Optional modules are a great way to boost your skills and employability. As a first- or second-year undergraduate student you can take one or two of the modules below, depending on your degree conditions.

Each module is worth 15 credits of your 120-credit undergraduate degree and takes one semester to complete, except for LANG2011 (Access to CELTA), which counts for 30 credits and is taught over two semesters.

For an overview of all optional modules and their module selection codes, see the dropdown list under Semester 1 and Semester 2 below.

Academic English

Select either LANG1002 or LANG1003 'Academic Writing and Study Skills' to learn how to express yourself clearly and appropriately in your assignments, using academic vocabulary and style. You will also develop a good understanding of how to paraphrase, synthesize and reference. These modules provide a strong foundation for your future studies and career.

Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL)

Developing your TEFL skills helps you to improve your knowledge of English, your awareness of other cultures and your employability. To find out what TEFL is about, select one or both of the introductory TEFL modules (LANG1012 and LANG1013).

If you're a second-year student and you're interested in getting a TEFL qualification, sign up for LANG2011 'Introduction to Teaching English as a Foreign Language (Access to CELTA)'. CELTA (Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) is a widely recognised TEFL certificate awarded by Cambridge English, part of the University of Cambridge. By taking this module you have the opportunity to take the CELTA free of charge. Alternatively, you can do a 4-week intensive CELTA course.

Tutoring

UGTU1011 'Introduction to Tutoring' offers you the potential to seek employment as a tutor within local schools, contribute to the community and “earn while you learn”. It could also help you set yourself up for future career opportunities, for instance if you are considering teaching in the future. 

You will learn about tutoring techniques, safeguarding, how to create an effective learning environment, assessing learners and supporting them with exams.

How to enrol

Click on the module codes below to find out more about each module. To register for a module, go to your student homepage, log in to SOLE and use Module Selection. If your course allows you to take optional modules, the modules will be displayed as options in your module selection list.

Academic year 2023/24

Semester 1

Academic English

LANG1002 Academic Writing and Study Skills

LANG1003 Academic Writing and Study Skills for Non-native English Speakers

Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL)

LANG1012 Introduction to TEFL – Language Awareness

LANG2011 Language Awareness and Analysis in Teaching English as a Foreign Language (Access to CELTA)

Tutoring

UGTU101 Introduction to Tutoring

Semester 2

Academic English

LANG1002 Academic Writing and Study Skills

LANG1003 Academic Writing and Study Skills for Non-native English Speakers

Teaching English as a Foreign Language

LANG1013 Introduction to TEFL – Teaching Skills

LANG2011 Language Awareness and Analysis in Teaching English as a Foreign Language (Access to CELTA)

Tutoring

UGTU101 Introduction to Tutoring