English Language courses
The Centre for English Language and Academic Writing provides the English language courses on the following degree programmes:
- BA Art Practice (Extension)
- Foundation Certificate in Music
- Certificate for Postgraduate Study in Music
Exchange and Visiting students can attend these courses, which are credit-bearing.
English for Academic Purposes
This course develops your language skills for use in the academic contexts of essay writing, reading, research, seminars, listening to lectures and taking notes. The course aims to consolidate grammatical competence and develop your vocabulary. During the course you are expected to prepare and deliver at least one seminar presentation on your own subject, submit a researched essay and complete regular weekly assignments. This course also includes the language element of the extension degrees in Art Practice and Music.
Advanced English for Academic Purposes
This course is suitable for visiting students, as a module on certain undergraduate degree programmes, and for non-native speaker students doing their Master’s foundation course in the departments of music or drama. If you already have a high level of English, this course will develop it, with a specific focus on becoming more skilled and confident in all academic situations – from taking part in a class discussion, to researching and writing an extended essay. Classes are twice a week, with one focusing on oral academic skills (listening and speaking), and the other on written academic skills (reading and writing).
In-sessional Language Development
The Centre for English Language and Academic Writing offers In-Sessional Language Development courses to students who are already on degree programmes at Goldsmiths. These courses usually run throughout the autumn and spring terms and cater for native and non-native speakers of English. In addition to subject-specific courses, which are set up in consultation with the department concerned, there are general academic language courses as described above, a course for MPhil students, and a drop-in advice service for students who have individual questions about language or study skills.
Programmes
- English Language Programmes
- Other language courses
- Language courses for visiting/exchange students
Subject Specific Courses
Most in-sessional courses are for students in particular departments, for example Undergraduate Fine Art, Undergraduate Sociology and Postgraduate Art History. There are two main aims of this type of course. The first is to provide students with an awareness of the conventions and requirements of traditional academic writing and presentations (if appropriate). The second is to expand and develop students' language use in their area of study. This might include the study of other written genres (e.g., letters requesting sponsorship; non-traditional creative essay forms), or exam techniques. All in-sessional courses are specifically designed to develop students' language and study skills in line with the academic tasks they will face on their degree programmes.
In addition to the courses for second language speakers, some departments also arrange short workshops about academic conventions and study skills for first language speaking students.
MPhil and PhD Students
Second language speaking MPhil students from all departments can attend a weekly course which combines advanced language development with academic writing and presentation skills for research students. Those who have upgraded to PhD status may seek individual support from the Head of the Centre for English Language and Academic Writing.
Drop-in "Academic English Language Advice"
Both home and overseas students can drop-in to meet an academic language tutor at the Language Resources Centre. Tutors can answer specific queries about language use and study skills, and recommend particular materials for students to refer to independently.