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In-Sessional English for Academic Purposes 26/27

Improve your English with free classes for registered students. Develop a range of academic skills to help you complete your degree. Cover reading, writing, speaking, listening, and more.

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Course codeCID897
Fee(s)View fees
LocationOn campus

Course summary

Are you a registered student at the University? Do you want to improve your English language and academic skills? This In-Sessional English for Academic Purposes (EAP) short course is for you.

The course includes two module types:

General English for Academic Purposes (EAP)

These modules are for students from all subjects. Most are for if you speak English as a second or foreign language. We also offer courses if you've studied in English or speak English as your first language.

English for Business Studies (EBS)

These modules are for students studying business-related subjects. They're suitable for you if your first language isn't English.

Both modules will help your development so you can do well in your main course. We organise classes by level and skill, so you can choose the areas you want to improve in.

Each semester divides into two five-week teaching blocks and you can take up to two courses per block. Please note, you'll complete these modules alongside your main course. They don't count for credits towards your degree.

Are you a new applicant and want to improve your English before starting your course? You'll need to take one of our pre-sessional EAP short courses instead.

Why Sunderland for Short courses and CPD

How you'll learn

Our language classes are interactive and flexible. They're designed to help you improve your English in a practical way.

Each session includes a mix of whole-class, group, pair, and individual activities. You'll take part in:

  • Discussions and debates
  • Presentations
  • Writing tasks
  • Using tools like Sanako and other online resources
  • Reviewing grammar and vocabulary
  • Analysing texts.

You'll use our Virtual Learning Environment to access course materials and practice activities. This is also where you'll submit work for feedback. If you're taking a class online, you'll use Sanako Connect. This is a web-based platform for language learning.

You can also use the Language Centre for homework or self-study. Here, you can access learning materials and support from a Language Technician.

Each course runs for two hours a week, plus 30 minutes for optional tutorials. Courses last five weeks per block, with an extra week for feedback and tutorials. You can take one or two courses per block and you can join at any point during your studies

As every student's English level and needs are different, there's no fixed set of courses you need to take. Instead, our course allows you to progress from beginner to advanced academic English.

Although the courses aren't credited, you'll still complete assessments. Regular attendance will result in you receiving a Certificate of Attendance.

Entry requirements

Fees and finance support

This course is free to registered students of the University.

Apply now

You can apply for free EAP and EBS courses if you're a current student at the University. These courses are in-sessional modules, meaning they run during term time.

EAP: General English for Academic Purposes

These modules are for students from all subjects. Most are for if you speak English as a second or foreign language. We also offer courses if you've studied in English or speak English as your first language.

EBS: English for Business Studies

These modules are for students studying business-related subjects. They're suitable for you if your first language isn't English.

Semester structure guide for EAP and EBS courses

Each semester contains two five-week teaching blocks (Block A, Block B, Block C, Block D):

Semester 1

  • EAP Block A: 6 October 2025 – 6 November 2025
  • EAP Block B: 24 November 2025 – 15 January 2026
  • EBS Block A: 20 October 2025 – 20 November 2025
  • EBS Block B: 5 January 2026 – 5 February 2026.

Semester 2

  • EAP Block C: 2 February 2026 – 5 March 2026
  • EAP Block D: 20 April 2026 – 21 May 2026
  • EBS Block C: 23 February 2026 – 26 March 2026
  • EBS Block D: 20 April 2026 – 21 May 2026.

Please note, registration for each block closes at the end of the second week of teaching.

Find out more information and apply for a course.

Disclaimer

We want to make sure you have clear and accurate information about our courses. Our website always shows the latest updates. If you’ve applied and you're offered a place, we’ll contact you in writing if anything important changes.

For more information, view our programme specifications. These include course content, learning outcomes, and the skills you'll gain.