European Exchanges and Study Abroad

The English Language Teaching Centre offers English Language credit-bearing modules to European Exchange and Study Abroad students in both semesters one and two. The modules are split into 4 areas of English language study.

ELTC students studying

Module details

Please click the headings below to find further information about the content and assessment methods of the modules running in each semester. The entry levels for each module are also stated and should be used as a guide to which are most suitable for you.

English as a Foreign Language (20 Credit Modules): 

ELT5610 - Upper-Intermediate 1

'English as a Foreign Language (Upper-Intermediate 1)' is a language module offered by the ELTC at Level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) - an internationally recognised benchmark of language ability.

More information on the CEFR. The module will be working from the 'can do' statements from the CEFR.

For example, at B2 level, typical users can be expected to:

  • understand the main ideas in complex pieces of writing
  • keep up a conversation on a fairly wide range of topics, expressing opinions and presenting arguments
  • produce clear, detailed writing, expressing opinions and explaining the advantages and disadvantages of different points of view.

The EFL (Upper-Intermediate 1) module will focus on these kinds of practical language skills.

Timetable

The module can be taken in Autumn semester one (ELT5610) and Spring semester two (ELT5602). Each module is 12 weeks of 4 hours a week.

Requirements

You should be a European Exchange, Study Abroad or visiting student whose first language is not English.

However, you should have an English level of at least 6.0 in IELTS, FCE (B), TOEFL IBT 87, CEF mid B2 or equivalent.

Those without a current language level score in a recognised exam can be given a placement test from the English Language Teaching Centre.

Priority for places will be given to those students who have English as a major subject in their home institution.

Course content

The module includes the improvement of English language skills in reading, writing, listening, speaking, as well as grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation.

The module is topic-based and will focus on areas on British society and culture.

The seminars will use a communicative approach to language teaching and encourage students to fully participate in the English language.

Assessment

The module is assessed in the following ways:

  • Writing Coursework (60%) 
  • Speaking Assessment (40%)
ELT5611 - Advanced 1

'English as a Foreign Language (Advanced 1)' is a 20-credit language module offered by the ELTC at Level C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) - an internationally recognised benchmark of language ability.

More information on the CEFR

For example, at C1 level, typical users can be expected to:

  • read quickly enough to cope with an academic course understand complex opinions
  • produce clear, well-structured and detailed pieces of writing
  • express themselves well with a good degree of fluency
  • use English flexibly for social, professional and academic purposes.

Your EFL (Advanced 1) module will give you these kinds of practical language skills.

Timetable

The module can be taken in semester one (ELT5611) and semester two (ELT5621). Each module is 12 weeks of 4 hours a week.

Requirements

You should be a European Exchange, study abroad or visiting student whose first language is not English.

However, you should have an English level of at least 6.5 in IELTS, CAE (C), TOEFL IBT 91, CEF low C1 or equivalent. Those without a current language level score in a recognised exam can be given a placement test from the English Language Teaching Centre.

Priority for places will be given to those students who have English as a major subject in their home institution.

Course content

The module includes the improvement of English language skills in reading, writing, listening, speaking, as well as grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation.

The module is topic-based and will focus on areas on British society and culture.

The seminars will use a communicative approach to language teaching and encourage students to fully participate in the English language.

Assessment

The module is assessed in the following ways:

  • Writing Coursework (60%) 
  • Speaking Assessment (40%)

English Language and Culture (10 Credit Modules):

ELT5301 - Contemporary Literature

'English Language and Culture (Contemporary Literature)' is a language module offered by the ELTC using the medium of literature for language improvement.

The module includes the improvement of English language skills in reading, writing, listening, speaking, as well as grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation.

The module will be working towards the outcomes of;

  • the close reading of a chosen text.
  • to facilitate the improvement of discussion, critical thinking and essay writing skills.
  • to encourage language learning through literature and culture.
  • to investigate, present and discuss a specific area of the student's literary and linguistic interest.
  • to allow the extension of the range of vocabulary, genre and structure of English, in particular in the area of literature.

Timetable

The module can be taken in semester one. There will be 12 classes of 2 hours each.

Requirements 

You should be a European Exchange, Study Abroad or Visiting Student whose first language is not English.

However, you should have an English level of at least 6.0 in IELTS, FCE (B), TOEFL IBT 79, CEF mid B2 or equivalent and no more than 7.0 in IELTS, CAE (B), TOEFL IBT 100, CEF C1 or equivalent.

Those without a current language level score in a recognised exam can be given a placement test from the English Language Teaching Centre. Priority for places will be given to those students who have English as a major subject in their home institution.

Assessment

There will be three assessments during the semester:

  • Writing assessment: a 1000-word essay (50%)
  • Speaking assessment: a recorded presentation (50%)

Please note: apart from these formal assessments, students will be expected to spend some time outside class reading and answering questions in preparation for class-work.

ELT5311 - News Media

'English Language and Culture (News Media)' is a language module offered by the ELTC using the medium of news media for language improvement. The module includes the improvement of English language skills in reading, writing, listening, speaking, as well as grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation.

The module will be working towards the outcomes of:

  • the linguistic study of the genres of British newspapers, radio and television broadcasts and web-based news sites.
  • the encouragement of language learning through current affairs and culture.
  • to facilitate the improvement of discussion, critical thinking and report writing skills.
  • to investigate, present and discuss a specific area of current affaires and linguistic interest of each student.
  • to allow the extension of the range of vocabulary, genre and structure of English, in particular in the area of UK current affairs and British news media.

Timetable

The module can be taken in semester one. There will be 12 classes of 2 hours each.

Requirements

You should be a European Exchange, Study Abroad or Visiting Student whose first language is not English. However, you should have an English level of at least 6.5 in IELTS, CAE (C), TOEFL IBT 91, CEF low C1 or equivalent.

Those without a current language level score in a recognised exam can be given a placement test from the English Language Teaching Centre. Priority for places will be given to those students who have English as a major subject in their home institution.

Course content

Each week a different aspect of UK current affairs will be investigated from both a linguistic and cultural point of view, focussing on a range of news media. Print, broadcast and online genres will be studied.

The classes will use a communicative approach to language teaching and encourage students to fully participate in the English language.

Assessment

The assessment has two parts:

  • Writing Assessment (60%) - A 1000-word news report and commentary based on a negotiated topic of the student's own interest.
  • Speaking Assessment (40%) - Spoken competency will be assessed during a presentation of a local news story (10 mins)

Please note: apart from these formal assessments, students will be expected to spend some time outside class reading and answering questions in preparation for class-work.

ELT5312 - Understanding University Culture through Language

The module uses a multimedia approach to improve English language skills by exploring university culture.

Through the study of both linguistic and content features of a variety of texts from UK higher education institutions (documents, audio, video etc), students will have the opportunity to develop their English language skills in reading, writing, listening, speaking, as well as grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation.

Students will gain a better understanding of academic culture in UK universities and critically engage with language practices in academic contexts.

Timetable

The module can be taken in semester one or in semester two. There will be 12 classes of 2 hours each.

Requirements

You should be a European Exchange, Study Abroad or Visiting Student whose first language is not English. However, you should have an English level of at least 6.5 in IELTS, CAE (C), TOEFL IBT 91, CEF low C1 or equivalent.

Those without a current language level score in a recognised exam can be given a placement test from the English Language Teaching Centre.

Priority for places will be given to those students who have English as a major subject in their home institution.

Assessment

There will be two assessments during the semester:

  • Writing assessment – 60%
  • Presentation – 40%

Please note: apart from these formal assessments, students will be expected to spend time outside class reading and answering questions in preparation for class-work.

English for Academic Purposes (10 Credit Modules):

ELT5401 - Reading and Writing

'English for Academic Purposes (Reading and Writing)' is a language module offered by the ELTC focussing on the skills of reading and writing in an academic context and for language improvement.

The module includes the improvement of academic skills associated with the study and assessment of a variety of written genres in an English speaking higher education situation, as well as linked grammar and vocabulary.

Timetable

The module can be taken in semester one (ELT5401) OR semester 2 (ELT5402). There will be 12 classes of 2 hours each.

Requirements

You should be a 1st or 2nd year undergraduate or a European Exchange, Study Abroad or Visiting Student whose first language is not English.

However, you should have an English level of at least 6.0 in IELTS, FCE (B), TOEFL IBT 79, CEF mid B2 or equivalent and no more than 7.0 in IELTS, CAE (B), TOEFL IBT 100, CEF C1 or equivalent.

Those without a current language level score in a recognised exam can be given a placement test from the English Language Teaching Centre.

Course content

The module will be working towards the outcomes:

  • write in academic style, including use of appropriate vocabulary (academic word list and subject specific), appropriate grammar and sentence structures, impersonal and objective approach, caution and hedging
  • construct a coherent academic text appropriate to the task set, at whole text, paragraph and sentence to sentence level
  • identify and use appropriate academic sources in your writing and incorporate ideas from these into your written work by quoting, paraphrasing and summarising selected relevant information
  • avoid plagiarism by using appropriate referencing techniques
  • read to identify and use key ideas for a task, including recognising text structures, main and supporting ideas, fact and opinion
  • demonstrate critical thinking skills of analysis and argument
  • use skills of reflection to improve learning for all outcomes

The classes will use a communicative approach to language teaching and encourage students to fully participate in the English language.

Assessment

The assessment has two parts:

  • Research and Reading Task - 30%
  • Final Assessed Essay - 70%

Please note: apart from these formal assessments, students will be expected to spend some time outside class reading and answering questions in preparation for class-work.

ELT5411 - Speaking and Listening

'English for Academic Purposes (Speaking and Listening)' is a language module offered by the ELTC focussing on the skills of speaking and listening in an academic context and for language improvement.

The module includes the improvement of academic skills associated with the study and assessment of a variety of spoken genres in an English speaking higher education situation, as well as linked grammar and vocabulary. 

Timetable

The module can be taken in semester one (ELT5411) OR semester 2 (ELT5412). There will be 12 classes of 2 hours each.

Requirements

You should be a 1st or 2nd year undergraduate or a European Exchange, Study Abroad or Visiting Student whose first language is not English.

However, you should have an English level of at least 6.0 in IELTS, FCE (B), TOEFL IBT 79, CEF mid B2 or equivalent and no more than 7.0 in IELTS, CAE (B), TOEFL IBT 100, CEF C1 or equivalent.

Those without a current language level score in a recognised exam can be given a placement test from the English Language Teaching Centre.

Course content

The module will be working towards the outcomes:

  • communicate in specific academic situations using suitable register and pronunciation features and demonstrating effective organisation of ideas and interactive skills
  • listen to lectures, presentations and seminar contributions, and demonstrate sufficient comprehension
  • to take clear notes and be able to identify main and secondary ideas research for and prepare seminar discussion contributions and presentations using information and ideas from appropriate academic sources
  • participate confidently and appropriately in presentations and seminar discussions, demonstrating effective speaking and listening skills
  • use skills of reflection to improve learning for all outcomes

The classes will use a communicative approach to language teaching and encourage students to fully participate in the English language.

Assessment

The assessment has two parts:

  • Presentation (50%)
  • Seminar (50%)

Please note: apart from these formal assessments, students will be expected to spend some time outside class reading and answering questions in preparation for class-work.

English Language Teaching (10 Credit Modules): 

ELT5501 - TEFL: Practical 

'English Language Teaching (TEFL:Practical)' is a module offered by the ELTC to students wishing to develop and enhance their skills in the teaching of English as a foreign language.

Timetable

This module can be taken in semester 1.

Requirements

This module is open to European Exchange and Study Abroad exchange students only and would suit those with an interest in or experience of teaching. A high level of English is needed to take the module (IELTS 7.5+)

A minimum number of students are required for the module to open.

Course content

The module works towards the outcomes of;

  • Choosing lesson aims
  • Planning the stages of a lesson
  • Deciding on activities and tasks to meet lesson aims
  • Analysing language in terms of meaning, form and phonology
  • Describing the skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking
  • Choosing appropriate lesson resources and materials
  • Creating a positive learning atmosphere
  • Teaching language and skills
  • Setting up and managing activities
  • Using English appropriately
  • Giving learners feedback on their use of language

Assessment

The assessment has two parts:

  • Students must deliver an assessed lesson (50%)
  • Students are expected to produce a detailed lesson plan and reflection (50%)

English as a Foreign Language (EFL)

These 20-credit general English modules focus on the 4 skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking, as well as vocabulary, pronunciation and grammar while covering topics on aspects of British society.

The module is available at 2 levels (Upper-intermediate and Advanced), so that you are taught and assessed at the right language level.

The course combines both skills and language classes and you are required to attend 2 classes of 2 hours per week (total 4 hours a week). The 2-hour skills classes aim to improve the 4 skills through reading texts, watching videos, completing tasks, group discussions/debates and giving presentations.

The weekly 2-hour language classes cover areas of grammar, lexis and phonology rising from the topics and texts in the skills sessions and includes time to investigate areas of linguistic interest/difficulty suggested by the participants.

Class sizes are a maximum of 20 and will allow space to practise language in a relaxed, yet purposeful setting. See below for more information on the EFL modules and language entry levels.


English Language and Culture (ELC)

These 10-credit language modules focus on a specific area of English-speaking culture and the literary genres associated with it. Language skills and accuracy is facilitated through the close study of a range of texts (mainly British) in the areas of Literature, News Media, Technology, Film and University Culture.

The 2-hour classes encourage discussion and reflection of the cultural and linguistic issues raised in the texts. See below for more information on the individual modules.

Please note - these are primarily English language modules, not subject modules.


English for Academic Purposes (EAP)

These 10-credit modules focus on the use of the English language in academic and professional situations. Both the areas of 'Reading and Writing' and 'Speaking and Listening' are covered in two individual modules, so that the specific text types and associated language can be studied in sufficient depth.

The modules will not only complement your current university study in the UK, but will also prove your capability in transferable professional skills. See above for more information on the EAP modules.


English Language Teaching (ELT)

This 10-credit module focuses on the practical skills needed in Teaching English as a Foreign Language. Lesson planning, materials development, classroom management and teaching techniques are all covered. This module would suit those students with an interest in or experience of teaching. A high level of English is needed to take the module (IELTS 7.5+) and the assessment is based on the delivery of 2 x 20-min lessons and a portfolio of the associated documentation.


The content of our courses is reviewed annually to make sure it is up-to-date and relevant. Individual modules are occasionally updated or withdrawn. This is in response to discoveries through our world-leading research, funding changes, professional accreditation requirements, student or employer feedback, outcomes of reviews, and variations in staff or student numbers. In the event of any change we'll consult and inform students in good time and take reasonable steps to minimise disruption.

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