English language unit

Are you an international student? Are you worried about your English? Don't worry. We're here to help you.

If English is not your first language, you may feel worried about your ability to communicate or your academic writing. We're here to help you improve your English, reach your full potential and boost your confidence. We can arrange an individual tutorial with you, or you can join one of our short courses. All our services are free to use, and available throughout the year.

How to contact us?

If you're a current student, please go to the Intranet to access our resources (login required). You can also email elu@bathspa.ac.uk to book an individual tutorial or visit us in our office at Gatehouse (GH.101) on Newton Park campus.

Gatehouse building at Newton Park campus2 — Come and meet us at the Gatehouse, Newton Park campus

‘‘My role is to help international students become successful. Every student that we support has so much to offer, and it's a great privilege to share in their success."
Sarah Sibley, ELU Academic Coordinator

What's available to you?

Individual tutorials

You can book individual one-to-one tutorials to get personalised, in-depth help with your assignments. Each tutorial lasts about 50 minutes.

If you're a current student, please visit the Intranet for details on individual tutorials (login required).

Language surgeries

We hold a number of language surgeries across our Newton Park, Corsham Court and Sion Hill campuses. You don't need to book in advance - you can simply turn up to one of our sessions with your specific questions.

If you're a current student, please visit the Intranet for details on drop-in language surgeries (login required).

Short courses

Our six-week short courses will help you improve your English language and academic skills, so you can make the most of your time at Bath Spa University. The courses run twice a year.

If you're a current student, please visit the Intranet for details on content, dates and rooms (login required).

"I love helping international students remove the language barrier, so that they can achieve their true potential."
Hugh Osborne, Senior Lecturer in International Teaching and Support

Writing skills

Do you know how to structure and edit academic essays? Or how to reference properly? This short six-week course will teach you these skills and much more, including how to take good lecture notes, plan and structure your assignments, and ensure your writing flows.

Seminar and presentation skills

Want to make the most of your seminar time? This short six-week course will teach you essential presentation skills, how to explain your opinion in a classroom, how to ask for clarification, and how to show that you disagree with someone else's opinion or topic.

Social and cultural English

Each culture has its unofficial "rules". This short course will help you settle into the new culture and feel at home. In just six weeks, you'll learn how to meet and greet someone, talk about your likes and dislikes, and give and politely decline invitations. You'll also discuss UK institutions and customs.

"The ELU supported me in many different ways. They helped me to improve my writing fluency and vocabulary. Thanks to their courses, I was also able to communicate better in day-to-day situations."
Sabrin Hasbun, PhD student, Creative Writing

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