Comprehensive English language programmes designed for new entrants, undergraduates, and staff to develop academic and professional communication skills.
The Unit’s English language programme begins with an Intensive Course in English for newly admitted students before they commence their academic programme. The Intensive Course is designed to help new entrants adjust to the English-medium university environment and develop the language skills required for successful participation in their academic studies.
Following the Intensive Course, the Unit provides English language instruction throughout the undergraduate programme, with content designed to address the academic and communicative needs of dental students. The programme focuses on the development of the four major language skills:
Students develop the ability to understand, analyze and interpret a variety of academic and general texts. Particular attention is given to reading strategies required for university study, including identifying main ideas, locating specific information, understanding details and interpreting academic texts.
Students develop their ability to communicate ideas clearly, accurately and effectively in written English. Writing activities include academic writing, paragraph writing, summarizing, analytical writing and report writing.
Students develop their ability to understand spoken English in academic, professional and everyday contexts. Listening activities expose students to a range of situations and help them develop skills such as identifying key information, understanding details and interpreting spoken communication.
Speaking receives particular emphasis within the Unit’s English language programme. Students are provided with opportunities to develop fluency, accuracy, confidence and effective communication skills through individual, pair and group activities.
Focuses on the language and communication skills students require for successful participation in university education and their academic disciplines. EAP activities help students to:
Develops students’ ability to communicate effectively in everyday and general social contexts. EGP activities focus on practical communication, vocabulary development, grammatical accuracy, fluency and confidence in using English in a variety of situations.
Developing students’ confidence to communicate effectively in English is a major focus of the Unit. Students are given opportunities to participate in discussions, conversations, role plays, presentations and other interactive activities that encourage active use of English.
Students are guided in planning, organizing and delivering effective presentations. The programme develops skills such as:
The Unit also helps students develop confidence in speaking before an audience. Students are encouraged to develop appropriate verbal and non-verbal communication skills, including voice projection, pronunciation, fluency, eye contact, body language and audience awareness.
Report writing is an important component of the Unit’s writing programme. Students are introduced to the organization, structure, language and conventions of effective report writing. They are guided in presenting information systematically, analyzing findings and communicating conclusions and recommendations in an appropriate academic style.
The Unit recognizes that students have different levels of English proficiency and different learning needs. Students who require additional guidance or support in English are provided with opportunities to seek assistance from the Unit.
Such support may include guidance on:
The Unit aims to create a supportive learning environment in which students can improve their English language skills with greater confidence.
The Unit conducts English language lectures and programmes for students of the Dental Auxiliary School, supporting their development of the communication skills required for their academic and professional contexts.
The Unit also provides English language lectures and programmes for non-academic staff, based on identified needs and requests. These programmes are designed to strengthen practical English communication skills relevant to the workplace and professional interactions.