In-Sessional English for Academic Purposes CoA

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Improve your English with free classes for registered students. Develop academic skills in reading and writing, speaking and listening, dissertation writing, discussion skills, intercultural awareness, and grammar. Choose courses in general academic English or English for Business Studies. Get support with your main studies from our experienced and supportive tutors.

Overview

Our In-Sessional English for Academic Purposes (EAP) short courses are free modules, available to students already registered on a course at the University. If you are an applicant and are interested in studying for a course before you start university, you will require our pre-sessional EAP short courses.

The In-Sessional EAP short courses offer two types of modules:

EAP: General English for Academic Purposes

These modules are for students from any subject. Most modules are aimed at students who have studied English as a second or foreign language, but we also have courses for students for whom English is their first language.

EBS: English for Business Studies

These modules are tailored to the needs of students in business-related subjects whose first language is not English.

The EAP and EBS courses will help you develop your English and academic skills in order to be more successful in your main course. Classes are divided into different levels and skills so that you can choose what you would like to focus on. You can develop your academic English throughout your time at university by progressing from one level to the next. You will be able to choose one or two modules per semester.

Please note, this course is usually taken in addition to your main course. It is unaccredited, therefore it does not have credits that count towards your main course.

Why us?

Improving your English and academic skills will help you to be more successful on your main course
You will meet other international students at university

You can access one to one tutorial time with tutors

Course structure

Our language classes are all interactive and flexible. Each session ranges from whole class activities to group work, pair work and individual tasks. You may be involved in discussions and debates, activities using the Sanako language laboratories or online tools, giving and listening to presentations, producing written work, analysing texts, and participating in grammar and vocabulary review activities. Several different types of activity are usually present in each session.

Sessions are fully supported by Canvas, where you will have access to key information and resources, as well as the ability to practise activities and submit work for feedback.

Speaking and Listening modules are timetabled in a Language Laboratory in order to have access to specialist Sanako facilities. Online classes have access to Sanako connect, an online version of our language laboratory. In addition, you will be directed to the Language Centre for homework and self-directed study. Here, you'll have access to Sanako Language Laboratory facilities for speaking and listening as well as a range of language learning materials and the advice of the Language Technician.

Each module requires you to attend two hours per week, plus an additional 30 minutes is offered for tutorials. Modules last one semester and are available in both semesters one and two. You are allowed to take one or two modules per semester and you can take modules in each year of your studies. As there are modules at different language levels, this gives you the opportunity to progress. However, because each student may have different needs and levels of English, there is no prescribed package of modules which you must take.

Modules are unaccredited but you will be offered the opportunity to complete practice assessments as part of the course. If you attend regularly, you will be awarded a Certificate of Attendance.

EAP: English for Academic Purposes

You may choose one or two modules, taking into account your level of English and the skills you would like to focus on:

Reading and Writing

EAP124: English for Academic Purposes 1A Reading and Writing

Level of English – IELTS 5.5 (or equivalent) in reading or writing

This module is for you if your first language is not English and you have the minimum university entry level in the skills of reading and/or writing. Improve your reading comprehension and efficiency, learn how to identify and report key information and arguments without plagiarising, how to plan and structure clear and coherent paragraphs and texts such as essays or reports, and get support with your academic grammar and vocabulary.

EAP218: English for Academic Purposes 2A Reading and Writing

Level of English – IELTS 6 (or equivalent) in reading or writing

This module is for you if your first language is not English and you have a good university entry level in the skills of reading and/or writing. Improve your reading comprehension and efficiency, learn how to identify and report key information and arguments without plagiarising, how to plan and structure clear and coherent paragraphs and texts such as essays or reports, and improve argumentation and evaluation. Improve your academic grammar and vocabulary and receive targeted feedback.

EAP315: English for Academic Purposes 3A Reading and Writing

Level of English – IELTS 6.5 (or equivalent) in reading or writing

This module is for you if your first language is not English and you have a strong university entry level in the skills of reading and/or writing. This module may also be suitable for you if your secondary education in your home country was taught in English, but you would benefit from support in academic reading and writing. Get the help you need to succeed in your main course by building on your current language skills, improving your reading efficiency and comprehension, and giving you practice in identifying and reporting key information and complex arguments without plagiarising. Improve the clarity, cohesion, argumentation and critical evaluation in texts such as essays or reports. Increase your knowledge of academic grammar and vocabulary and receive targeted feedback and advice.

EAP147: Academic Writing for Native Speakers of English

This module is aimed at students who have English as a first language, for example, if your secondary education was completed in the UK. It is also suitable for students of English who have the equivalent of IELTS 8 or above.

Gain an understanding of advanced academic grammar, vocabulary, register and style, with the precise areas of grammar to be studied determined by an analysis of commonly occurring mistakes. Explore tools for researching and checking the accuracy of your academic writing such as online dictionaries, corpora and grammar practice software.

Improve your understanding of the requirements of typical academic writing structures and genres such as different types of essays and reports, and their components. Work on developing clear argumentation, cohesion and criticality in your own writing.

Increase your awareness of the UK Higher Education context and its practices, for example learning more about plagiarism and practising how to avoid it by improving paraphrasing, summarising, quoting and referencing skills.

EAP: English for Academic Purposes

Speaking and Listening

EAP125: English for Academic Purposes 1A Speaking and Listening

Level of English – IELTS 5.5 (or equivalent) in speaking or listening

This module is for you if your first language is not English and you have the minimum university entry level in the skills of speaking and/or listening. Improve your listening comprehension and efficiency and learn how to identify and use key information and arguments without plagiarising. Gain confidence in speaking in discussions and in presenting information clearly and coherently.

EAP219: English for Academic Purposes 2A Speaking and Listening

Level of English – IELTS 6 (or equivalent) in speaking or listening

This module is for you if your first language is not English and you have a good university entry level in the skills of speaking and/or listening. This module may also be suitable for you if your secondary education in your home country was taught in English, but you do not feel confident in academic speaking and listening. Improve your listening comprehension and efficiency and learn how to identify and use key information and arguments without plagiarising. Gain confidence in speaking in discussions and in presenting information clearly and coherently.

EAP320: English for Academic Purposes 3A Speaking and Listening

Level of English – IELTS 6.5 (or equivalent) in speaking or listening

This module is for you if your first language is not English and you have a strong university entry level in the skills of speaking and/or listening, but wish to build on these. This module may also be suitable for you if your secondary education in your home country was taught in English, but you would benefit from support in academic speaking and listening. Get the help you need to succeed in your main course by providing sessions to improve your efficiency and comprehension of listening texts and enhance your ability to identify and use key information and arguments and reference them appropriately. Gain confidence in speaking in discussions and in presenting and analysing information clearly and coherently.

EAP: English for Academic Purposes

Grammar

EAP146: Grammar for Academic Writing

Level of English – IELTS 5.5 (or equivalent) in writing

For students who have studied English as a foreign language. Review aspects of grammar with which you have particular difficulties, develop a working knowledge of English grammar, sentence-structure and punctuation, and be able to apply it to a range of academic writing contexts. Improve your ability to express yourself with clarity and precision at an appropriate level. Complete the module with the necessary tools to produce coherent written tasks in formal academic prose and to proofread and correct your own work.

Interactive Speaking Skills and Culture

EAP210: Discussion Skills and Intercultural Awareness

Level of English – IELTS 6 (or equivalent) in all skills

This module is for you if your first language is not English, you have a good university entry level in English and you would like to gain confidence in seminar style skills in a relaxed atmosphere. Each session will be based on the discussion and evaluation of a text taken from a range of genres and topics such as newspaper articles, short films, documentaries, TV shows, radio programmes, podcasts, blogs, stories, photographs etc. Improve your intercultural understanding, your knowledge of vocabulary and grammatical structures and your fluency in speaking.

EAP: English for Academic Purposes

For postgraduate and final year undergraduate students only

EAP313: Dissertation Writing

Level of English – IELTS 6.5 (or equivalent) in all skills

If English is not your first language and you are embarking on research writing, this module is designed to meet your needs. Equip yourself with the academic and language skills required for dissertation writing at undergraduate and postgraduate level. Gain an informed understanding of the strategies used to select an appropriate topic, methodology and structure for a research project. Develop a more critical approach to reading and writing in English as you identify and formulate lines of argument in extended pieces of writing. Consolidate your knowledge of academic style and conventions, advanced grammar and specialist vocabulary as you take the right path to succeed in your main course.

EAP314: Discussing and Presenting Research

Level of English – IELTS 6.5 (or equivalent) in all skills

If English is not your first language and you need to discuss and present your research orally, this module is designed to meet your needs. Equip yourself with the academic and language skills required for presenting research in seminars, conferences and focused academic discussions and tests. Gain an informed understanding of the strategies used to explain and defend complex arguments in research presentations. Develop your presentation skills as you improve the fluency and spontaneity of your spoken English while gaining an understanding of your audience’s needs. Consolidate your knowledge of academic style and conventions, advanced grammar and specialist vocabulary as you take the right path to succeed in your main course.

EBS: English for Business Studies

You may choose one or two modules, taking into account your level of English and the skills you would like to focus on:

Reading and Writing

EBS135: English for Business Studies 1A Reading and Writing

Level of English – IELTS 5.5 (or equivalent) in reading or writing

The module is aimed at non-native speaking students whose main course has predominantly business content. Develop the key reading and writing skills necessary to function effectively in an academic context and gain an understanding of the language relating to business and professional practices. Enable development of English language competence and confidence, and the skills and cultural awareness necessary for effective operation in a business context. Improve your academic and business English, build your confidence and fluency in English language, and enhance your professional vocabulary.

EBS247: English for Business Studies 2A Reading and Writing

Level of English – IELTS 6 (or equivalent) in reading or writing

Develop the key reading and writing skills necessary to function effectively in an academic context and gain an understanding of the language relating to business and professional practices. For students whose first language is not English or who have received their secondary education in English but do not feel confident in business reading and writing.

EBS329: English for Business Studies 3A Reading and Writing

Level of English – IELTS 6.5 (or equivalent) in reading or writing

Develop the key reading and writing skills necessary to function effectively in an academic context and gain an understanding of the language relating to business and professional practices. For students whose first language is not English or who have received their secondary education in English but require additional support in business reading and writing.

EBS: English for Business Studies

Speaking and Listening

EBS136: English for Business Studies 1A Speaking and Listening

Level of English – IELTS 5.5 (or equivalent) in speaking or listening

Develop the key speaking and listening skills necessary to function effectively in an academic context and gain an understanding of the language relating to business and professional practices. For students whose first language is not English.

EBS248: English for Business Studies 2A Speaking and Listening

Level of English – IELTS 6 (or equivalent) in speaking or listening

Develop the key speaking and listening skills necessary to function effectively in an academic context and gain an understanding of the language relating to business and professional practices. For students whose first language is not English or who have received their secondary education in English but do not feel confident in business speaking and listening.

EBS330: English for Business Studies 3A Speaking and Listening

Level of English – IELTS 6.5 (or equivalent) in speaking or listening

Develop the key speaking and listening skills necessary to function effectively in an academic context and gain an understanding of the language relating to business and professional practices. For students whose first language is not English or who have received their secondary education in English but require additional support in business speaking and listening.

The University of Sunderland’s Language Centre is a dedicated space for language learning and teaching in Wearside View 108 and includes:
- Open-access Sanako language laboratory for independent study
- Study area for group work
- TVs, DVDs, textbooks, magazines and dictionaries
- Assistance from a language technician
Opening times are Monday to Thursday, 11am-1pm and 2-4pm.

For teaching, we also have two Sanako language laboratories, with Sanako Study 1200.
Language Centre

Facilities

Most of the EAP classes take place at the Sir Tom Cowie Campus at St Peter's, at either Wearside View or the David Goldman Informatics Centre. A small number of classes are offered online for students who are studying remotely.

For EAP, most classes will be on-campus, but one group at each level of Reading and Writing and one Dissertation Writing group will be offered online.

For EBS courses, there will be one class online and one class on campus for each level.

Entry requirements

We don’t currently display entry requirements for United States. Please contact the Student Admin team on studentadmin@sunderland.ac.uk or 0191 515 3154.

This course is open to students who are already registered at the University of Sunderland.

Entry to modules is dependent on your level of English language and is on a first-come basis. Please read the information about our modules before applying.

For more information and to apply, visit the EAP/EBS apply page.

Fees and finance

This course is free to students who are already registered at the University of Sunderland.

This information was correct at the time of publication.

Career ready

Improving your English and academic skills will help you to be more successful on your main course, but will also help you when it comes to looking for graduate employment. The skills you learn from this course will be invaluable throughout your future career.

Meet the students

I would recommend all international students to enrol in the EAP and EBS courses.

Sook Yee Chew
My communication and listening skills have improved since joining the University.

Tejaswini Rangaswamy

Related courses

Contact

Contact the Student Helpline for further information about studying at the University of Sunderland:

0191 515 3000

student.helpline@sunderland.ac.uk

Page last updated: 30 August 2023

We aim to provide clear, accurate and timely information to prospective and current students. We continuously review and enhance course content in consultation with our students and the information provided on our website is the latest available. If you have received an offer from us to start a course, we will communicate any important changes to you in writing. We will always seek to ensure that our prospective students are fully aware of the basis on which they are accepting an offer.

Overview

Why us?

Course structure

EAP: English for Academic Purposes

Reading and Writing

EAP: English for Academic Purposes

Speaking and Listening

EAP: English for Academic Purposes

Grammar

Interactive Speaking Skills and Culture

EAP: English for Academic Purposes

For postgraduate and final year undergraduate students only

EBS: English for Business Studies

Reading and Writing

EBS: English for Business Studies

Speaking and Listening

Facilities

Entry requirements

Fees and finance

Career ready

Meet the students

Sook Yee Chew

Tejaswini Rangaswamy

Meet the team — In-Sessional English for Academic Purposes

Related courses

Contact