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The Centre for Foreign Language Study

The CFLS delivers language learning opportunities to 2,500 students, researchers and staff at the University, as well as to those who use a second language at work and the general public.
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Welcome to CFLS

It is our philosophy to encourage language learning as widely as possible, and for a variety of purposes.

Anyone who wishes to learn a language, for whatever reason, should be able to do so. We aim to deliver a broad portfolio of language courses and work collaboratively with other language centres in UK universities. We are a member of the Association of University Language Communities of the UK & Ireland (AULC) and of the confederation of language centres in higher education in Europe (CercleS).
Our People
A tram in Berlin going over a bridge
An areal view of Hong Kong at sunset

Registration now open for our spring programme of Languages for All evening courses

All courses start week commencing 28 April 2025.

Find out more

Languages Offered

We have offered courses in the past in other languages including Polish and can possibly consider other languages including, for example, Urdu.

19 Languages offered
4 External certification bodies

Languages on offer

Arabic

Ruins at Al Aqsa Mosque, Temple Mount

Bengali

Sunset at Hooghly River, India

Cantonese

An areal view of Hong Kong at sunset

Chinese

A bustling, neon-lit city in China at night

Dutch

A Dutch delicatessen counter stacked with cheese and smoked meats

French

Musée du Louvre glass pyramid at night

German

People playing Alpine horns

Greek

A Greek mosaic made with pieces of broken pottery

Italian

A canal in Burano, Italy lined with colourful buildings

For further details of what is available, please select the language you are interested in from the list above. If you cannot find what you are looking for contact us at cfls.admin@durham.ac.uk.

Courses by learner category

Get in touch

Enquiries about The Centre for Foreign Language Study should be sent via the email below.

Contact us

The Centre for Foreign Language Study
School of Modern Languages & Cultures
Durham University
Elvet Riverside
New Elvet
Durham
DH1 3JT, UK