English for Chemists Summer Programme

The English for Chemists Summer 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 Summer 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 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 Summer Programme?

• Improve your English skills specifically for use in a chemistry laboratory environment 
• Experience studying in a UK chemistry school setting, including practical experiments in laboratories 
• Develop your general English language skills for everyday communication 
• Maximum class size of 16 students 
• Up to 18 hours of face-to-face taught classes per week on the University of Leicester campus. 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 in lab sessions and at the final poster presentation. 

This specially designed three-week course combines:

• A course welcome and induction day 
• IELTS Academic classes to hone your English language skills, boosting your confidence about how to deal with the test format and the type of tasks involved
• Academic English classes to learn how to design and present an academic poster, culminating in the showcasing of your work in a research exhibition 
• Lab sessions led by the Chemistry department staff when you will conduct experiments and practice writing simple lab reports, focusing on discovering language from areas such as magnetochemistry 
• Chemistry lectures delivered by academics from the Chemistry department on topics that are relevant to your studies such as magnetism, interfacial chemistry and forensic science, and nanotechnology 
• Evening social activities 
• Day trips to places of interest  

Key facts

Dates

• Monday 4 August – Friday 22 August 2025 (accommodation available from Saturday 2 August – Saturday 23 August 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 flats within walking distance of the campus and the City Centre
• Participants will be housed in a single study bedroom with ensuite bathroom and will share kitchen facilities. All bills and Wi-Fi access are included. Bedding and kitchen equipment are provided. 

Cost

• £2,050 – joint institute partners 
• £2,200 – students from a University of Leicester partner
• £2,300 - non partners

Payment is required in full to accept a place on the course. Payment deadline: Sunday 25th May 2025. 

What's included

• Tuition fees for all classes
• Self-catered student accommodation – single bedroom with ensuite bathroom and shared kitchen. Bedding and kitchen equipment provided
• Airport transfers
• Two day trips to places of interest such as London and Oxford
• Three social events, including a welcome dinner and farewell party
• All study materials
• Registration giving access to University of Leicester facilities, including the award-winning David Wilson Library
• Summer Programme T-shirt
• A Statement of Completion and written feedback
• Closing ceremony with prize giving 

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 Sunday 29 June 2025 - Full refund 
• Monday 30 June to Sunday 13 July 2025 - Half refund 
• Monday 14 July 2025 or after - No refund