German
- Level(s) of Â鶹ÊÓƵ: Short course
- Course Fee:
See fees section
- Start Date(s): Week commencing 29 September 2025
- Duration: 22 weeks and oral assessment week
- Â鶹ÊÓƵ Mode(s): Part-time
- Campus: City Campus
- Entry Requirements: Â鶹ÊÓƵ information
Introduction:
Learning a foreign language is a wonderful opportunity to not only learn the language itself, but also to reveal different perspectives on life, enabling you to explore new cultures through a different lens.
Languages open doors to your future. Check out for inspiring stories from learners across the world.
Our courses are more than just engaging classroom sessions supported by excellent online resources.
You’ll also have the option to take assessments and be awarded a Nottingham Trent University (NTU) Language Programme Certificate of Achievement.
What you’ll study
Our language classes are divided into Stages. Stage one is designed for real beginners whilst stages six and seven are for advanced learners. Check out the entry requirements to determine which stage is most appropriate for you. Some languages are available across levels in terms of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). For more information, see our 'Awards' section.
To see which CEFR levels are taught at each ULP stage and find out more about CEFR, click here.
Online courses are also available. These will be included in the relevant Stage information.
“The online structure is very good and helpful in fitting in with my timetable, the class is small which helps for more one–to–one learning.”
Anonymous student feedback
The course is suitable for real beginner learners of German with virtually no prior knowledge of the language.
It is delivered face-to-face on campus with an alternative option of online delivery (see below).
Course Book
As the course book for this stage, we currently use the first half of Willkommen.
Learning materials will be discussed when your course starts, so do not buy a book until then.
Course Content
During the course you will learn how to talk about basic personal details, and your work or studies.
You will learn how to talk about daily routines and how to make appointments.
Course Outcome
At the end of the course, you will have some elementary appreciation of German grammar and structures and you will be able to give basic information about yourself and ask for directions.
You will be able to communicate at a basic level when shopping and when you are in restaurants and hotels.
Online German Stage 1
Can’t come to the campus? Join our new online module for beginners instead.
Weekly online sessions supplemented with flexible learning online activities using the newest online teaching software.
The online classes will be delivered by the teacher via MS Teams, and you can complete many interactive exercises in your own time.
The content, assessments and progression are the same in the face-to-face and the online classes.
The course is suitable for beginner learners of German with some knowledge of the language, equivalent to stage 1, for example GCSE grade B or C or 6 to 4 points.
Course Book
As the course book for this stage, we currently use the second half of Willkommen.
Learning materials will be discussed when your course starts, so do not buy a book until then.
Course Content
During the course you will learn about life in Germany, life in the city, and how to talk about your holidays.
Course Outcome
At the end of the course, you will have deepened your appreciation of German grammar and structures at an elementary level, and you will be able to make comparisons, and talk about recent events and the past.
German stage 3 is the right stage for you if you have successfully completed German stage 2 or equivalent, e.g., GCSE at grade A* or A or 9 to 7 points or CEFR level A1.
Course Book
As the course book for this stage, we currently use Willkommen 2.
Learning materials will be discussed when your course starts, so do not buy a book until then.
Course Content
Typically, during the course you will study topics relating for example to learning languages, education systems, culture, the world of work and tourism trends.
Course Outcome
At the end of the course, you will be able to express your enthusiasm for or (dis)satisfaction with, for example, the German education system or a variety of famous German cities.
German stage 4 is the right stage for you if you have successfully completed German stage 3 or equivalent, e.g., AS level A/B/C or A level grade D or E or CEFR level A2.
Course Book
As the course book for this stage, we currently use Willkommen 2.
Learning materials will be discussed when your course starts, so do not buy a book until then.
Course Content
During the course you will typically study topics relating, for example, to regions in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, travel, health and fitness, the environment and its protection and topics on living, working or studying abroad.
Course Outcome
At the end of the course, you will be able to talk about your intentions and wishes, events in the past, the media and global companies based in Germany.
Stage 5
German stage 5 is the right stage for you if you have successfully completed German stage 4 or equivalent, e.g. A level grade A, B, or C, or CEFR level B1.
Course Content
We currently use authentic materials on current affairs.
We currently use authentic materials on current affairs, including news reports and materials provided by the tutor, typically with themes based on aspects of contemporary culture, history and society.
You will also be encouraged for some of the activities to choose topics related to your main degree subjects or personal interests.
Course Outcome
At the end of this course, you will be able to summarise written and spoken texts, plan and structure an extended piece of writing, as well as discuss ideas and give your opinion.
Certification
In stages 5 and 6, you study towards level B2 (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages).
Stages 5/6
German stage 5/6 does not use a course book, instead you will engage with authentic materials, as for instance news reports on current affairs and materials provided by the tutor, typically with themes based on aspects of contemporary culture, history and society.
Course Content
During the course you will typically study topics relating, for example, to climate and sustainability, work and study in German speaking countries, social change, and the media.
For some of the activities, you will be encouraged to choose topics related to your main degree subjects or personal interests.
Course Outcome
At the end of the course, you will be able to select, listen to and read authentic materials in German about a variety of topics, write extended texts on contemporary issues in German, exchange and discuss information, ideas and opinions in an effective and appropriate manner in German.
Certification
In stages 5/6, you study towards level B2 (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages).
Stage 6
German stage 6 is the right stage for you if you have successfully completed German stage 5 or equivalent, e.g., an A level German plus at least one further year of study (or equivalent).
Course Content
We currently use authentic materials on current affairs, including news reports and materials provided by the tutor, typically with themes based on aspects of contemporary culture, history and society.
You will also be encouraged for some of the activities to choose topics related to your main degree subjects or personal interests.
Course Outcome
At the end of this course, you will be able to plan and appropriately structure an extended piece of writing based on independently researched and critically analysed sources.
You will be able to discuss and debate complex ideas, providing relevant explanations, arguments and comments.
German stage 7 is the right stage for you if you have successfully completed German stage 6 or equivalent (for example, an A level in German plus at least one further year of study or equivalent, and/or spent time in a German-speaking country, CEFR level B2).
Course Content
We use authentic materials, e.g., news reports, documentaries, podcasts, etc. on current affairs and social debates in German-speaking countries.
For some of the activities, you will be encouraged to choose topics related to your main degree subjects or personal interests.
Course Outcome
At the end of this course, you will be able to analyse extended written and spoken texts, as well as discuss and debate nuanced and complex ideas.
How you’re taught
Your language study is designed in a flexible and blended learning mode which consists of taught sessions and guided self-study.
Assessments will take place in class during University term time. To progress onto the next stage of your chosen language you must complete and pass all the assessments on the previous stage.
Contact hours
You will take part in two hours of weekly class contact time and will need to complete an additional two to four hours per week guided self-study.
Campus and facilities
From access to our libraries and sports facilities, to subsidised bike hire, careers advice, and student discounts, as a ULP student you will be a full member of the NTU student body and are entitled to a student card and use of the University facilities.
Entry requirements
- Stage 1 (no prior knowledge or qualification needed)
- Stage 2 (successful completion of German stage 1 or equivalent, e.g. GCSE grade B or C or point 6 to 4)
- Stage 3 (successful completion of German stage 2 or equivalent, e.g. GCSE at grade A* or A or point 9 to 7 or CEFR level A1)
- Stage 4 (successful completion of German stage 3 or equivalent, e.g. AS level A, B or C, or A level grade D, or E or CEFR level A2)
- Stage 5 (successful completion of German stage 4 or equivalent, e.g. A level grade A, B or C, or CEFR level B1)
- Stage 6 (successful completion of German stage 5 or equivalent, e.g. A level German plus at least one further year of study)
- Stage 7 (successful completion of German stage 6 or equivalent, e.g. A level German plus at least one further year of study/experience or CEFR level B2 and/or spent time in a German speaking country).
Getting in touch
If you need more help or information, get in touch at ulp@ntu.ac.uk
Fees and funding
The course fee is £300
* Payment is due at the time of booking.
How to apply
You apply depending on the type of student you are. If you are not sure what type of student you are please check our ULP page, or contact the ULP Administration team.
For members of the public and NTU staff:
Check the dates, days and times and book your place via the NTU online store .
For NTU supplementary students:
Check the dates, days and times and book your place via the NTU online store .
Accredited students must complete the
Your class will be added to your timetable or we’ll contact you if we need any further information.
Exchange students
Exchange students who are accredited should read the information for ULP Accredited Students.
You may register and pay for a ULP module via the
Any questions?
Check our FAQs or contact the ULP Administration team:
- Email: ulp@ntu.ac.uk
- Telephone: +44 (0)115 848 2285