Canvas-Only is a self-study option that gives learners access to our existing General Modern Languages learning pathways.

You can work through the materials independently, at a pace that suits your availability and learning goals. Each pathway contains a range of learning resources designed to support your language development.

Resources include:

• Structured learning pathways to guide you through the course content.
• Video tutorials to support your understanding of key language concepts.
• Interactive activities and exercises to help reinforce your learning.
• Multimedia resources to develop your language knowledge and skills.

Please note: Canvas-Only is available exclusively for our General Modern Languages programme and is not offered for our Fast Track or Academic Reading programmes.

Canvas-Only learning is entirely self-directed. It does not include live classes, direct tutor support, personalised feedback or tutor-marked assessments.

As Canvas-Only is an independent self-study option, certificates of attendance or completion are not issued.

Canvas-Only learning may be particularly suitable if you:

• Want to start learning a language before our next taught courses begin.
• Would like to continue studying during the University vacations.
• Cannot attend our scheduled classes due to other commitments.
• Wish to revisit or consolidate your existing language knowledge.
• Prefer the flexibility of studying independently.

Canvas-Only can also provide an opportunity to familiarise yourself with course materials before considering enrolment on one of our tutor-led courses.

If you subsequently wish to join a taught course, progression will depend on your current language level, the availability of suitable classes and meeting the relevant entry requirements.

Choosing the correct stage is an important part of your language learning journey, as it ensures that the materials are suitable for your existing knowledge and experience.

Complete beginners
If you have no previous knowledge of the language you wish to study, you can begin with Stage 1 Part 1.

Our Stage 1 courses are designed specifically for complete beginners, introducing the foundations of the language and gradually building your confidence and understanding. No previous language knowledge is required.

Learners with previous language experience
If you have studied the language before, we recommend reviewing our Learning Framework to help identify the most appropriate starting point.

Our General language courses are structured around the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), which provides an internationally recognised framework for describing language proficiency.

Each stage is aligned with intended CEFR learning outcomes, helping you understand the knowledge and skills expected at different stages of your language learning journey.

The progression between stages can vary depending on the language you wish to study.

You can find the relevant Learning Framework and progression information on the individual language pages of our website. Under the Pre-course requirements and learning outcomes section, each language has a table outlining the pre-course requirements and expected learning outcomes for each stage.

For example, you can view the Arabic General Programme progression information.

We recommend reviewing this information before requesting Canvas-Only access to ensure you select a stage that reflects your current knowledge and learning goals.

If you are unsure which stage would be most suitable, please contact our administration team at admin@lang.ox.ac.uk for further guidance.

Canvas-Only access costs £68.00 for each course part you wish to study. Each part contains the learning materials corresponding to approximately six weeks of a General language course.

There is no fixed study schedule or time limit for completing the materials. Once access has been arranged, you can work through your chosen course part at your own pace and revisit the resources whenever you wish.

Your access does not expire, allowing you to continue learning and revising the materials beyond the standard six-week teaching period.

You may request access to a particular language, subject to the availability of the relevant learning pathway.

If you are a current University of Oxford student or member of staff with an active University Single Sign-On (SSO), you can explore examples of our learning pathways through Canvas before requesting access.

Preview our sample learning pathways

External learners: If you do not have a University of Oxford SSO, you will not be able to access the preview directly. Please contact the Language Centre at admin@lang.ox.ac.uk for further information about our learning pathways and the Canvas-Only option.

If you are interested in studying through Canvas-Only, please contact the Language Centre administration team at admin@lang.ox.ac.uk.

When contacting us, please include:

• Your full name.
• The language you would like to study and
• Your preferred stage and part.

Our administration team will be happy to confirm the availability of your requested learning pathway and provide information about payment and accessing the materials.