Aims and Fit of Module

To extend students’ general and academic English language and study skills, with an emphasis on critical thinking and independent learning, in order to allow them to function more effectively within a humanities discipline, as well as in their overall academic career, and to raise their language skills to CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) C1 level, with a general level of ability that is broadly comparable to SEEC (Southern England Consortium for Credit Accumulation and Transfer) Level 5. A mark of 40% on this module is benchmarked against CEFR C1 level.

Learning outcomes

A	Read in order to understand and interpret information (including complex or abstract concepts) as required from a variety of long and complex factual and literary texts, and identify finer points of detail at CEFR C1 level.

B	Listen in order to understand and interpret information (including complex or abstract concepts) from a wide range of listening material, and identify finer points of detail, at CEFR C1 level.

C	Write in order to describe, synthesise, and critically analyse complex subject matter from reading, liste ning, and other sources (including independent research), at CEFR C1 level.

D	Speak in order to describe, synthesise, and critically analyse complex subject matter from readings, listening, and other sources (including independent research), at CEFR C1 level.

E	Use references and citations with a high level of accuracy to correctly synthesize material from outside sources into original work by using techniques such as paraphrasing, quoting and summarizing.

Method of teaching and learning

Students will have 4 hours per week of integrated classes, covering reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. There will be a focus on encouraging the students to develop their research skills and find their own appropriate resources, with guidance and support from the tutor.


Students will use some of their private study hours to preview specific guided material before class. They will then utilize that material in class for language skills development with guidance and support from the tutor.  


No more than one class per semester (two hours) will be replaced with one-on-one or group tutorials.


Speaking assessment will typically take place in regular teaching weeks.