FAQ
Q: Which languages are available?
A: Basque, Catalan, Galician, Portuguese and Spanish.
Q: When does registration open?
A: Registration for Autumn courses opens in July; registration for Spring courses opens in December, and registration for our Summer courses opens in March/April. If the links to register are not appearing on our website, you can subscribe to our mailing list for updates.
Q: What days and times do the classes take place?
A: Days and times for all our classes are listed on the Available courses section of our website.
Q: How much do the classes cost?
A: Prices for all our classes are listed on the Available courses section of our website.
Q: How can I register & pay?
A: You can register online and pay by card when you select your course level. You can also pay with cash by appointment, by scheduling a visit to our department via splaslang@ucc.ie.
Q: Where do the classes take place?
A: The classes take place on UCC main campus. You will be notified of the exact venue following registration.
Q: Are there any online classes?
A: We currently do not offer online classes. Online classes were offered due to COVID restrictions, but we are a campus-based University.
Q: What are the class sizes?
A: Courses require a minimum of 5 students to run and the maximum number of students in a class is 20.
Q: How do I know which level I should take?
A: You can take a language level assessment here or schedule a phone/live interview with the evening course coordinator via splaslang@ucc.ie.
Q: What happens if the level I choose is not suitable?
A: We are very flexible with moving up/down levels. Please notify this to us via splaslang@ucc.ie within the first two weeks of your course and we will recommend an appropriate level.
Q: Are the teachers native speakers?
A: We do not promote the label of “native speaker” in our department. Being born in a country where a language is spoken does not make you a good teacher of that language. Instead, we can ensure that all our language teachers have an excellent command of the language they teach. Besides, they all hold Postgraduate level teaching qualifications. In short, we have the most experienced and qualified team of language teachers in the country.
Q: Are the Portuguese classes Brazilian Portuguese or European?
A: At beginner level, which is the level we offer, there are not many distinctions between the linguistic skills acquired for both European and Brazilian Portuguese. These distinctions become more acute when proceeding to Intermediate level.
Q: Do I have to be a UCC student/staff to take the courses?
A: No, these courses are open to the public and our beginners' levels do not require any previous knowledge of the language.
Q: What book is required and where can I purchase it?
A: Any relevant material or book recommendations will be provided by your tutor once the course begins.
Q: Are there exams in the classes/following the classes?
A: No, there is not an exam linked to our courses, but we offer official DELE exams independently, every May.
Q: What qualification do I get from the courses?
A: There is no formal qualification from attending these courses. You can request a certificate of attendance by contacting splaslang@ucc.ie. The Certificate only states that the student attended the course, but it is not a proof of acquired level. If your intention is to obtain an official certificate stating your level, you may consider our DELE exams.
Q: I need an official certification of my language level; do you offer this service?
A: We are an official Instituto Cervantes examining centre offering yearly DELE examinations on UCC campus. These Diplomas apply to Spanish language only and take place in May each year. Registration typically opens in December and closes around March. Please note that these closing dates are strictly enforced. Further information is available here.
Q: How do I register for DELE Exams?
A: You can register for DELE Exams here.
Q: Do you run classes for children?
A: We aim to run classes for all levels and age groups however it all depends on registration numbers.
Q: I cannot find the answer to my question.
A: If your question is not answered on this website, please contact splaslang@ucc.ie.
Q: I want to receive updates on courses/registration open dates.
A: You can subscribe to our mailing list here.