Course Catalogue

English for Academic and General Purposes (UESTC) UESTC1033

  • Academic Session: 2026-27
  • School: School of Engineering
  • Credits: 40
  • Level: Level 1 (SCQF level 7)
  • Typically Offered: Semester 1
  • Available to Visiting Students: No
  • Collaborative Online International Learning: No
  • Curriculum For Life: No

Short Description

This course aims to develop students' general and academic English language skills for social and study purposes. Students will become familiar with the expectations of studying within an English-medium context. Using an integrated approach to language skills development, students will focus on texts and events of a social and academic nature. They will focus on all four language skills, developing their ability to work as independent and reflective learners.

Timetable

Timetable is based on a Week 3 start to accommodate Year 1 military training

Weekly lessons (seminars) of an academic nature in class (11 weeks x 8 hours)

Weekly lessons (seminars) of a general nature in class (8 weeks x 2 hours)

Weekly lectures (8 weeks x 2 hours) (or 4 weeks x 4 hours)

Timetabled tutorial hours, group/individual approx. every 2 weeks.

Requirements of Entry

None

Excluded Courses

None

Co-requisites

None

Assessment

Written exam: writing, reading, listening 40%

Project output: written project 20%

Oral Assessment & presentation: group discussion 25%, General English task 15% (40% in total) 

Main Assessment In: December

Course Aims

The aim of this course is to introduce students to the English language and communication skills required for study on an undergraduate degree delivered in English. Students will develop their understanding of and ability to produce short academic spoken and written texts. They will also work on interactive communication skills to facilitate participation in meaningful tasks in academic and general contexts.

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ use a number of strategies to follow and understand talks and lectures

■ take organised notes from and summarise academic spoken and written texts

■ participate actively in academic group discussions and independent study tasks using appropriate listening and speaking skills

■ apply a range of skills and sub-skills to interact with academic texts

■ present information and opinions effectively in formal and informal spoken and written contexts

■ reflect on learning and develop key study skills for an academic setting

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

No exceptions