Academic and professional English skills
Subject and course type
- Short course
Learn the English skills you need to thrive in academic, professional and global settings.
Advance your English in a supportive and dynamic environment
Develop language skills which directly apply to your academic and professional pursuits.
At Kingston University, we understand how vital strong English language skills are for academic success and professional growth. Our courses are designed to help international and non-native speakers enhance their English skills for a variety of purposes.
Whether you are a student, researcher or professional, our programmes offer:
- Academic preparation: Improve your writing, reading and listening skills for academic success
- Professional communication: Gain the confidence to communicate effectively in the workplace
- Cultural adaptation: Navigate English-speaking environments with fluency and ease
- Flexible learning options: Choose from in-sessional, pre-sessional and year-round programmes to fit your schedule
Explore our English language programmes
We offer a range of English courses tailored to meet a diverse range of needs.
All courses are open to students at all levels, whether you’re starting university, seeking professional development, or looking to improve general English skills.
Here are the types of courses we offer:
- In-sessional courses: Enhance your English alongside your studies with workshops and tutorials focused on academic writing, presentation skills and more.
- Pre-sessional English courses: Prepare for university life with intensive language courses designed to improve your English before starting your academic programme.
- Year-round courses: Join flexible, ongoing programmes tailored to meet personal or professional goals.
English language course highlights
In-sessional courses
Develop essential academic skills while studying at Kingston. Our in-sessional support includes:
- Writing and grammar workshops
- Presentation skills tutorials
- Listening and note-taking practice
These courses are free to enrolled students and run throughout the academic year.
More information is available for Kingston University students on our intranet, My Kingston.
Pre-sessional English programmes
Get ready for university with our pre-sessional courses, which offer:
- Language and academic skill development
- Practical guidance for adapting to university life
- A supportive learning environment with experienced tutors
These programmes are ideal for international students seeking to meet English language requirements before starting their degree.
For further details, browse our pre-sessional English courses.
English for professionals
Customise your learning with our professional development courses, focused on:
- Business communication
- Report writing and email etiquette
- Speaking confidently in meetings and presentations
In-sessional online courses
This program offers courses and tutorials to sharpen written and spoken communication skills, helping you improve academic performance and increase employability. It is particularly valuable for the following students:
- International and European students and students whose first language is not English
- Students who have not studied in the UK before
- Home students who would like to improve their academic writing and language
(If you are an international / European student and have at least 5.0 IELTS and need to improve your English language skills before enrolling at the University, you can apply to our Pre-Sessional English Language courses.)
The English for Academic and Professional Development (EAPD) program offers comprehensive support to enhance academic and professional language skills, helping students succeed in their studies and careers. Live classes are delivered via MS Teams, with recordings available on Canvas for flexible learning. Students must self-enroll in their chosen courses.
EAPD courses contribute to key competencies for the Kingston Award and Higher Education Achievement Report. Options include:
- 'Open to all' courses: Accessible to students from any faculty, these free, voluntary courses focus on skills like assignment writing, presentations, and critical reading. Courses run weekly over eight weeks.
- 'In your faculty' courses: Tailored to specific faculties, these courses address academic skills like lab reports, business reports, and reflective writing.
These courses focus on developing all four language skills in academic and professional contexts through engaging topics and integrated practice. Offered at three language levels, they include regular practice, assessment, and feedback to track progress. They also contribute to key competencies for the Kingston Award and Higher Education Achievement Report.
For Erasmus and Study Abroad students, the course can be taken for credit, with a recommendation of 7.5 ECTS upon completion. Students should consult their Erasmus/Study Abroad coordinator early and inform their KLS teacher if taking the course for credit.
If you’re interested in attending a KLS course, please register online. Regular attendance and some outside-class work are required, with progress assessed in and out of class.
When scheduling an individual online assignment writing tutorial, remember to bring an assignment you are currently working on. Students are able to book a tutorial online.
How to enrol
We make it easy to join our English programmes:
- Browse our course offerings: Choose the course that aligns with your goals.
- Check your eligibility: Some courses may have English proficiency requirements.
- Apply online: Complete your registration through our website.
If you need help deciding which course is right for you, our admissions team is happy to assist.
Get in touch
Improve your English skills at Kingston University. Explore our courses today and take the next step towards academic and professional success!
Our team is here to help you find the best English course for your needs.
