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.

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

Book now for evening courses starting this October

All courses start week commencing 12 October 2026

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

Bengali

Cantonese

Chinese

A bustling, neon-lit city in China at night

Dutch

French

German

Greek

Italian

A canal in Burano, Italy lined with colourful buildings

Japanese

Korean

Norwegian

Persian

Portuguese

Romanian

An areal view of Peles Castle in Romania

Russian

Saint Basil's Cathedral rooftops in Red Square, Moscow

Spanish

Swedish

Turkish

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.

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Why study a language?

Discover the skills and attributes gained by studying a language module and the careers languages can lead into.