Academic English classes
We run a programme of in-sessional Academic English Support classes (AES classes) to support students with English as an additional language. The programme is free of charge and aims to help you to achieve higher marks through the best use of your English language skills.
AES classes are voluntary and run as non-credit modules alongside your compulsory modules.
Modules – Spring term 2021
Academic Writing Skills (SK020/SK024/SK028 )
This module provides guided practice in language and style for academic writing. On successful completion of the module you will demonstrate the ability to analyse essay questions, structure an essay, formulate abstract concepts and use abstract vocabulary, organise paragraphs, develop an introduction and a conclusion, and evaluate academic sources. You will be allocated to a group depending on your faculty (e.g. SK020 if you are studying Humanities).
The teaching, a combination of live and pre-recorded sessions, will take place in University Weeks 18-25.
Academic Writing Skills 2 (SK025)
This module provides further guided practice in language and style for academic writing. You will gain a better understanding of argument and criticality, and be better able to employ writing strategies such as paraphrasing, summarising, and writing in an appropriately formal way.
The teaching will take place in University Weeks 18-25.
Academic Speaking Skills (SK035)
SK035 provides practice in developing effective speaking skills in academic contexts. During the module you will have opportunities to express opinions and consider arguments, and to learn more about the context of (studying in) the UK. These classes involve free discussion activities.
The teaching will take place in University Weeks 18-25.
Academic Speaking Skills 2 (SK037)
This module covers the broad area of communication strategies. Each session will focus on language of practical and everyday importance. The format of these classes, differently from SK035, is guided practice and discussion.
The teaching will take place in University Weeks 18-25.
Academic Reading Skills (SK335)
SK335 provides an opportunity to develop confidence in academic reading at both macro and micro levels. By taking this module you will better understand the nature of academic texts and will be more familiar with some representative genres. You will also be aware of some of the challenges related to approaching such texts and will be able to deploy relevant skills and strategies to meet these challenges.
The teaching (4 weeks) will take place in University Weeks 16-19 or 20-23. You will be allocated to a group depending on your timetabling availability.
Grammar Skills (SK051)
This module provides practice in developing grammatical accuracy and usage.
The teaching will take place in University Weeks 18-25.
Exam Preparation and Writing Skills (SK042)
SK042 will help you prepare for University (departmental) exams. The focus will be on timed writing practice with feedback. In addition, the course will help you in exam preparation (information gathering; time management; faster reading skills; revision skills), and writing effective answers to exam questions (understanding key words in exam questions; planning a relevant response; what to do if you run out of time).
The teaching will take place in University Weeks 21-25.
PhD Language Support (SK038)
This module is an opportunity for you as a PhD student to discuss your research with students and tutors from a wide range of fields, to focus on writing skills, and improve your presentational skills and confidence.
The teaching will take place in University Weeks 18-25.
Module registration
If you are a student with English as an additional language, you would have been emailed a link to an AES Registration survey where you were able to identify Academic English Support classes that you would like to enrol onto. If you have not received an email, please email skills@essex.ac.uk.
Please note that spaces are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. You will receive an enrolment confirmation email when you are enrolled onto your chosen module(s) (subject to demand) and the classes will appear on your timetable.
Additional modules
These additional AES modules will be taught in the Summer term. More details to follow.
- PhD Language Support (SK038-7)
- Job Talk (SK090-4, SK090-7)
