Within your programme you will take two 20-credit modules in Academic English and Study Skills. These modules will largely be taught at the Foundation Academy Hub and English Language Centre based in Priorsfield.
Priorsfield is a beautiful historic manor house on the Edgbaston campus. This gives you a dedicated study, social and welfare centre within easy reach of your residence and all the amenities of the Edgbaston campus. You will be learning in a supportive environment in small classes that are focused on individual needs. One-to-one tutorials are also available if you need them.
Core modules
Most students will take Academic English and Study Skills 1 in Term one and Academic English and Study Skills 2 in Term two.
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Academic English and Study Skills 1 This module will equip you with the English required for academic study at undergraduate level. It will help you to acquire key academic vocabulary and to master key academic grammatical structures. The module will also help you to develop the necessary skills for reading academic texts and writing academic assignments. It will enable you to perform successfully across all modules of the Foundation Academy programme, as well as preparing you for study in your future undergraduate programme.
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Academic English and Study Skills 2 This module will further develop your ability to cope in an academic environment. It will focus on the academic English used in specific areas of study such as Arts, Social Sciences, Engineering and Sciences. It will also prepare you for the specific academic writing demands of your future undergraduate programme.
Options for high-level English speakers
If you can demonstrate that you are a high-level English language speaker, with an IELTS score of 7 overall (or equivalent) you can replace the Academic English and Study Skills 1 and 2 modules with Aspects of Britain and Advanced Academic Skills.This will be subject to prior agreement.
Aspects of Britain
This module will explore important aspects of British social, cultural and political life, helping you to read British newspapers and listen to the news with understanding. It will also give you enough understanding of British social and political life and culture to enable you to critically discuss various aspects of it, and relate this knowledge to similar aspects of life in your own country. In doing this, you will also improve your fluency and command of the English language.
Advanced Academic Skills
This module will prepare you for the academic demands of your future undergraduate programme, where you will be expected to employ an efficient and effective learning style. It will help you to identify weaknesses in your current learning style and enable you to develop better study and research skills. It will also help you to develop your critical thinking skills. In doing this, you will also improve your fluency and command of the English language.