Male and female student working together in a classroom with other students working in background

English and academic skills

At Kent, we're committed to helping you fulfil your potential and achieve your goals. We provide modules in English language and academic skills that you can take alongside your degree programme, to make sure you are getting the most from your studies. Our friendly, experienced staff are experts in the teaching of English for Academic Purposes.

In-sessional elective (credit-bearing) modules

Our in-sessional elective modules are credit-bearing modules that students on social science or humanities courses can choose to study as part of their degree programme. 

We also offer a module tailored to the particular requirements of science students, with an emphasis on more technical language and report writing. 

Our Talking Cultures module explores cultural differences, stereotypes and prejudices and is designed to enhance intercultural awareness and communication. 

If you would like to choose any of these modules, discuss your choices with your academic adviser. 

English Language and Academic Skills

All international students registered at the University can participate in the free English Language and Academic Skills (ELAS) modules, which are designed to help you improve in areas such as:

  • English grammar and pronunciation
  • essay writing
  • note-taking
  • participating in seminar discussions
  • incorporating sources in written work.

In addition to the taught modules, you can book individual tutorials. 

The ELAS modules run alongside your degree studies in the autumn and spring terms.

Note that ELAS modules do not carry academic credits and so do not contribute to the credits you need for your degree.  If you attend at least 70% of an ELAS module, you will receive a certificate of attendance.

By attending ELAS modules you earn Employability Points (5 points per two hours up to a maximum of 20 points per module – excludes individual speaking and writing tutorials). To claim your points, you need to log them on My Folio.

Which ELAS module is right for you?

If you need help with  ...  ...sign up for this module Autumn term Spring term

Writing essays (structure, style, academic English, incorporating sources)

EDUC0001 and/or individual writing tutorial Weeks 10-12, 14, 15 Wednesdays

Weeks 26-28, 30, 31

Wednesdays

English grammar EDUC0002

Weeks 10-12, 14, 15

Wednesdays

Weeks 26-28, 30, 31

Wednesdays

Giving clearly structured presentations, participating in seminar discussions

EDUC0003 Weeks 10-12, 14, 15 Wednesdays

Weeks 26-28, 30, 31

Wednesdays

Pronouncing English clearly and communicating socially 

EDUC0003 and/or individual speaking tutorial

Weeks 10-12, 14, 15

Wednesdays

Weeks 26-28, 30, 31

Wednesdays

Taking accurate, relevant notes in lectures EDUC0004 Weeks 10-12, 14, 15 Wednesdays

Not running

Individual Writing tutorials  

Weeks 9-19

Individual appointments

Weeks 25-35

Individual Speaking tutorials  

Weeks 9-19

Individual appointments

Weeks 25-35

 

Booking ELAS modules and tutorials

Before booking modules or tutorials, please check your timetable to ensure you are able to attend.  

If you are having difficulty registering for a module or booking an appointment, or you need further advice, please email internationalprogrammes@kent.ac.uk

Individual speaking tutorials

Individual speaking tutorials give you the opportunity to refine your spoken accuracy, fluency, and pronunciation for seminars and presentations with an academic member of staff, who will give you advice and feedback on your speaking.

Tutorials are available in autumn and spring terms. In the Autumn term, they will run from Weeks 9-19 and in the Spring term, they will run from Weeks 25-35.  To book, please email internationalprogrammes@kent.ac.uk with the subject line 'Speaking tutorial'.

Individual writing tutorials

Individual writing tutorials give you the opportunity to discuss your academic writing with a member of staff from International Programmes, who will give you advice on the structure, coherence, and cohesion of your work. Please note: this is not a proofreading service.

Tutorials are available in autumn and spring terms. In the Autumn term, they will run from Weeks 9-19 and in the Spring term, they will run from Weeks 25-35. To book, please email internationalprogrammes@kent.ac.uk with the subject line 'Writing tutorial'.

Last updated