QA0S001 - Academic English 01 Sep 2021 - 31 Aug 2027 | Version 1

Associated Module Information

Module Code: QA0S001
Module Title: Academic English
Faculty: Faculty of Business and Creative Industries
Faculty Group: FBCI Faculty
Faculty Sub Group: FBCI Faculty
Module Leader: Sonya Killip
Module Team: Neil Roberts, Ian Chisholm, Annabel Ryan, Steffan James, Rachael Leitch, Gabrielle Albertelli, Lorna Loy, Emily Powell, Shane Galvin
First Intended Intake: AUG 2021 Final Year of Intake: 2026
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 20 Credit Level: 3
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes:
HECOS Code Weighting:

Document Version Information

Version 1
Valid From 01 Sep 2021
Valid To 31 Aug 2027

Module Aims

The aim of this module is to develop the core language skills (reading, writing, listening & speaking) for academic study at undergraduate level.

Content Summary

The focus of this module is on the development of language used in an academic context and employs use of authentic texts and learning environments to help learners engage effectively with the teaching environments they will experience at undergraduate level, together with the types of materials and sources they will be expected to use.

Module content will include: listening to lectures & note-taking; critical reading of semi-academic and academic texts: production of a variety of writing genres; participation in a variety of speaking tasks. Embedded in the skills development is the enhancement of students’ academic vocabulary and grammatical accuracy.

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Seminar 60
Tutorial 10
Directed Study 110
Formative Assessment - Scheduled 20
Total Hours Selected 200

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Demonstrate core language skills in reading to at least CEFR B2, the level required for successful entry to an undergraduate degree programme.
LO2 Demonstrate core language skills in writing to at least CEFR B2, the level required for successful entry to an undergraduate degree programme.
LO3 Demonstrate core language skills in listening to at least CEFR B2, the level required for successful entry to an undergraduate degree programme.
LO4 Demonstrate core language skills in speaking to at least CEFR B2, the level required for successful entry to an undergraduate degree programme.

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Synchronous Onsite Assessment Classroom Test - Time Constrained (Onsite) 4 Students answer a series of questions to demonstrate knowledge of academic writing structure and conventions, and complete a short persuasive essay on a given topic - Classroom Test 4 - Academic Writing 120 500 25 No 40
Synchronous Onsite Assessment Classroom Test - Time Constrained (Onsite) 3 Students discuss a question based on a given topic in small groups and give their opinions - Class Test 3 – Academic Speaking 10 N/A 25 No 40
Synchronous Onsite Assessment Classroom Test - Time Constrained (Onsite) 2 Students listen to a recording on a lecture topic and take notes, then answer a series of questions - Class test 2 – Academic Listening 60 N/A 25 No 40
Synchronous Onsite Assessment Classroom Test - Time Constrained (Onsite) 1 Students read texts on aspects of a given topic and answer a series of questions - Class test 1 – Academic Reading 90 N/A 25 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Classroom Test - Time Constrained (Onsite) 4 ✘ ✔ ✘ ✘
Classroom Test - Time Constrained (Onsite) 3 ✘ ✘ ✘ ✔
Classroom Test - Time Constrained (Onsite) 2 ✘ ✘ ✔ ✘
Classroom Test - Time Constrained (Onsite) 1 ✔ ✘ ✘ ✘

Reading List

Teaching material for this module will largely be developed in-house by QAHE academic staff but may also draw from some of the following sources:

Aish, F. & Tomlinson, J. (2013) Lectures: learn listening and note-taking skills. London: Collins
Bailey, S. (2017) Academic Writing for International Students, 5th ed. London: Routledge.
Gillet, A., Hammond, A. and Martala, M. (2009) Inside Track to Successful Academic Writing. Harlow: Pearson Longman
Pallant, A. (2012) English for Academic Study: Writing. The University of Reading: Garnet Education.
Paterson, K. (2013) Oxford Grammar for EAP – English grammar and practice for academic purposes. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Slaght, J. (2012). English for academic study: Reading. The University of Reading: Garnet Education
Van Geyte, E. (2013) Writing: learn to write better academic essays. London: Collins
Woodford, K. (Ed.) (2013) Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary, 4th ed. Cambridge: CUP

Online resources:
https://www.reading.ac.uk/library/study-advice/lib-sa-videos.aspx
You can find a range of video tutorials on this website – they not only help you practice your listening skills (all come with a transcript) but they also give you plenty of useful information.
http://www.eapfoundation.com
Advice on Academic English writing, language and study skills.
https://prepareforsuccess.org.uk
Interactive learning activities helping to prepare students for study in the UK.