English for academic purposes online

What you will study

To succeed at university, you need to be able to read and think about a wide range of study material, make useful notes, and write assignments that answer the question. This module will help you to develop the skills and language to do this. You'll explore how university study materials are organised and how academic language is used in them.

You'll work with authentic materials from a range of Open University modules which cover areas of academic study such as science, the arts, humanities, social sciences, business, and health studies. You'll look at the similarities and differences in language across these subjects, while developing the particular language and skills you need for your chosen areas of study.

The module is made up of 40% reading, 40% writing, 10% listening and 10% speaking. Your interactions with the study materials, your tutor and other students on the module will take place online. You'll complete interactive activities, contribute to forums and participate in online tutorials (learning events) in real time.

You will learn

At the end of the module, you'll have developed your understanding and practice of:

• using language for a range of academic purposes, including description, comparison, explanation, evaluation, persuasion, problem solving, cause and effect, and argument
• selecting information and ideas from different sources and using this to support an academic argument
• reflecting on and critiquing academic texts
• communicating more effectively in a global and academic environment
• developing understanding of the conventions of good academic practice

Entry

This is an OU level 1 module. OU level 1 modules provide core subject knowledge and study skills needed for both higher education and distance learning, to help you progress to other modules.

There are no academic entrance requirements for this module but a certain level of English is recommended, though not compulsory.

The Skills for OU study website provides further information and support on improving your English skills.

Please note that:

• If you live outside the UK and English is not your first language, the module starts at an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) level of approximately 5.0–5.5 / Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) level of B1-B2, or equivalent, in each of the four English language skills (reading, writing, listening and speaking). You can find out more about the different levels at this website.
• If you live in the UK and English is your first language, the module starts at a Skills for Life literacy level of approximately Level 1 or equivalent.
• If you live in the UK and English is not your first language, the module starts at a Skills for Life ESOL (English for speakers of other languages) level of approximately Level 1 or equivalent.

If you have any doubt about the suitability of the module or your level of English, please speak to an adviser.

Study materials

What's included

You'll also be provided with a printed resources book, and have access to a module website, which includes:

• a week-by-week study planner
• course-specific module materials
• audio and video content
• assessment details and submission section
• access to forums where you can communicate with your fellow students
• access to online tutorials (learning events).

Computing requirements

• Primary device – A desktop or laptop computer with at least 8 GB of RAM and a quad-core processor (2.4 GHz minimum speed). It's possible to access some materials on a mobile phone, tablet or Chromebook; however, they will not be suitable as your primary device.
• Peripheral device – Headphones/earphones with a built-in microphone for online tutorials.
• Operating systems – Windows 11 or the latest supported macOS.
• Internet access – Broadband or mobile connection.
• Browser – Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge are recommended; Mozilla Firefox and Safari may be suitable.
• Our OU Study app operates on supported versions of Android and iOS.
• Software – Any additional software will be provided or is generally freely available

Teaching and assessment

Support from your tutor

You'll get help and support from an assigned tutor throughout your module. They'll help by:

• marking your assignments and offering detailed feedback to help you improve
• providing individual guidance, whether that's for general study skills or specific module content
• guiding you to additional learning resources
• facilitating online discussions between your fellow students in the dedicated module and tutor group forums.

Online tutorials run throughout the module. Where possible, we'll make recordings available. While they're not compulsory, we strongly encourage you to participate.

Contact us if you want to know more about study with The Open University before you register.

Assessment

The assessment details for this module can be found in the facts box.

One of the TMAs will require you to use an audio recording tool to record your voice.

If you have a disability

The OU strives to make all aspects of study accessible to everyone. The Accessibility Statement below outlines what studying this module involves. You should use this information to inform your study preparations and any discussions with us about how we can meet your needs.