English for Environmental Science Winter Programme

The English for Environmental Science Winter Programme is aimed at environmental science students wishing to improve their English for use in an environmental science context. The course combines the discipline expertise of the University of Leicester’s School of Geography, Geology and the Environment with the language expertise of the English Language Teaching Unit (ELTU).

Aims of the English for Environmental Science Winter Programme

The main aims of the course are to develop participants’ ability to communicate when using English in an environmental science context and to give an opportunity to experience studying environmental science 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 Environmental Science Winter Programme?

• Improve your English skills specifically for use in an environmental science setting
• Develop general English language skills for everyday communication
• Maximum class size of 16 students
• Up to 16 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. The timetable will include 8 hours of delivery from the School of Geography, Geology and the Environment
• 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 environmental science contexts. Participants will be provided with opportunities to use new vocabulary and language structures in different contexts such as at the final poster presentation.

This specially designed three-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 where you will learn how to design and present an academic poster, culminating in the showcasing of your work in a research exhibition
• Environmental science lectures delivered by academics from the School of Geography, Geology and the Environment on topics that are relevant to your studies
• Evening social activities
• Day trips to places of interest

Key facts

Dates

• Monday 19 January – Friday 6 February 2026 (accommodation available from Saturday 17 January – Saturday 7 February 2026).

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

• £1,900 – joint institute partners.

Payment is required in full to accept a place on the course. The payment deadline is Friday 14 November 2025.

What's included

• Environmental Science lectures 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
• 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 £22 per month, or £5 per visit.

Refund/cancellation policy

• Up to 28 November 2025 - Full refund
• 29 November 2025 - 3 January 2026 - Half refund
• 4 January 2026 or after - No refund