional knowledge in film and media, translation, interpretation as well as examinations which they incorporate into the services provided.

Visit the SALT Edinburgh website for more information.

University of Dundee

Language courses by distance learning from the School of Humanities. These courses are delivered over the internet, using Blackboard, the University of Dundee “virtual learning environment”.

Intensive Courses - Our 25 week Intensive Courses are intended for those wishing to jump-start a language.

Revision Courses - If you already have some knowledge of a language (e.g. a rusty Higher) then our 10 week Revision Courses are for you.

Graduate Diploma Courses - These aim to provide the challenge of an undergraduate curriculum in the relevant practical language, they carry a rating of 120 SCOTCAT points (SCQF Levels 9-10).

Please visit University of Dundee website for more information.

The university also provides their Languages for all programme, which offers everyone the opportunity to learn a language, whether for personal or professional reasons.

Classes are taught in the evening and you can choose from a range of languages (BSL, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Russian and Spanish) many of which are available at different levels.

The emphasis in their language classes is on:

  • fostering communicative competence
  • linguistic knowledge
  • intercultural awareness

University of Aberdeen

The Language Centre provides Language Training and support for students, staff and the wider community.

The Centre's evening course programme in Modern Foreign Languages is designed for anyone interested in learning a new language or improving existing language skills. The courses are open to University of Aberdeen staff, students and the general public.

Bespoke, tailored courses can also be offered for businesses and organisations to meet their specific needs.

Languages offered are:

  • Arabic
  • English
  • French
  • German
  • Italian
  • Japanese
  • Portuguese
  • Russian
  • Spanish

The following online courses are available for those in a customer facing role who wish to learn Gaelic for the workplace:

The Open University

The Open University offers a range of language courses at various levels from degrees to short courses in Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Spanish and Welsh. The OU also offers courses in English for Academic Purposes online and in Professional Communication Skills for Business Studies.

Whether you’re a complete beginner, want to brush up existing skills, or are looking for a degree in languages, the OU can provide a flexible, step-by-step way of achieving your learning goals in a way that allows you to fit round other commitments in your life with the support of a personal tutor. You’ll develop proficiency in all four skills of reading, writing, speaking and listening. Some OU language courses also offer a week at a residential school in a country where the language is spoken.

For further details visit the OU website.

Free online language resources

The Open University also offers a wide range of free online resources on languages and cultures which could be useful to language learners and teachers.

Future Learn (MOOCs)

Future Learn provides a portal for educational institutions around the world to host their online MOOCs. A Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) is an interactive step-by-step course aimed at reaching an unlimited number of participants worldwide to create a community of lifelong learners. The courses are free and generally last between 4-6 weeks.

Future Learn currently offers a variety of language-related MOOCs.

University of Glasgow and Islamic University of Gaza

Welcoming Languages - Online Arabic from Palestine for beginners

The Welcoming Languages project explores the inclusion of a ‘refugee language’ in Scottish education as a way to enact the idea of ‘integration as a two-way process’ that is at the heart of the “New Scots Refugee Integration Strategy” (Scottish Government, 2018). We do this, by offering a tailored (Levantine) Arabic language course for total beginners to education staff in Scottish primary schools.

More information

eSgoil

Comhairle nan Eilean’s eSgoil is offering National 5 and Higher Gaelic (Learners) via computer - these will be open to school pupils and adult learners anywhere. All you need is a computer with internet access.

More information on the eSgoil website or contact Angus Maclennan or Catriona Currie at esgoil@gnes.net

Po polsku po Polsce

If you are looking to learn some Polish, this self-directed e-learning course might be for you. Jointly supported by the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Jaggiellonian University in Krakow, this interactive course supports learners to reach a level of A1 in Polish language. For each lesson, there is a cultural element that links to the language lesson. The language lessons are in Polish with sound files to support and there is a Language Bank, also in Polish, to help.

More information

Please note: many of these are paid resources. SCILT does not endorse any of the following commercial products.

The Superprof Blog - Superprof is a leading web platform that matches tutors with students for a range of subjects including languages. Many offer the first lesson for free. There's also lots of useful content for learners seeking to explore and discover the culture as well as the language of a country.

High Five French - Learn French with Emma and Mathilde. Aimed at primary learners. The resources in this playlist are samples from the full Radio Lingua course.

Language for Work - European Council for Modern Languages website with advice and information to support work-related second language development, particularly the linguistic integration of adult migrants.

Chatterbox - Online and in person language tuition delivered by highly skilled refugees from academic, professional, and industrial backgrounds.

TLC Pack - The project pack, originally developed primarily for use by migrant workers entering different parts of the care sector, can still be used for teaching and learning English or German, Italian, Spanish, Greek or Dutch in a range of contexts.

Berlitz - Online classes in various languages. This promotes the Berlitz method of language learning where students (adults and children/teens) can gain language skills, cultural understanding and confidence.

Busuu - Learn languages for free online - Learn languages online with interactive language courses and lessons - join the community for free.

Study abroad - Europe - Website listing volunteering, studying, teaching & interning programmes across Europe, with ratings/reviews and more.

iTunes Education Apps - Browse the iTunes store for apps to help you with your language learning.

The Michel Thomas Method - The Natural Way to Learn a New Language - Audio learning technique. Wide range of languages including French, German and Spanish.

Rosetta Stone - Learn a Language Online - Rosetta Stone aimes to make learning a new language second nature through their software products.

Duolingo - quick, bite-sized lessons to progress in a wide range of languages.

Gaelic courses - The Learn Gaelic website has compiled a list of Gaelic courses available throughout Scotland.

University of Strathclyde Education Scotland British Council Scotland The Scottish Government
SCILT - Scotlands National centre for Languages