English for Chemists Winter Programme

The English for Chemists Winter Programme is aimed at chemistry students wishing to improve their English for use in a chemistry context. The course combines the discipline expertise of the University of Leicester’s Department of Chemistry with the language expertise of the English Language Teaching Unit (ELTU).

Aims of the English for Chemists Winter Programme

The main aims of the course are to develop participants’ ability to communicate when using English in a chemistry context and to give them an opportunity to experience studying chemistry in a British university. We focus on all four language skills – speaking, listening, reading and writing but the main emphasis will be on improving spoken English. 

Why join the English for Chemists Winter Programme?

• Improve your English skills specifically for use in a chemistry laboratory environment 
• Experience studying in a UK chemistry school setting
• Develop your general English language skills for everyday communication 
• Maximum class size of 16 students 
• Up to 19 hours of face-to-face taught classes per week at the University of Leicester. Classes generally take place between 9.15am-10.45am, 11.15am-12.45pm and 2.00pm-4.00pm 
• Enhance your research and academic study skills 
• Find out what it’s like to study at a British university situated in the heart of the UK 

Course description

This intensive course primarily focuses on language used in chemistry contexts. Participants will be provided with opportunities to use new chemistry vocabulary and language structures in different contexts such as at the final poster presentation. 

This specially designed two-week course combines:

• A course welcome and induction day 
• General English classes to improve your vocabulary and confidence in interacting with English language speakers in everyday life, with particular emphasis on speaking and listening skills  
• Academic English classes to learn how to design and present an academic poster, culminating in the showcasing of your work in a research exhibition 
• Chemistry lectures delivered by academics from the Chemistry department on topics that are relevant to your studies
• Evening social activities 
• Day trips to places of interest  

Key facts

Dates

• Monday 13 January – Saturday 25 January 2025 (accommodation available from Saturday 11 January – Sunday 26 January 2025)   

Entry requirements

• Participants must be aged 18 or over
• Participants must be chemistry students

Expectation on the course

• Show willingness to engage with tutors and students during class 
• Attend all sessions on the timetable 

Accommodation

• Accommodation will be in self-catered student accommodation
• Participants will be housed in a single study bedroom with shared bathroom and shared kitchen facilities. All bills and Wi-Fi access are included. Bedding and kitchen equipment are provided. 

Cost

• £1,390 – joint institute partners 

Payment is required in full to accept a place on the course. Payment deadline: Friday 15 November 2024. 

What's included

• Chemistry and academic English classes 
• Airport transfers 
• Two day trips to places of interest such as London and Cambridge 
• Three social events, including a welcome dinner and farewell party 
• All study materials 
• Self-catered student accommodation – single bedroom with shared bathroom and shared kitchen. Bedding and kitchen equipment provided 
• Registration giving access to University of Leicester facilities, including the award-winning David Wilson library 
• Spring Programme Cap
• A statement of completion and written feedback 
• Closing ceremony with prize giving 
• Applicants should be aware that trips and socials will include unsupervised time not accompanied by members of staff

What's not included

• Meals and beverages, unless specified in the timetable 
• Towels and toiletries 
• Visa costs 
• Medical and travel insurance 
• Access to the university gyms. Short term membership can be purchased at a cost of £10 per week. 

Refund/cancellation policy

• Up to 01 December 2024 - Full refund 
• 02 December - 15 December 2024 - Half refund 
• 16 December 2024 or after - No refund