Studying for a research degree is particularly challenging for non-native speakers of English. The English Language Teaching Unit runs a range of courses and support services during term time that are designed to support your development of academic English.

The English Language Teaching Unit is British Council accredited.

What is available?

The English Language Teaching Unit offers a dedicated programme for international postgraduates wanting to improve their spoken and written English. The programme is presented each term and takes around two hours each week. The programme is free of charge to current University of Leicester postgraduates.

Additionally there are subject-specific English courses in the following areas:

• Economics
• Education
• Engineering
• Law
• Management
• Media and Communication
• Museum Studies

Some postgraduate researchers may also be eligible for limited one-to-one support in specific circumstances. Please contact the English Language Teaching Unit for further advice or visit their website or details on which courses are likely to be most appropriate for you and for advice on registration.

Who is this training for?

These programmes are suitable for all postgraduate researchers:

• whose first language is not English
• at any stage of their research degree

What skills will be covered?

These programmes are designed to develop your written and spoken English language skills and, in particular, your ability to write and speak effective academic English. 

Ability to communicate effectively in both written and oral modes with a range of audiences formally and informally through a variety of different techniques and media is a component of the Researcher Development Framework and should form part of a broad-based plan for developing your skills as a researcher.

Who can I contact for further enquiries?

If you have any further enquiries please contact the English Language Teaching Unit.