Modern Foreign Languages

The college offers a range of programmes in Modern Foreign Languages including: French, German, Spanish, Italian, Greek, Japanese and Portuguese. The courses are delivered in college or at various centres in the area. There are both daytime and evening sessions in most languages. We also provide in-company languages training tailored to you or your company's needs at a time which suits you.

The reasons why people chose to study languages at Macclesfield College are varied: travel, leisure, family and property abroad. Many also learn for business or professional reasons such as improving or investigating new export possibilities and other opportunities abroad, customer relations, dealing with telephone enquiries, entertaining clients, business travel etc.

Some of our present students explain why they are learning languages at Macclesfield College:

‘There is evidence that too many UK businesses continue to assume that English is the only language of overseas trade. Grasping the language nettle can turn out to pretty painless. I had always struggled in France, so decided to learn the language at Macclesfield College . It has been a wonderful experience and has helped not only to grow my business in France, but also in Senegal and Morocco. I would recommend any local exporter who is weak on languages to check out what is available at Macclesfield College '
Keith Hewitt of Slater Harrison, an active exporter company in Bollington

"There are many automotive manufacturing and supply chain companies in Italy and whilst there are inevitably people in these companies who speak English, they are not usually amongst the engineering staff.  It is more polite, and people generally respond more favourably, if you make some attempt to understand them and correspond in their own language, whether written or verbally.....the tutor creates an enjoyable atmosphere in the classroom that makes you want to attend the lessons."
 Colin Andrews, Consultant Automotive Engineer

If you would like further information about learning languages at college please contact giulia.shepherd@macclesfield.ac.uk.

If you could like to enquire about in-company tuition please contact

Language Programmes

Get by in Spanish, Italian, German, Portuguese, Greek or Japanese
20 hour introduction to the target language

Basic French, German, Spanish or Italian
This 30 week programme provides complete beginners with a working knowledge of the language. This course covers essential topics such as ordering food and drink, accommodation, time, money, travel, shopping, directions, weather etc.

Preliminary French, German, Spanish, Italian, Japanese or Portuguese
This level is for those who have a basic knowledge of the language or who have completed one year of study

GSCE French, German, Spanish, or Italian
At this level you will be improving your speaking, listening, reading and writing skills. You will learn how to deal with everyday business situations.

AS level French, German, Spanish, or Italian
This level provides more advanced study of the language and culture. You will develop your fluency and accuracy both in writing and in the spoken language.