School of Languages and Area Studies (SLAS)
Frequently asked questions
Is learning a language with IWLP free of charge?
All IWLP classes are free of charge to all students and staff of the University.
What do you mean by studying for credit or for IWLP certification?
In theory, all students can take IWLP for credits towards their degree. In practice, there are constraints upon choices within a degree, and if you find you cannot take IWLP for credit, then you can take it for interest. You need to check with your home department whether they will allow you to take the language for credit.
What is IWLP certification?
There are two possibilities. If you attend the classes and are successful in the assessments, you can receive a certificate of achievement. If you attend 80% or more of the classes but do not take assessments, you can obtain a certificate of attendance.
What does IWLP certification indicate?
It certifies that you have achieved a level equivalent to points on the Common European Framework of Reference for Language which is recognised by the Council of Europe.
Do I receive the credits automatically?
Yes, provided that you are properly registered for credit with IWLP. You will receive a printed checklist to verify your details and sign during the semester.
Do I receive the certificates automatically?
No, you need to request a certificate from the Course Administrator in Park 1.01.
I have registered for IWLP with my home department. Is that enough?
No, you need to be registered with IWLP. You can register online or you can call in to Park 1.01.
What is the deadline for registering?
You need to be registered by the third week of the semester in order to study in that semester. We can register you well in advance too if you know your intentions.
What languages can I study?
There are nine languages at ten different levels from complete beginner to final year degree standard. You can choose from Arabic, British Sign Language, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, Portuguese, and Spanish.
Will I have to take assessments?
Yes, if you are studying for credit or for an IWLP certificate of achievement. There will be a mixture of Listening, Reading, Written and Oral assessments. These will be in-class and will be at the end of the semester.
How much will I have to do?
You will need to attend one 2 hour class per week, do one hour of e-learning, and do approximately 3 hours per week of private study. In grade 1 of French, Italian and Spanish, this private study can largely be accomplished on-line through Victory.
How long should I study IWLP for?
You can study for a single year or for the duration of your University career.
I've never studied a language before. Is it wise for me to take on a language now?
Absolutely. All beginners' classes mean complete beginners. We are used to teaching language non-specialists and we take nothing for granted. By the same token, we would not patronise you!
I studied a language at school but did not enjoy it. Why should IWLP be any different?
Classes in IWLP are very different from the experience you may have had at school. They are lively, interactive, usually quite small, non-threatening, with a variety of different inputs from staff displaying the expertise to give you maximum support.
What's the benefit of studying a language?
What happens if I miss an assessment?
If you have a good reason for missing an assessment, you need to obtain an Extenuating Circumstances Form (ECF) from your home department. IWLP does NOT deal with ECFs. If this is accepted by your own ECF Board, you will take a defer task in July. If it is rejected, you will take a refer task in July. Defers attract a quality mark. Refers do not.
Where do lectures take place?
Usually in Park Building and if not, in a nearby building.
Why do you hold lectures in the evening?
With around 1600 students from every Faculty and most departments of the University, it would be impossible to find daytime slots to suit everyone. All classes are available in the evening or on a Wednesday afternoon. More popular languages and grades are also able to operate in the daytime.
Who teaches IWLP?
Currently there are 35 tutors on the IWLP programme. The majority of them are full time members of staff of the School of Languages and Area Studies. The remainder are part-time lecturers of the IWLP. All are experienced teachers.
Can we do study trips abroad?
Sadly, not as part of IWLP, but we can give you information to help you find out the possibilities.
Where do I go for general information about IWLP?
The IWLP office is in Park 1.01, tel: +44 (0)23 9284 6080. The IWLP Co-ordinator is Maggi McEwan in Park 1.10, tel: +44 (0)23 9284 6140. There should be links on this website to all major areas of interest in IWLP. You can always email iwlp@port.ac.uk
I really want to discuss this with someone. Whom should I see?
Contact maggi.mcewan@port.ac.uk to make an appointment