School of Modern Languages

This 2-week intensive programme is a course of learning through the medium of English for professional services staff working in Higher Education. The emphasis of this course is on Academic English language usage within the context of internationalisation. The module will highlight the importance of possessing a high level of English language proficiency for professional services staff, especially when supporting their university’s internationalisation strategy. Participants will discuss their shared experiences of using English in a professional services setting and how it has contributed to their professional development to date. The module uses immersive methods of language instruction, contextual usage and focussed discussion to help raise awareness of specific language areas in need of improvement. Practical application of learning will contribute to improvement in these areas, in both spoken and written modes of communication. All lexis utilised for instruction on this module is academic in style, helping ensure that professional services staff possess the necessary language range and flexibility to communicate effectively and confidently with both academic staff and students, as required. The design and delivery of presentations will also be covered, allowing module participants to improve their level of engagement and communicative competency in this important area. 

The programme level is set at CEFR B2.2.

On successful completion of the module, participants should be able to:

• Identify areas and aspects of their specific administrative areas and day-to-day work in which they currently use English or would like to be able to use English with greater competence and confidence.
• Analyse and reflect on their own style in written and spoken communications in English to identify and improve areas of weakness.
• Read, analyse, and summarise written and aural texts related to internationalisation in Higher Education.
• Participate in group discussions on topics and themes related to internationalisation in Higher Education, sharing their experiences and insights with other members of the group.
• Plan and deliver effective and engaging presentations related to their specific administrative areas, using appropriate vocabulary and register.
• Plan and produce effective written texts related to their specific administrative areas, using appropriate vocabulary and register.

Level: Aligned to NFQ Level 9

ECTS: 5

Fee: 995 EUR