English Language Teaching Unit
English for Medics International Spring Programme
The English for Medics International Spring Programme is ideal for medical students and health professionals who want to improve their English for use in a hospital or medical setting. The course has been running for nearly twenty years and was initially devised with the support of a University of Leicester alumnus who is now a doctor in Japan.
Aims
The main aims of the course are to develop participants’ ability to communicate when using English for medical purposes and to provide them with opportunities to find out about the health system and medical practice in the UK. We focus on all four language skills – speaking, listening, reading and writing but the main emphasis will be on improving spoken English. An important aspect of the course is to learn to communicate in an appropriate way. When health professionals communicate with patients, they are expected to have a good ‘bedside manner’.
Why join the English for Medics International Spring Programme?
- Improve English skills specifically for use in a medical environment
- Learn about the UK health system and meet British medical professionals and academics
- Develop general English language skills for everyday communication
- Enhance research and academic skills through a small-scale medical research project
- Find out what it’s like to study at a British university
- Meet and socialise with other international medical students during day trips and social events
- Up to 18 hours of face-to-face taught classes per week on the University of Leicester campus. Classes generally take place between 9.30am - 11.00am, 11.30am - 1.00pm and 2.00pm - 4.00pm
- Maximum class size of 16 students.
Course description
This intensive course primarily focuses on language used in medical contexts. Participants will be provided with opportunities to use new medical vocabulary and structures in different contexts such as with a patient or consulting with fellow health professionals.
The strands of the course are:
- Medical research project, culminating in the presentation of an academic poster at a research exhibition
- Patient consultation, culminating in an assessed consultation
- Guest lectures and seminars from healthcare professionals
- Classes exploring contemporary UK health issues
As an indication, some of the topics covered in the healthcare lectures and seminars have previously included:
- Genetics
- Perspectives from a general practitioner (GP)
- Perspectives from an emergency doctor
- Perspectives from a local medical student
- Palliative care
- Introduction to the National Health Service (history, structure, challenges, future)
- Midwifery
- Physiotherapy
- Molecular and cell biology (developments in diabetes research)
- International medical education approaches.
Key facts
Dates for Spring 2025
- Course dates: Monday 17 February – Friday 7 March 2025 (accommodation available from Saturday 15 February to Saturday 8 March 2025)
- Application deadline: Wednesday 1 January 2025 (we may close applications earlier if the course capacity is reached)
- Acceptance and payment deadline: Sunday 5 January 2025
Entry requirements
- Participants are expected to have a minimum English level of IELTS 4.5 or equivalent. We will accept a range of test results, including:
- CASEC
- CET4/CET6
- EIKEN
- GTEC
- OET
- TOEFL
- TOEIC
- Please upload evidence of your English test on your online application
- We may be able to test your English. Please email spring@le.ac.uk if you have any questions
- Participants must be aged 18 or over
- Participants must be students or professionals in a medical or healthcare field
Our expectations of English for Medics Spring Programme students
- To show willingness to engage with tutors and students during class
- To attend all timetabled sessions
- To be open and kind to students from all backgrounds
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, as are bedding and kitchen equipment
Cost
- £2,150 per participant
- £2,050 for participants from a University of Leicester partner
Payment is required in full to accept a place on the course.
What's included
- Medical and academic English classes
- Lectures on healthcare topics from specialists
- Visits to local healthcare facilities
- Two day trips: Oxford, and the Cotswolds and Stratford-upon-Avon
- A welcome dinner and farewell party
- All study materials
- Self-catered student accommodation – single bedroom with shared bathroom and kitchen. Bedding and kitchen equipment are 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
- Airport transfers
- Meals and beverages, unless specified in the timetable
- Towel 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
Apply for English for Medics International Spring Programme 2025
Cancellation/refund policy after acceptance of offer
- Up to 15 January 2025 - Full refund
- 16 January – 2 February 2025 - Half refund
- From 3 February 2025 - No refund