About CLE
The UCL Centre for Languages & International Education (CLE) is a vibrant hub that supports the language learning, cultural development and global engagement of students and staff across the University of London. Established in response to the growing need for multilingual competence in an increasingly interconnected world, CLE combines highquality teaching, cuttingedge research and extensive outreach programmes.
Located in the heart of London, CLE benefits from the citys multicultural environment and is closely linked with UCLs other faculties, allowing students to integrate language study with their specialist subjects.
Teaching Portfolio
CLE offers a broad spectrum of language courses ranging from beginner to advanced levels. The portfolio includes:
- English for Academic Purposes (EAP) intensive programmes for nonnative speakers preparing for undergraduate or postgraduate study at UCL.
- European languages French, German, Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese, taught by nativespeaker lecturers.
- Asian languages Mandarin, Japanese, Korean and Hindi, each with specialised cultural components.
- Lesswidelytaught languages Arabic, Russian, Turkish, Persian, and others, often delivered in partnership with external institutes.
- Specialist short courses Business English, Legal English, Academic Writing, and Language for the Sciences.
All courses adopt a communicative approach, integrating speaking, listening, reading and writing skills with authentic materials and digital resources. Smallgroup workshops, online learning platforms and immersive activities such as language cafs and study trips enhance proficiency and confidence.
Research and Innovation
Research at CLE is interdisciplinary, connecting linguistics, applied linguistics, translation studies, sociolinguistics and language pedagogy. The centre hosts several research groups that explore topics such as:
- Multilingualism in higher education.
- Technologyenhanced language learning, including AIdriven tutoring and mobile applications.
- Language policy and planning in postcolonial contexts.
- Intercultural communication and identity formation.
- Corpus linguistics and discourse analysis.
Researchers regularly publish in leading journals, present at international conferences and collaborate with institutions worldwide, contributing to UCLs reputation as a global leader in language studies.
International Partnerships
CLE maintains strategic partnerships with universities, language schools and cultural institutions across Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas. These collaborations facilitate:
- Student exchange programmes that allow UCL students to study abroad for a semester or a summer term.
- Joint degree offerings, particularly in translation and interpretation.
- Cohosted research projects and doctoral scholarships.
- Professional development workshops for language teachers worldwide.
Through these links, CLE helps students gain international experience, develop crosscultural competence and build networks that enhance their future careers.
Support Services
Beyond formal teaching, CLE provides a range of support services designed to help learners thrive:
- Language Caf: a weekly informal gathering where students practise conversation in a relaxed setting.
- OnetoOne Tutoring: personalised sessions for students needing additional help with specific skills.
- Online Resources: a digital library of podcasts, ebooks, grammar guides and interactive exercises.
- Career Advice: workshops on multilingual CV writing, interview preparation and the advantages of language skills in the job market.
All services are free for UCL students and staff, and many are open to the wider public for a modest fee.
Student Life and Extracurricular Activities
Learning a language is enriched by cultural immersion. CLE organises a vibrant calendar of events, including:
- International film nights showcasing cinema from around the world.
- Celebrations of national holidays such as Chinese New Year, Diwali, Bastille Day and Ramadan.
- Language competitions, debate clubs and poetry slams.
- Study trips to Europe, North Africa and East Asia, offering firsthand exposure to language use in authentic contexts.
These activities foster a sense of community, allowing students to apply what they have learned and to develop friendships that often last beyond university.
Admissions & How to Enrol
Prospective students can apply for CLE courses through the UCL Student Portal. Admission requirements vary by programme:
- For most language courses, no prior knowledge is required; entry is based on capacity.
- English for Academic Purposes programmes require a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 (or equivalent).
- Advanced language modules may ask for a placement test to ensure appropriate class placement.
International students must meet UCLs general admissions criteria and provide proof of English proficiency where applicable. Scholarships and fee waivers are available for eligible candidates; details can be found on the CLE website.
Contact Information
If you would like to learn more about the UCL Centre for Languages & International Education, please reach out using the details below:
- Address: 3034 Gower St, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
- Phone: +44 (0)20 7679 1234
- Email: cle@ucl.ac.uk
- Website: www.ucl.ac.uk/cle
Follow CLE on social media for updates on new courses, events and research highlights.
We look forward to welcoming you to our multilingual community!
