Application information

Please ensure that you read the guidance below before applying for a course.

What is LEAP?

LEAP is that Language Experience for All Programme provided by the University Language Centre. These courses are open to all students, staff and members of the public.

Courses are normally taught for three hours per week over a total of 23 weeks (September to May). Some class time is dedicated to the course assessment. Written assessments will take place outside of class time and during the university exam time. Students will receive advance notification of these times in order to plan their schedule. Many courses are offered in the evening.

Full course descriptions and details of assessment can be found under each language/course listing.

Objectives

  • To provide language modules at different levels ranging from beginner to advanced;
  • To equip students with the foundations of the communicative skills which they will require when studying or working abroad;
  • To help students develop language learning strategies which will enable them to extend and develop their linguistic competences;
  • To encourage students to develop ICT skills;
  • To help students become independent language learners;
  • To provide insight into the cultures of other people's countries.

Course dates

  • Semester one: 25th September 2023 - 15 December 2023
  • Semester two: 29th January 2024 - 11th May 2024

 

The above are teaching weeks (please see the course unit descriptor for specific teaching weeks, some courses are 11 weeks per semester and some are 12 weeks per semester). For a breakdown of term dates, please see Course Dates.

Location

Classes are held in buildings across campus. The location of each class will be shown on the class timetable page. The LEAP Office is located in Samuel Alexander building (no. 67 on campus map), S2.3 (south wing, second floor).

Class sizes

Class sizes have an upper limit of 23.

Will there be a mix of students on the course?

Classes can be made up of students (credited, non-credited, undergraduate, postgraduate), members of staff at the University and members of the public from the local community and around the North-West. LEAP runs both daytime and evening classes.

Are these courses for me?

We believe that a second (or third) language is essential for young people who will be seeking work, not only in this country, but in the European Community and elsewhere.

Language learning can be demanding and time consuming, so please be prepared for this when you sign up.

Credited students need to pass the course unit to satisfy the requirements of the degree programme, so regular attendance is required.

Credit rating

For students with ‘free choice’ credits: the majority of our courses have a 20 credit rating and run for the entire session (both semesters).

What's my level?

Some people will already have previous language certifications that we can judge your current level on. If not, the course description gives a good indication of the expected level, or you may want to have a look at the suggested course book (‘set text’ in the course description) to see if you have already covered the topics in previous language learning.

If you are still unsure, The Common European Framework for Languages can give some guidance on what level you are currently at.

Registration dates

Enrolments for full and semester two only courses for 2023/24 will start from 12:00pm, Wednesday, 5 July 2023 and work on a first come first served basis. Registration will occur until classes are full. 

Please sign up for all LEAP classes by completing and submitting the online application form, which can be found here.

See course dates for term dates.

Classes have already started - is it too late to apply?

We prefer all students to start courses in week one, but exceptions may be made if places are still available and the level allows. Please contact us below for information.

My course has more than one group - can I choose which one to attend?

Yes, you can choose, provided there are still spaces available at the time of application.

Attendance

Due to the nature of language learning, good attendance is expected on these courses. Most students find that they fall behind if they do not attend regularly.

For credited students, attendance is compulsory. Please see the Student Charter which sets out what we can expect from each other as partners in a learning community. Students should check into their class using the University My Attendance System. For uidance on using the system, click here

Students should consult their Home School for specific information on the consequences of poor attendance. If you do not attend a formal assessment (such as a class test or assessed presentation) due to reasons beyond your control, we would advise that you complete a mitigating circumstances form (see relevant section below).

Assessment and feedback

You will be continuously assessed throughout the course (homework, assignments, tests), usually during class time. Each course description has a breakdown of assessment requirements.

If you are taking the course for credits, all assessment is compulsory.

If you are a non-credited student, a member of staff or a member of the public, assessment is not compulsory. However, we strongly recommend that you do undertake the assessments, as they will help in monitoring your progress on the course. You will also be eligible for a course certificate at the end if you achieve a 40% pass mark.

You will receive feedback on your performance in your chosen language informally, following class activities, and formally following assessed tasks.

Assignments and homework

Due to the fact that language learning is skill-based you will be asked to do more work at home than is normal on lecture courses.

This work may take several hours a week, and it is essential that it is done regularly. You will not be able to learn everything a week before an examination and regular independent learning must take place if you are to progress with your language studies.

Credited students should remember also that 20 credits are equivalent to 200 learning hours. As you have only 75 contact hours during the academic year, the other hours must be made up in your own time.

Facilities for language learning within the Open Language Centre

The Open Learning Centre for Languages and Academic English (OLCLAE) is located in the basement of the North Wing of the Samuel Alexander building (adjacent to the Lime Café area).

As part of your independent learning programme, you will have to use these facilities, where we provide our students with a wide selection of teaching and learning resources, including:

· a lending library of multi-format materials in 82 languages;

· multimedia PCs for computer-aided language learning, video conferencing, multilingual word processing and DVD viewing;

· film viewing facilities for groups;

· work and study space for individuals and groups;

· a stock of camera equipment, digital recorders and headsets;

· a conversation room for voice recordings and pair work;

· a cross-format transfer service.

For more information visit the Resources section of the UCAE website at: https://www.ucae.manchester.ac.uk/resources/ where you will also find advice for language learners and links to useful online resources.

Members of the public can access the OLCLAE Library once they have registered and collected their student card from Student Services. Information about this will be emailed following enrolment.

Support for students with disabilities

The Disability Advisory and Support Service (DASS) provides support for current and prospective students who may need additional support.  Please register with the Service to see what support they can provide.

Complaints

If you are able, please talk to your class tutor about any concerns in the first instance. If you would prefer not to discuss it with your tutor, please contact Orieb Masadeh-Tate, Director of LEAP.

If you are still not satisfied after discussion with the Director you may proceed with formal complaint procedures.

If you would like to request further information about our courses or services, please email us at leap@manchester.ac.uk.