English for University Study

English for University Study aims to help learners improve their academic language and literacies in preparation for successful study at university in English speaking contexts.

Learners will explore academic language, cultures, and contexts while developing their ability to be an independent and reflective learner.

This short English for University Study course is aimed at people who wish to improve their academic language and literacies in preparation for study at university in English speaking contexts. 

Over ten weekly classes, you will explore academic language, cultures, and digital learning technology. Course content will be transferable to your area of interest so that the skills you learn can be applied to topics that interest you. 

Designed specifically for people from displaced backgrounds, this course aims to provide you with better understanding of the expectations of higher education, the process of applying for a Pre-sessional English language programme or for a university programme.


  • Course will start w/c 20th January 2025 and end w/c 31st March 2025
  • Please note that w/c 10th February is a mid-term break
  • The course will take place on Wednesdays 11:00 - 13:00 (2 hours x 10 weeks)
  • This course is FREE for people of displaced backgrounds

Pre-requisites for enrolment: 

Required English language level at or around CEFR B1-C1 (IELTs equivalent 4.5-7.5). This course is not intended for beginners. Language level testing is not provided. 

As a guide, learners should refer to the following Self-Assessment and if learners assess themselves at or above ‘Intermediate Step 2’ they can attend. 

Criteria:

Self Disclosure of Displaced Persons Status. 

These classes are exclusively for ‘New Scots i.e. refugees, people seeking asylum and other forced migrants within Scotland’s communities.’ 


The course includes ten, two-hour in person sessions plus homework. Each weekly unit involves watching a short online lecture before class, discussion-based activities during class, and homework tasks after class.

Examples of skills covered include: 

  • Academic reading and writing
  • Listening and notetaking
  • Speaking and discussions 
  • Working with feedback 
  • Making choices and reflecting 

Working with your classmates and teacher, you will practice speaking and draw on your own personal, academic, or professional experience where appropriate. You will produce a project which explores your academic interests and connects to your chosen United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (UNSDG)*. You will also produce a reflective journal to document your learning.

You will receive regular spoken and written feedback on your progress and on completion of the course you will receive a certificate of attendance.

You will find out more about online resources and in person opportunities for improving your English, as well as online language testing options, and information about university scholarships.

 

*You will explore the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs, THE 17 GOALS | Sustainable Development (un.org) and practice your academic skills in relation to one of the 17 goals. 


On completion of this course, you will be able to: 

  1. Demonstrate your understanding of text types required for study at university in English speaking contexts. 
  2. Use the language, knowledge, skills, and strategies learned on the course in your writing. 
  3. Navigate Virtual Learning Environments (VLEs) and use online learning tools to develop your autonomous language learning. 
  4. Create a piece of work that communicates how your chosen United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (UNSDG) relates to your anticipated area of academic interest based on your exploration and analysis of reading material.

Applications will open at 9am on Monday 18th November 2024.

Please apply via our online application form

Please note that applications will close at 5pm (BST) on Monday 16th December 2024.


  • Students will be required to access the library facilities and use internet enabled computers on campus with visitor logins.
  • Please note that travel and/or care expenses cannot be provided.

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