Urdu

Get closer to the language and heritage of Urdu.

Urdu has deep roots in South Asia and a strong presence in the UK.

You might want to speak with family, explore your heritage, communicate with Urdu speakers or simply discover a language and writing system that are new to you.

Beginning with the Urdu alphabet, you’ll see how written and spoken Urdu come together and start putting what you learn into use.

Through simple texts and conversations, you’ll gradually become more comfortable understanding and using the language.

By the end of the course, you'll be able to perform at CEFR A1 level and will have gained an introduction to South Asian cultures, helping you communicate more effectively with people from South Asian backgrounds.

Available study option:

Full-year study – two semesters (September to May), with 3-contact hours per week.

All classes are taught on campus.

Full-year study courses

Course overview

Credits: 20
Pre-requisite: This unit is suitable for those who have never studied Urdu before.
Co-requisite: If you are studying a Modern Languages Degree, either single or joint honours, please refer to relevant guidance about eligibility for LEAP units on your programme structure.
Taught during: Both semesters (September to May).
Level of attainment: (A1) By the end of the course, students should be able to perform at Level A1 of the Common European Framework.
Timetable: See timetable information

Course description

This course is for absolute beginners. It is designed for those who wish to attain a basic understanding of the Urdu language covering four skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing. It aims to introduce students to the Urdu alphabet, the basic language structure and the basics of Urdu grammar.

Students will also acquire limited vocabulary to be able to read simple texts and conduct basic conversation in key areas of everyday communication. The course provides students with a solid foundation for further language learning.

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to:

handle some of the basic grammatical structures of Urdu;
understand and read some familiar and daily expressions used in common everyday situations and write very simple messages;
communicate orally at a basic level in a limited number of common everyday situations;
have some understanding and knowledge of South Asian culture and develop insights and skills appropriate to working and communicating with people of South Asian backgrounds and cultures.

By the end of the course, students should be able to perform at Level A1 of the Common European Framework.

Transferable skills

Pair and team work, focussed listening, informal presentations, language awareness, and cultural appreciation.

Teaching and learning methods

One three-hours or two 90 minutes seminars per week, delivered through blended learning which integrates on campus and on-line instruction as necessary.

This will also include online digital learning available via the university VLE platform and will be supplemented by extra online resources to aid students in their independent learning.

Teaching hours

69 hours (3 hours per week) including assessment time.

Independent study hours

131 hours (not including assessment time).

Assessment

All assessments are summative.

Non-credit students and members of the public need to be aware that written exams will not take place during lesson time.

Semester 1

Written exam; 30% weighting; held in university's Semester 1 exam period in January

Semester 2

Speaking exam; 40% weighting; held in week 12
Written exam; 30% weighting; held in university's Semester 2 exam period in May/June

Dates to be confirmed.

Nature and timing of feedback

Feedback will include a combination of informal ongoing feedback resulting from class-based learning activities and formal written feedback given following summative assessments.

Convenor

Justyna Drobnik-Rogers

Taught by

Mr Masood Hashmi

Maximum entry

23 per group

Set texts

TBC

Recommended text

Urdu, an essential Grammar, Ruth Laila Schmidt, Routledge Grammars, ISBN: 0415163811

Next pathway

None

Timetables – 2026/27

Please note the timetable is subject to change up to and including the start of courses. Please check these pages regularly and check your personal timetable ahead of classes.

Find your classrooms and make your way around campus quickly with our interactive map.

Courses are taught in 2 or 3 hour sessions – view the timetables below:

If you have any questions or need more information, please contact us by phone or email leap@manchester.ac.uk.