Graduate Diploma in English for Academic Purposes

Overview

This course is designed to improve your language and study skills before going on to graduate level study in a British university. This Graduate Diploma focuses mainly on academic and language skills. You will develop both accuracy and fluency in English through the practice of all four skills: listening, speaking, writing and reading. You will also practise strategies to help you become an independent and well-organised learner.

The course aims to:

• develop the necessary study skills and language proficiency to be able to cope with graduate study in a British university
• develop an understanding of critical thinking, including how to construct an argument
•  practice and develop basic research skills and an understanding of research methods
• develop knowledge and understanding of the theoretical foundations and the current issues in intercultural communication
• provide a clear overview of Britain, its people, institutions and culture

Course structure

English for Academic Purposes

These modules facilitate core English language and study skills development that is required for successful postgraduate study in the context of the UK generally, and at the University of Essex in particular. It aims to enhance your confidence, fluency and competence in the subject. To find out more, please follow these links:

English for Academic Purposes 1
English for Academic Purposes 2
English for Academic Purposes 3

Critical Thinking

This module is intended to teach you essential intellectual skills, in particular how to think critically and how to construct arguments. The process is aimed at enhancing general reflective skills. To find out more, please follow this Critical Thinking.

Research Methods

This module examines varieties of both qualitative and quantitative research methods employed in social sciences, as well as theoretical enquiry and methods used in the humanities subjects. You will be encouraged to reflect on the prevailing research methodologies in your discipline and to relate the course content to your own research interests.   To find out more please follow this Research Methods.

Intercultural Communication

This module provides an introduction to intercultural communication, examining concepts including culture shock and intercultural adaptation, high-context versus low-context cultures and practice in cross-cultural negotiation skills and strategies.  To find out more please follow this Intercultural Communication.

British Society and Culture

This module aims to provide a clear overview of Britain, its people, institutions and culture.  You can expect to encounter a broad range of interpretations, theories and accounts of British history politics and culture and an in-depth examination of the social and political challenges facing Britain in the present and the future.   To find out more please follow this British Society & Culture.

Entry criteria

A relevant degree (minimum of lower second classification or equivalent), or three-year higher education qualification from a recognised institution. For applicants whose native language is not English, a minimum of IELTS 5.5 with 5.5 in every component, or recognised equivalent, is required. 

Application form

A PDF application form is available online. Please print this off, fill it in and send it to:

International Academy
University of Essex
Wivenhoe Park
Colchester
Essex
CO4 3SQ UK

Please contact us for further information.

In addition, the International Academy offers Graduate Diplomas in  Accounting, Art History, Applied Linguistics, Biotechnology, Computer Science, Economics, Electronic Engineering, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Finance, History, Management, Politics, Psychoanalytic Studies and Psychological Studies with English for Academic Purposes. These are run in conjunction with departments of Art History and Theory, Biological Sciences, History, Economics, Government, Language and Linguistics, Psychology, the Centre for Psychoanalytic Studies, Essex Business School and the School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering.  Further details can be seen by clicking on the links.

Last modified on 23 February 2012