English for academic purposes online
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This online module is aimed at both UK-based and international students who are planning to study or who are already studying at university. L185 focuses on the development of academic reading and writing skills but will also help you make progress in speaking and listening in order to study successfully. It will be useful if you wish to improve your existing competence in academic English whilst studying or if your goal is to raise your IELTS scores to enable you to gain entry into a university of your choice. Its approximate entry and exit IELTS scores are between 5/5.5 and 6.5/7.
What you will study
To succeed at university, you need to be able to read and think about a wide range of study material, make useful notes, and write assignments that answer the question. This module will help you to develop the skills and language to do this. You’ll explore how university study materials are organised and how academic language is used in them.
You’ll work with authentic materials from a range of Open University modules which cover areas of academic study such as: science, the arts, humanities, social sciences, business, and health studies. You’ll look at the similarities and differences in language across these areas. This will give you the chance to develop the particular language and skills you need for your own chosen areas of study.
The module is made up of 40% reading, 40% writing, 10% listening and 10% speaking. Your interactions with the study materials, your tutor and other students on the module will take place online. You'll complete interactive activities, contribute to forums and participate in online tutorials in real time.
You will learn
At the end of the module, you’ll have developed your understanding and practice of:
- using language for a range of academic purposes, including: description; comparison; explanation; evaluation; persuasion; problem solving; cause and effect; and argument
- selecting information and ideas from different sources and using this to support an academic argument
- reflecting on and critiquing academic texts
- communicating more effectively in a global and academic environment
- developing understanding of the conventions of good academic practice
Entry requirements
This is an OU level 1 module. OU level 1 modules provide core subject knowledge and study skills needed for both higher education and distance learning, to help you progress to higher levels.
There are no academic entrance requirements for this module but a certain level of English is recommended, though not compulsory.
The Skills for OU study website provides further information and support on improving your English skills.
Please note that:
- If you live outside the UK and English is not your first language, the module starts at an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) level of approximately 5.0–5.5 (that is, a Common European Framework level of B1/B2, or equivalent), in each of the four English language skills (reading, writing, listening and speaking). You can find out more about the different levels at this website.
- If you live in the UK and English is your first language, the module starts at a Skills for Life literacy level of approximately Level 1 or equivalent.
- If you live in the UK and English is not your first language, the module starts at a Skills for Life ESOL (English for speakers of other languages) level of approximately Level 1 or equivalent.
If you have any doubt about the suitability of the module, please speak to an adviser.
What's included
You'll also be provided with a printed resources book, and have access to a module website, which includes:
- a week-by-week study planner
- course-specific module materials
- audio and video content
- assessment details and submission section
- online tutorial access
- access to forums where you can communicate with your fellow students.
Computing requirements
A computing device with a browser and broadband internet access is required for this module. Any modern browser will be suitable for most computer activities. Functionality may be limited on mobile devices.
Any additional software will be provided, or is generally freely available. However, some activities may have more specific requirements. For this reason, you will need to be able to install and run additional software on a device that meets the requirements below.
A desktop or laptop computer with either an up-to-date version of Windows or macOS.
The screen of the device must have a resolution of at least 1024 pixels horizontally and 768 pixels vertically.
To join in the spoken conversation in our online rooms we recommend a headset (headphones or earphones with an integrated microphone).
Our Skills for OU study website has further information including computing skills for study, computer security, acquiring a computer and Microsoft software offers for students.