Certification
One basic requirement for completing a bachelor’s degree at the USC is demonstrating a level B1 or higher understanding of a foreign language, in accordance with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). This is also a requirement for acceptance into the master’s degree programme for Teaching of Secondary Education, Vocational Training and Languages.
In the European Framework, level B1 corresponds to what is traditionally referred to as the “intermediate level” of language mastery. At the USC there are various ways to certify level B1 knowledge of a foreign language, with the most common being:
• By passing one of the Linguistic Competency Exams organised by the USC Centre for Modern Languages (B1-a and B1-b).
• By completing a level B1 or higher (CEFR) course offered by the USC Centre for Modern Languages.
• By obtaining any of the language knowledge qualifications or certificates recognised by the USC.
International mobility and exchanges
Knowledge of a foreign language is also required in order to apply for international mobility and exchange grants. The USC requires level B1 knowledge for applying to the Erasmus+ programme, although some of the destination universities may require a higher level (B2). The Centre for Modern Languages organises and administers the level B1 and B2 language exams, and it also offers advising on language learning.
Employment
Having limited knowledge of languages can make it more difficult to find suitable employment, and the more languages a person knows, and the more international experience they can demonstrate, the greater their possibilities for success in the employment market.
Courses offered by the USC Centre for Modern Languages
• These courses are designed to be taken by students during their university studies, as the basis for IMPROVEMENT of language skills or for obtaining language level CERTIFICATION. These courses are offered as two weekly sessions of 90 minutes each. There are options for annual courses (80 classroom hours + 20 hours of additional work) or semester courses (40 classroom hours + 10 hours of additional work), and credits can be earned if the courses are different from the minimum required for a bachelor’s degree.
• To enrol in any course that is above entry level, a level test is first required for anyone who has not previously studied at the centre. These tests can be accessed directly at the centre’s online platform in the “Courses Offered” section. The only requirement to enrol is being at least 16 years old; no other affiliation with the USC is required.
• The Centre for Modern Languages is located in the Teaching Complex of the Faculty of Humanities, on the ground floor of the Auditorium. There are also multimedia language classrooms in that location. At the Lugo Campus the centre offers courses in German, French, English, Portuguese, Galician for non-speakers, and Spanish as a foreign language.
The centre encourages all students to participate in language learning during their studies: it is not just theoretical learning, but practical, and this requires time. It is also worth considering for anyone who is thinking about applying for an international visit or exchange, or who simply needs to fulfil the bachelor’s degree requirement. Additional information is available by visiting the Centre for Modern Languages.