The Certificate of Credit in English for Academic Purposes is a level 3, 20-credit course designed to help you develop the academic English skills required in order to study within higher education. It aims to build on your existing levels of reading, writing, speaking and listening to provide you with sufficient skills to engage confidently and assertively with undergraduate and postgraduate study.
Why should I take this English course?
This course will introduce you to the transferable English skills, knowledge and terminologies required to study at a higher education level while providing you with the opportunity to progress on to courses that require a higher level of English.
It bridges the gap for any students who do not currently hold a suitable level or traditional entry qualification in English to access higher education. It is also ideal for those who may already have a range of qualifications or experience but not previously studied at university level. This course provides you with an opportunity to learn Academic English at level 3 as required in university settings, while introducing academic study skills that will help you with future higher educational (HE) courses.
You may also be looking to refresh your English skills as part of your continuing professional development (CPD) or to enhance your career employability and writing skills.
Access to our undergraduate and postgraduate courses
If you wish to take the next step and study a University of Derby Online Learning undergraduate or postgraduate course, we will accept this Certificate of Credit in English for Academic Purposes as evidence that you are able to perform at a suitable level of IELTS (International English Language Testing System) 6.0 which will improve your eligibility for a number of our courses, providing you have IELTS 4.5 and meet all additional entry criteria.
Although this course is not classed as a GCSE equivalent, completion of this course will demonstrate your ability to study at English GCSE level. We recognise that, upon successful completion of this course, you are able to meet the academic requirements needed to study at higher education level for many of our higher educational courses, providing you meet additional criteria.
Enhancing your personal development plan (PDP)
This course is an ideal way to update your personal development plan (PDP). This course gives you the opportunity to reflect on your progress through activities set in the academic skills module. The activities will help equip you with the required skills needed in the development of your digital literacy and communication skills and provide you with a foundation for future development in education and work-based skills.
Preparing you for IELTS
If you are an international student, this course will provide you with the opportunity to develop the appropriate academic English language competences needed at Level 3, giving you ideal preparation for undertaking IELTS 6.0 testing at a local centre in your country. Although this course will not provide you with an IELTS qualification, you will have an opportunity to underpin your knowledge to complete the IELTS test.
Gain further skills with the Foundation Certificate in Higher Education
If you are also interested in improving your general English, Maths and study skills for entry into higher education, you may look to take this course as part of the Foundation Certificate in Higher Education. The Foundation Certificate in Higher Education is an online 60-credit, level 3 foundation course designed to provide you with the English, Maths and study skills required in order to study at a higher education (HE) level.
You can study all of the 20-credit modules individually if you chose to but, if you do them individually, they cannot be classed together as the Foundation Certificate. Each 20-credit module can be completed as a stand-alone award and you will receive a Certificate of Credit upon completion of any one of the following courses:
You’ll develop a broad range of practical skills in academic writing, written and spoken communication, interpersonal skills, critical analysis and problem-solving. This will support your preparation for further undergraduate or postgraduate study, helping you to:
- Read effectively and efficiently through skimming techniques
- Identify language when reading and deal with unknown words
- Build your academic vocabulary for speaking and writing
- Plan and write effective paragraphs for academic essays
- Take organised notes while listening to identify key points
- Recognise descriptions of data in various forms
- Prepare for and participate in a group seminar discussion
By the end of the course, you will be able to communicate, in both written and spoken English, to a standard that is acceptable at higher education level.
We will advise you of your study plan when you are invited to enrol.
Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.
Pace of study
We recommend about 20 hours of study per week to complete one 20-credit module over a 10-week trimester.
Assessment method
This course is assessed through 100% coursework with a range of methods, such as essays, research reports, presentations, group work and practical reports.
Student support and guidance
Whilst we encourage our students to become independent, life-long learners, we also recognise that offering the right support and guidance will help you to achieve your goals. There is a wealth of support available to you at the University, from your dedicated Personal Tutor and Online Learner Advisor, through to our:
All these services, and more, are available to you as an online student at the University of Derby.
English language qualification
International/European students will:
- Have graduated from secondary school in their country, demonstrating a basic level of English to benefit from the programme
- Have a minimum IELTS 4.5 or equivalent
Find out more about English language requirements
Normally, the entry qualification will need to be mapped to the UK equivalent course to ensure access to the appropriate programme level (with a view to progressing to undergraduate level and achieving 60 credits at level 3).
Non-standard entrants
If your qualifications do not match the standard criteria, it may be possible for you to access the course as a ‘non-standard’ entrant where there are equivalent/alternative qualifications. You will be required to submit evidence of work experience and have a discussion with the Academic Lead before being offered a place as a direct entrant to ensure that you have the necessary capacity for studying at level 3.
‡2023/24 for new entrants
Starting between September 2023 and August 2024.
| | Per 20 credits | Modules | Cost |
|---|
| UK/EU/International |
£840 |
1 |
£840 |
About your fees
This figure would be the total cost of this course in the current academic year. However, please note that fees normally increase in line with inflation and the University's strategic approach to fees, which is reviewed on an annual basis. The total fee you pay may therefore increase if your course lasts longer than one year.
However, please also note that you can receive a 5% discount if you either:
- Pay your full course fees upfront, or
- When enrolling in September, pay for all of your modules to be studied in that academic year upfront
How to apply
Please look at our application deadlines before you apply.
Students should apply directly to the University.
Apply now
For support with completing your application, view our guide to the application process.
Documents to support your application
In order for your application to be assessed, you will need to provide the following documents when you apply:
- Photo ID – this could be your passport or driving licence
- Copies of certificates and transcripts or a letter of testimony for previous qualifications*
*Documents not in English or Welsh must be accompanied by a certified translation by a professional translator/translation company. Each translation must contain:
- Confirmation from the translator that it is an accurate translation of the original document
- The date of the translation
- The full name and signature of the translator, or an authorised official of the company
- The translator’s contact details
A list of approved translators can be found on the UK Government website.
Please note: failure to submit any documentation when requested, may result in your application being withdrawn.
Application deadlines
All of our online courses have set start dates throughout the year. We require time to review your application and get back to you with a response before your course starts. Take a look at information regarding applying for an online course to see full details of deadlines and term dates.
This programme will enable you to develop an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the skills required to succeed in an undergraduate and postgraduate degree in higher education. You will develop a range of transferable skills through activities and module content that will also contribute to your continuing professional development.
Work-based skills
Through completing the module within this course, you will gain a range of technical skills and job-related skills that will assist in developing your study and career plans through the use of digital tools and activities. You’ll develop a broad range of transferable and practical skills that can be applied throughout your career, such as communication skills, interpersonal skills and study skills.
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