University of St Andrews - Online

Course in Transition to Studying in the UK

Prepare for academic success in the UK with this short course, designed to build confidence in academic skills, cultural understanding, and effective communication.

This course will introduce you to some of the language skills, cultural and practical aspects of life and study in the UK.

You will study how English is used in a university context in this course. It familiarises students with the language used in formal academic settings like lectures and seminars, as well as in less structured social scenarios. As participants progress through the curriculum, they gain confidence in interacting with teachers, fellow students, and the local community. Moreover, they develop a nuanced understanding of the language expectations and situations they may encounter during their university studies in the UK.

Duration and Structure

Designed to be completed over six weeks, each week incorporates a diverse range of activities to ensure a comprehensive learning experience. These activities include:

Cultural Awareness Videos

Participants engage with videos designed to enhance cultural awareness and explore behavioural expectations in the UK.

Interactive Discussions

Through online synchronous conversation cafes and asynchronous forum posts, students actively participate in discussions with both teachers and peers, fostering a collaborative learning environment.

Comprehension Exercises

Various exercises, including multiple-choice assessments, are integrated to gauge comprehension and reinforce learning.

Academic Lectures

Participants watch academic lectures on common topics, followed by answering questions to deepen their understanding of academic language usage.

Reflection on Progress

Regular reflections on individual progress and competencies serve as a valuable tool for self-assessment and continuous improvement throughout the course.