How is the course delivered?

This course is available to study face-to-face here in Nottingham.

How will I learn?

The main aims of the course are to:

• introduce you to some key concepts and skills involved in carrying out primary research
• develop a critical and reflective approach to study
• introduce the concept of ‘community’ and ‘academic community’ and explore how these might relate to your situation
• develop and improve your skills in communicating in English in academic contexts
• support your development as an independent learner
• develop the skills of working collaboratively with others
• provide an introduction to academic study that will be continued in levels 3 and 4

What will I do?

You will be asked to do a series of tasks:

• Participate in both tutor-led lessons and student-led seminars and workshops
• Participate in one-to-one and group tutorials
• Design and carry out a small-scale primary research project related to your area of study
• Communicate your research findings to an audience 
• Reflect on your academic experiences and ways of working

How many hours will I study?

You will be expected to study for at least 36 hours per week, which includes taught sessions with tutors, tutorials and independent study. 

How will I be assessed?

At the end of level 2 you will be assessed to see if you are ready to move on to level 3. You will:

• carry out primary research and write a research report related to your area of study and the Centre for English Language community
• participate in an oral assessment to discuss the findings of your research
• reflect on your learning

How many students will be in my class?

Usually there are 14 to 18 students, but occasionally there may be over 18 in the class. 

If the number recruited to the course is low, we may not be able to run it. If this happens, we will inform you at the earliest opportunity.

What's next?

If you are successful in gaining the required marks in your final assessments, you will be able to move on to level 3.

How is the course delivered?

This course is available to study on campus here in Nottingham, or as an online course. The information below applies to both modes of study.

How will I learn?

The main aims of the course are to:

• further develop your use of academic English 
• improve your analytical and critical skills
• focus your attention on genres and academic texts specific to your discipline
• support you to work independently and collaboratively with equal confidence
• guide you on how to effectively use feedback

What will I do?

You will be asked to do a series of tasks:

• Explore a variety of academic topics
• Analyse and evaluate academic arguments
• Conduct library-based research on a discipline-specific topic of your own choice
• Write an academic paper based on your research
• Summarise and discuss your position on a topic relating to your discipline
• Reflect on your learning process

How many hours will I study?

You will be expected to study for at least 36 hours per week, which includes taught sessions with tutors, tutorials and independent study.

Online courses will include live taught sessions and monitored independent study tasks.

How will I be assessed?

At the end of level 4 you will be assessed to see if you are ready to move on to your academic course. You will:

• write an academic paper on a controversial issue linked to your main subject area
• participate in an oral assessment to discuss your paper and reflect on your learning

How many students will be in my class?

Usually there are 14 to 18 students, but occasionally there may be over 18 per class. 

If the number recruited to the course is low, we may not be able to run it. If this happens, we will inform you at the earliest opportunity.

What's next?

If you are successful in gaining the required marks in your final assessments, you will be able to move on to your degree course at the University of Nottingham.