Language for Science: General Science

Program Overview

This 10-week pre-sessional course enhances academic English language skills for postgraduate students pursuing degrees in STEM. Tailored to UK study, it introduces students to university facilities, fosters a sense of community, and prepares them for success in their postgraduate programs through a combination of expert language teaching and practical seminars.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This program is a 10-week full-time pre-sessional course designed to improve academic English language skills for students pursuing a Masters degree in science, engineering, technology, and mathematics. The course aims to help students:

• Improve academic English skills: Focuses on academic reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills relevant to science.
• Adapt to UK study: Provides experience and adaptation to studying in the UK ahead of the Masters degree.
• Familiarize with University facilities: Introduces students to libraries, study spaces, and learning platforms.
• Settle into Leeds: Helps students adjust to life in Leeds before their Masters program begins.
• Build a community: Facilitates meeting other students and creating a peer network.
The course is taught by expert language teachers who introduce students to the language, texts, and practices they will encounter during their Masters degree.

Outline:

• Curriculum: Developed in collaboration with the academic faculty and informed by research in English language teaching.
• First four weeks: Focus on improving academic English language ability for postgraduate study in science, engineering, technology, and mathematics.
• Final six weeks: Focus on skills needed to succeed as a postgraduate scientist at a UK university, studying with students progressing to science-based degrees.
• Content: Opportunity to read and produce scientific texts, exploring different themes over six weeks.
Students work on understanding content and language used, along with core texts, through language classes and seminars.
• Course structure: Typical modules/components may change from time to time.
• Learning and teaching:
• Teaching takes place in classes and group seminars, with individual and group work.
• Independent study is encouraged for skill practice, knowledge deepening, and degree preparation.
• Critical thinking is encouraged throughout the course.
• Dedicated time with tutors is available for language and learning questions.
• Classes typically run from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday (excluding University closures).
• Lecturers, professors, industry professionals, and trained postgraduate researchers contribute to teaching.

Assessment:

• Methods: A range of assessment methods are used, likely including written assignments, speaking assignments, presentations, and research projects.

Teaching:

• Methods: Classes and group seminars are used, with a focus on individual and group work.
• Faculty: Expert language teachers, lecturers, professors, industry professionals, and trained postgraduate researchers.
• Unique approaches:
• Research in English language teaching informs the curriculum.
• Dedicated time with tutors for language and learning questions.
• Opportunities: The program focuses on preparing students for postgraduate study in science, engineering, technology, and mathematics.

Other:

• Dedicated facilities: Students have access to the Language Zone, a study and resource center for independent language learning.
The Language Zone includes a computer cluster, books and magazines, audio and video resources.
• Accreditation: The course is accredited by BALEAP.
• Social activities: The Language Centre provides a weekly program of optional social activities, some free and some with a cost (typically no more than £30).
• Accommodation: Accommodation is not included in the tuition fee.

Tuition Fees:

International:

£5733 (per year)