Academic

Level

Lifelong Learning

Level

Entry Level

Guide to Previous Knowledge

Working towards

(Common European

Framework definitions)

Level 1

Beginners

Beginners

Excludes anyone with GCSE.

Zero

Basic user

(breakthrough)

A1

Post

Beginners

Previously studied Beginners

You studied the language some years ago or attended a beginners course. Your vocabulary is limited but you have some understanding of basic structures. You can cope with predictable situations but lack confidence in other contexts. 

Basic user

(breakthrough)

A1+

Level 2

Lower

Intermediate

Prior knowledge of the language (GCSE level or Language Centre level 1 or equivalent).

Reasonable foundation in the language. You can deal with most common ‘survival’ situations confidently. You want to start moving beyond practising simple exchanges such as holiday or work abroad. 

Basic user

(waystage)

A2

Beginners Accelerated

N/A

Beginners. For those who want intensive learning, and have prior language experience.

Due to the 'accelerated' aspect of the module, evidence of prior linguistic achievement (e.g. a GCSE A* grade in another language) is essential.

Basic user

(waystage)

A2

Intermediate Accelerated

N/A

3-5 years of prior study, or successful completion of level 2/Beginners Accelerated.

(For students who have demonstrated higher linguistic skills, allows to complete two levels in one year, instead of two).

You understand a good proportion of the language about a range of common topics. You talk/write with reasonable accuracy, but you are hesitant in more demanding situations.

Independent user

(vantage)

B1+/B2

Level 3

Intermediate

3-5 years of prior study or successful completion of level 2/Beginners Accelerated.

Also for students with a good grade (minimum A) in GCSE or equivalent if they are motivated and/or wish to progress to B2 of CEFR over two years (by studying level 4 the following year) for study or work purposes.

You understand a good proportion of the language about a range of common topics. You talk/write with reasonable accuracy, but you are hesitant in more demanding situations..

Independent user

(threshold)

A2+/B1

Level 4

Higher

Intermediate

Previous level 3 or LLL Intermediate or AS-level grades A & B or A-level up to Grade C (UK), International Baccalaureate standard level grades 5/6/7, International Baccalaureate higher level grades 4/5.

Language learnt in post compulsory schooling. Whilst being able to express yourself reasonably well and quite accurately, some of the language spoken at native speaker speed still escapes you and you feel the need for more intensive practice, both in speaking and in writing.

Independent user

(vantage)

B1+/B2

Level 5

Advanced 1

Previous level 4 or LLL Higher Intermediate or A-level grades A*, A & B (UK), International Baccalaureate higher level grades 6/7.

Good vocabulary and a fair understanding of fundamental grammatical rules and how to apply them. You are reasonably confident when speaking in most common, social or work settings and you have developed fluency in your reading and writing. You want to use the language more flexibly and use appropriate register to suit the context. You also want to understand some of the more complex grammar forms.

Independent user

(vantage)

B2/B2+

Level 6

Advanced 2

Previous level 5 or LLL Advanced 1 or 1 year post A-level study (UK).

You can communicate and interact with ease in most common social or work situations, and you can grasp most of the language spoken at native speaker speed. You are confident, understanding written documents and developing fluency in your writing. You may have lived in the target language country and/or visit it regularly.

Proficient user

(operational proficiency)

B2+/C1

Level 7

Advanced Culture and Conversation (LfP)

Previous level 6 or LLL Advanced 2, or 2 years post A-level and/or spent some time abroad.

You have an excellent mastery of the language. You can communicate and interact with ease in any social or work situations. You have lived in the target language country and/or visit it regularly.

Proficient user

(operational proficiency)

C1/C1+