Skip to main content

Language Courses for Business and Work

Building on years of experience in the training of both students and members of the public in foreign languages and intercultural competence, we offer short, semi-intensive language training courses to anyone for whom knowledge of a foreign language will be an asset in their work. These courses are designed and developed with business language use in mind, and for those for whom language competency may be required in the provision of commercial or public services. Linking explicitly to the regional international trade and inward investment priorities, courses are available in Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), French, German, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish, at Beginners and Intermediate levels. Other languages and levels can be available upon request, including Bengali, Dutch, Italian, Korean, Norwegian, Persian (Farsi), Polish and Swedish.

  • Standard Short Courses

    It is estimated that, with better language skills, UK business could increase GDP through growth in exports by 3.5%, or £48 billion.
    A busy gate waiting area in an airport
  • Tailored Company Courses

    Durham University offers short semi-intensive language courses at various locations across northeast England through its North East Language Training brand.
    A hand holding a compass in Norway

Standard Short Courses

It is estimated that, with better language skills, UK business could increase GDP through growth in exports by 3.5%, or £48 billion.
A busy gate waiting area in an airport

Tailored Company Courses

Durham University offers short semi-intensive language courses at various locations across northeast England through its North East Language Training brand.
A hand holding a compass in Norway

Durham University can also offer access to internationally recognised external certification in French (DELF-DALF), German (Goethe), Italian (CILS) and Spanish (DELE).

Our core delivery model is group courses open to individual registrations, or bespoke courses delivered to companies, for language groups of typically 6-10 learners. Based on our core curriculum, and delivered by experienced and fully trained language instructors, we deliver such courses on-line for maximum convenience, and courses may be delivered during the working day or in the evening. We can also support one-to-one language support and can deliver courses at a business workplace if required.

The next programme of courses will commence in April 2021. If you are a company, an organisation, or an individual interested in studying a language please contact mark.critchley@durham.ac.uk to discuss your requirements.

These courses are not intended for current students, but for those already in work.