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Portuguese

Two sports fans wrapped in a Portuguese and a Brazilian flag

Spoken by over 220 million people, Portuguese is the official language of eight countries across four continents — including Brazil, Angola, Mozambique, Portugal, Guinea-Bissau, Cape Verde, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Timor-Leste. But its reach goes far beyond national borders: there are vibrant Portuguese-speaking communities in the United Kingdom, France, Luxembourg, Switzerland, the United States, Canada, and Japan.

Together, these countries form the CPLP (Community of Portuguese Language Countries), whose combined GDP is estimated at around $3 trillion — placing it among the world’s major economic players. If considered as a single unit, the CPLP would rank as the sixth-largest economy globally.

Learning Portuguese opens doors in fields as diverse as the arts, diplomacy, tourism, science, and international trade. It is the eighth most important language for the future, according to the British Council, and ranks among the most widely used on the internet. In the UK alone, around 165,000 Portuguese and 120,000 Brazilians have made their home, contributing actively to education, technology, and the arts.

From Nobel Laureate José Saramago to acclaimed actress Fernanda Torres — nominated for the 2025 Best Actress Oscar — from Brazilian cinema to the streets of Lisbon and Luanda, Portuguese is a global language of extraordinary cultural richness. Whether you're visiting Lisbon, São Paulo or Maputo, working with partners in energy, pharmaceuticals, or tech, or exploring a vibrant, transcontinental literature, Portuguese offers a unique advantage — a bridge between cultures, markets, and histories.

Image licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Brazil license

 

Portuguese modules for 2025/26 are offered at Beginner, Elementary or Intermediate levels.

They can be taken for credit or not-for-credit. Modules with 44 taught classroom hours are worth 15 credits, those with 88 taught classroom hours are worth 30 credits. Check your level or take a diagnostic test.

Most of our modules are year-long. Intensive modules (two sessions @ 2 hours a week) can also be taken over one semester only. All language modules are taught in-person, on the Mile End campus. 

The modules offered in 2025-26 are listed below. Times and rooms will be added as the information becomes available.

Registration for non-credit bearing modules will open in August 2025.

To help with your application, you can use this form to find the right module code. You will then need to follow the instructions on the form to submit your application.

Portuguese Language and Culture 1 (two weekly sessions over 2 semesters)

  • Module Code: POR4200 (30 credits) /LAN4265 (non-credit)
  • For: Complete beginners. Target level: A2
  • Schedule: 22 weeks (22nd September 2025 – 17th April 2026)
  • Hours: 88 classroom hours plus 212 hours independent study
  • Class times: TBC (will be confirmed from July 2025)

 Portuguese Language and Culture 1a (two weekly sessions, semester 1 only)

  • Module Code: LAN4266 (non-credit only)
  • For: Complete beginners. Target level: A1
  • Schedule: 11 weeks (22nd September – 12th December 2025)
  • Hours: 44 classroom hours plus 106 hours independent study
  • Class times: TBC (will be confirmed from July 2025)

 Portuguese Language and Culture 1b (two weekly sessions, semester 2 only)

  • Module Code: LAN467 (non-credit only)
  • For: learners with level A1. Target level: A2
  • Schedule: 11 weeks (26th January –17th April 2026)
  • Hours: 44 classroom hours plus 106 hours independent study
  • Class times: TBC (will be confirmed from July 2025)

 Portuguese Language and Culture 2 (two weekly sessions over 2 semesters)

  • Module Code: POR5200 (30 credits) / LAN5265 (non-credit)
  • For: Learners with level A2. Target level: Upper Intermediate
  • Schedule: 22 weeks (22nd September 2025 – 17th April 2026)
  • Hours: 88 classroom hours plus 212 hours independent study
  • Class times: TBC (will be confirmed from July 2025)

 Portuguese Language and Culture 2a (two weekly sessions, semester 1 only)

  • Module Code: LAN5266 (non-credit only)
  • For: Learners with level A2. Target level: Intermediate
  • Schedule: 11 weeks (22nd September – 12th December 2025)
  • Hours: 44 classroom hours plus 106 hours independent study
  • Class times: TBC (will be confirmed from July 2025)

 Portuguese Language and Culture 2b (two weekly sessions, semester 2 only)

  • Module Code: LAN5267 (non-credit only)
  • For: Learners with level A2-B1. Target level: Upper Intermediate
  • Schedule: 11 weeks (26th January –17th April 2026)
  • Hours: 44 classroom hours plus 106 hours independent study
  • Class times: TBC (will be confirmed from July 2025)

Please note that in some cases there may be changes to days/times or venue prior to the start of teaching. Any changes will be updated on this website.

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