About the summer school
A challenging and intensive 9-week pre-sessional course aimed at preparing students (both native and non-native speakers of English) for postgraduate degree programmes in the UK.
It aims to help you:
- develop nuanced academic writing and oral communication skills
- critically engage with complex written and spoken texts
- identify and apply effective reading strategies to a variety of texts
- deliver formal presentations with confidence and clarity
- participate effectively in seminars
- advance your development as an independent learner
Course Description
This advanced pre-sessional course aims to prepare you for the demands of graduate work at leading British universities. It comprises at least 15 hours of weekly classes and guided self-study and is suitable for graduate students from any discipline.
You will study in small groups of no more than 12 students and take the following two modules:
Academic Literacy Module
This module aims to help you practise and develop your academic writing and critical thinking skills to enable you to find and evaluate reliable sources of evidence, develop a questioning approach to your reading, evaluate differing viewpoints objectively and develop effective analysis and argument.
From day one we will teach you how to make optimal use of your time and resources, develop effective self-management skills and structure your own learning.
Courses include:
- Academic literacy in practice
- Critical reading
- Planning, researching and writing a Master’s Dissertation
- Presentation and negotiation skills
- Weekly individual academic literacy tutorial
Additional optional classes for non-native speakers of English:
- Advanced pronunciation practice
- IELTS test practice
Academic Module
This module comprises introductory courses in philosophy, international relations and history and assumes no previous subject knowledge. Together, the courses aim to teach you how to analyse and critically assess arguments, how to gain confidence in expressing ideas in open debate and how to offer arguments for and against the main positions introduced. In particular, the courses in rhetoric and history of propaganda offer you valuable insight into the impact of persuasive language in spoken and written communication.
Courses include:
- Applied ethics
- From the Treaty of Versailles to the Treaty of Rome: Conflict, carnage and co-operation in Europe 1918-1958
- Rhetoric
- The art of political persuasion: A history of propaganda and spin?
Open Lectures
You will be encouraged to attend a number of open lectures in areas of personal academic interest offered across the University.
Assessment
- Two essays of 2,000 words
- Two individual presentations
- One paired/group presentation
Course Dates
24 April – 23 June
Course Fees
£5,400
Your fees include:
- All tuition
- Academic and cultural orientation
- All course books and study materials
How to apply
You should email us:
- A copy of passport pages indicating citizenship
- Copies of your University/College transcript(s)
- IELTS (Academic) Test Results Certificate (if required)
In addition to the above, please post/courier us the following:
- Two passport-sized photos
The deadline for applications is 17 April 2017.
Your Responsibilities
It is your responsibility:
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to act as a responsible member of the University’s community, including treating other members of the community and the public with courtesy and respect.
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to progress your own academic studies. This will include submitting work when required to do so, meeting University deadlines and attending tutorials, classes and lectures.
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to seek help or raise concerns if you are having difficulty in any area of your academic or pastoral life. For academic issues please contact your supervisor or department in the first instance. A wide range of support is available from your department, central University services and fellow students. Further details of who to contact are set out in section 3 of the Student Handbook and will be provided in your Course Handbook.
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to follow good academic practice, including following the University’s policies on plagiarism, academic integrity in research and conflicts of interest. More information is available at sections 8.7 and 11.5 of the Student Handbook.
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to ensure that your fees and other charges are paid when they are due. You are responsible for any non-payment even if your fees are being paid by a third party.
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to obtain an appropriate visa if necessary and abide by any visa conditions. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary sanctions in addition to any legal consequences.
For more information click "Further official information" below.
This opportunity has expired. It was originally published here:
https://www.conted.ox.ac.uk/about/advanced-academic-literacy-skills-for-graduate-students