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 2022
All modules will be taught remotely through Zoom, apart from some SK035 classes.
Lessons are an hour in length, apart from SK035 (two hours).
Academic Writing Skills (SK020/SK024/SK028 )
This module provides guided practice in language and style for academic writing. The module will help you improve your 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 Arts and Humanities). The teaching 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 - Discussions and Presentations (SK035)
This module provides guided 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. This module is a good opportunity to develop your confidence in using English in a comfortable environment. Some of these classes will be held online and some on campus. The online classes are most effective when cameras and microphones are used.
The teaching will take place in University Weeks 18-25.
Academic Speaking Skills - Pronunciation and Speaking Strategies (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 is guided practice and discussion.
The teaching will take place in University Weeks 18-25.
Academic Reading Skills (SK335)
This module provides an opportunity to develop your confidence in academic reading at both macro and micro levels. The module will help you to understand the nature of academic texts and become more familiar with some representative types. You will also become aware of some of the challenges related to approaching academic reading 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 Review (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)
This module 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 PhD students 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 19-25.
Module registration
If you are an eligible student with English as an additional language, you will be emailed a link to an AES Registration survey where you can identify Academic English Support classes that you would like to enrol onto. If you have not received an email by week 2, 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 Support
Workshops
We offer a programme of workshops on a range of academic skills such as referencing, reading, using sources, and structuring an essay. These can be booked through CareerHub.
1:1 Academic Skills Appointments
We offer one-to-one academic skills appointments to help with any aspect of your studies.
