ESL, or English as a Second Language, is an academic curriculum that focuses on developing English speaking and comprehension skills in students who do not speak it natively. Spelling, reading, writing, and vocabulary are common focus areas.

Requirements for the PhD program often involve the student having already obtained a Master’s degree. Additionally, a thesis or dissertation primarily consisting of original academic research must be submitted. In some countries, this work may even need to be defended in front of a panel.