English Courses

This course helps research degree postgraduate students successfully communicate their research interests and journey in English to different types of audiences – academic and non-specialist.

• Designed with busy research degree students in mind: 50% of the course is self-directed online learning while the other 50% is face-to-face.  
• Deliver an effective research presentation which considers the audience, verbal language, and body language.  

• Develop writing strategies to perfect an academic writing style. 

• Assessment 1: Give a short practice presentation on a topic of your choice and receive helpful feedback from peers and your teacher
• Assessment 2: Write a general or a critical review of a research area that interests you and receive feedback on drafts from your peers and your teacher
• Assessment 3: Complete brief, weekly pre-class blended learning activities that you share and discuss in class with peers

Required for almost all full-time research degree students —check program requirements.

Student testimonials

• "The course was well-structured, with clear learning objectives and a logical progression of topics that built effectively on prior knowledge." 

• "The knowledge gained from this course is highly practical, and the small-group format is particularly effective in fostering productive interaction between students and the instructor within an inclusive learning environment." 

• "The pace of the course is excellent, and the students are highly willing to participate and very engaged." 

• "This course was highly valuable for its practical focus, such as crafting research talks and writing clear abstracts. The structured peer feedback sessions were a particular strength."

1. Why must I take this course? 

LANG 5005 is designed to help you communicate your research in speech and in writing and to consider others' research. This will help build your confidence and skills on your research journey.  

2. When should I take this course? 

We recommend you take it in year one of an MPhil or years one or two of a PhD. 

3. I am a native or expert user of English. Do I need to take this course?  

Yes, it teaches communication skills that benefit all research degree students.  

4. I completed my previous degrees in an English-speaking country or at an English-medium university. Do I need to take this course?  

Yes, it teaches communication skills that benefit all research degree students.  

5. Can I apply for a course exemption? 

The CLE may recommend an exemption if you took a similar communications course for research degree students at another institution. Contact the CLE if this applies to you.  

6. I have presented my research at conferences and/or have authored or co-authored published research. Do I need to take this course?  

Yes, LANG 5005 is a required course for research programs that specify it. Giving presentations and/or writing for publication is a common and valuable experience for research degree students. But this is not equivalent to taking LANG 5005. This course provides students with deeper and broader skills to help communicate their research in written and spoken forms to similar and different audiences.