English courses for employees
Communicating with international students, colleagues and visiting academics, writing academic articles or e-mails in English, speaking confidently on the phone, giving presentations or lectures, and teaching in English:
English courses and support programmes for employees
To find out your language level according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), you can use one of the following online placement tests:
If you have any questions or are unsure about your placement, please arrange a consultation with Dr. Heidi Douglas.
Important note: If the course you need is not offered, please use this form to register additional requirements or contact Dr Heidi Douglas by email.
Pre-Intermediate English (A2/B1) Mondays, 11:00-12:30 (08.04.2024-22.07.2024) | This is a general English course which is suitable for employees who have a basic knowledge of English (A2 level) but need to refresh or add to their present language skills. The English File course book provides engaging texts, audios and videos which motivate the participants and builds their confidence to communicate in English in everyday situations. The SS24 continuation of the course will begin partway through the book, but as each unit deals with a different topic, it is still possible for new participants to join the course. |
Essential Telephone and E-mail Communication (A2/B1) Wednesdays, 12:30-14:00 (26.06.2024-24.07.2024) | This course concentrates on telephoning and emailing skills and is suitable for both academic and non-academic employees who have a basic knowledge of English (A2 level) but need to refresh their office communication skills. Successful telephoning and email communication requires skills such as choosing an appropriate level of formality, being aware of standard letter-writing conventions, and knowing common phrases used on the phone and in email correspondence. |
Communicating with International Students and Staff (B1/B2) Wednesdays, 12:30-14:00 (09.04.2024-16.07.2024) | Communicating in English with students or visiting colleagues can be daunting if you don’t have an opportunity to practice your language skills on a regular basis. This course offers you the opportunity to do just that. The emphasis is on speaking, and participants are encouraged to suggest topics of interest which they find useful for their jobs. Podcasts and video input will provide a base for discussion, thereby improving both listening and speaking skills. Vocabulary practice will equip the participants with the necessary language phrases to discuss various topics and boost their confidence in expressing themselves freely. |
Communicating with International Students and Staff (C1) Tuesdays, 9:00-10:00 (09.04.2024-16.07.2024) | Would you like to become more confident speaking English with colleagues at work? This course aims to help you improve your English oral skills by expanding your vocabulary, improving your fluency and pronunciation, and providing you with a weekly opportunity to practice speaking English in a supportive environment. Using a variety of speaking activities and current articles or podcasts to stimulate discussion, participants will learn nuanced linguistic variation and practise speaking in different language registers. The course content will be tailored to the participants’ feedback at the start of the course. |
Academic Writing in English I (B2/C1) Wednesdays, 13:00-14:30 (10.04.2024-17.07.2024) | This course provides tips, tricks, and tools to ensure that academic writing is clear, concise, correct, and easily assimilated. Practical exercises and short writing tasks complement and apply the rules and theories covered during the sessions. The course content is tailored to the participants’ feedback during the course and may include the following topics: common grammatical errors, correct use of punctuation, useful phrases and vocabulary for academic writing, and tips for improving writing style. Additionally, participants can schedule a personalised writing consultation with the course instructor, a native English speaker. |
Academic Writing in English II (C1–C2) Fridays, 9:15-10:45 (12.04.2024-19.07.2024) | This course is designed to help Ph.D. students and scholars from all disciplines identify common culprits of ineffective sentences and communicate clearly, concisely, and coherently. Through practical exercises and short writing tasks, participants apply the concepts covered during the sessions and hone their detective and editing skills. The course is tailored to the participants and may include topics such as advanced tips for clear and concise writing, common grammatical errors and word usage errors, and techniques for revising texts. Additionally, participants can receive individual feedback and personalised writing advice from the course instructor, a scientist and native English speaker. |
| Presentation Skills (B2/C2) | For doctoral candidates and postdocs All employees with at least B2 level in English who want to become more confident and practised in giving presentations in English. |
For doctoral candidates and postdocs Doctoral candidates and postdocs who are currently writing a doctoral dissertation or research article in English. | |
| Support for Teachers using English as a Medium of Instruction (STEMI) | The STEMI programme is designed for anyone who uses English as a medium of instruction. It provides personalised support in English pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary, instructional clarity, and more. Facilitated by a native English-speaking instructor, the programme includes one-on-one meetings to discuss areas in which you would like support. The programme coordinator then visits two of your teaching sessions and provides you with confidential feedback. Open to teachers of all experience levels, this programme offers a practical and focused approach to enhance your English communication skills and cultivate teaching excellence. |
| Individual English Consultations | Would you like assistance proofreading a paper, poster, or slides you are preparing in English? Do you want to improve your English language skills for an upcoming presentation or a course you will teach in English? Appointments for one-on-one consultations with Dr. Pamela Heidi Douglas are available on an ongoing basis, both during and outside of the lecture period. |