To find out your language level according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), you can use one of the following online placement tests:
If you have any questions or are unsure about your placement, please arrange a consultation with Dr. Heidi Douglas.
Important note: If a course you need is not offered, please use this form to register additional requirements or contact Dr Heidi Douglas by email.
English for University Staff (A1.1) Wednesdays from 11:00 to 12:30 (16.04.2025 to 02.07.2025) | This is a general English course suitable for university employees who would like to start learning English. We will be working on all four language skills (listening, reading, writing and speaking) with the Touchstone English course book at A1 level, which offers engaging texts, audios and exercises aimed at motivating participants and boosting their confidence to communicate in English in everyday situations. |
Pre-Intermediate English (A2/B1) Mondays from 11:00 to 12:30 (07.04.2025 to 14.07.2025) | This is a general English course suitable for employees who have a basic knowledge of English (A2 level) and would like to refresh or expand their existing language skills. The English File course book provides engaging texts, audios and videos aimed at motivating participants and boosting their confidence to communicate in English in everyday situations. The SS24 continuation of this course starts halfway through the book. However, as each unit deals with a different topic, it is also possible for new participants to join the course. |
Essential Telephone and E-mail Communication (A2/B1) Planned for the WS25/26 | This course focuses on telephone and e-mail skills and is suitable for both academic and non-academic staff who have a basic knowledge of English (A2 level) but would like to refresh their knowledge of office communication. |
Communicating with International Students and Staff (B1/B2) Tuesdays from 9:00 to 10:30 (08.04.2025 to 15.07.2025) | Communicating in English with students or colleagues can be daunting if you don't have the opportunity to practise your language skills regularly. This course offers you the opportunity to do just that. Special emphasis is placed on oral communication, with participants encouraged to suggest exciting topics that they find useful for their professional activities. Podcasts and videos provide a basis for discussion, improving both listening comprehension and speaking skills. By practising vocabulary, participants are equipped with the necessary phrases to discuss various topics, express themselves freely and become more confident in using the English language. |
Communicating with International Students and Staff (C1) Tuesdays from 13:00 to 14:00 (15.04.2025 to 15.07.2025) | Would you like to become more confident when speaking English with your colleagues in the workplace? This course aims to strengthen your communication skills in English by expanding your vocabulary and improving your fluency and pronunciation. You will be given the opportunity to speak English in an encouraging environment on a weekly basis. Through varied speaking exercises and discussion of news articles or podcasts, participants will learn nuanced linguistic variations and practise speaking in different registers. The course content is tailored according to feedback from participants at the beginning of the course. |
English Conversation Meetups (B2 and higher) Wednesdays from 9:30 to 10:30 (biweekly from 16.04.2025 to 09.07.2025) | Join our English Conversation Meetups to enhance your speaking skills through meaningful conversations with fellow employees. The meetups offer a relaxed and supportive environment where you can engage in conversations on various topics and receive constructive feedback from the meetup coordinator. Whether you are looking to enhance your fluency, accuracy, or confidence in speaking English, the weekly meetups will equip you with targeted feedback to help you achieve your goals. |
Academic Writing in English I (B2/C1) Thursdays from 13:15 to 14:55 (10.04.2025 to 17.07.2025) | This course offers tips, tricks and tools to ensure that academic texts are clear, concise, correct and easy to grasp. Practical exercises and short writing assignments complement the rules and theories covered in the sessions and allow them to be put into practice. There is also the opportunity to receive personalised advice on your writing style from the course instructor, a native English speaker. Course content will be tailored to feedback from participants during the course and may include: common grammatical errors, correct use of punctuation, useful phrases and vocabulary for academic writing and tips for improving writing style. |
Academic Writing in English II (C1-C2) Fridays from 9:15 to 10:55 (10.04.2025 to 17.07.2025) in F2.211 (HNI) | The aim of this course is to help doctoral candidates and academics from all disciplines to recognise the most common causes of unclear and ineffective sentences and to promote clear, concise and coherent communication. Through practical exercises and short writing assignments, participants will apply the concepts covered in the sessions and hone their editing skills. In addition, participants will receive personalised advice on their writing style from the lecturer, a researcher and native English speaker. The course will be tailored to the participants and may include topics such as advanced tips for clear and concise writing, common grammar and word usage errors, and techniques for revising texts. |
Presentation Skills (B2/C2) Planned for the WS 25/26 | For doctoral students and postdocs All staff with at least B2 level English who want to become more confident and practised in giving presentations in English. |
| Academic Writing Meetups | For doctoral candidates and postdocs Doctoral candidates and postdocs who are currently writing a doctoral dissertation or research article in English. |
| Support for Teachers using English as a Medium of Instruction (STEMI) | The STEMI programme is aimed at teachers who use English as a medium of instruction. It offers individualised support in the fields of English pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary, clear delivery and more. The programme is led by a native English-speaking teacher. One-to-one meetings are held to discuss the fields in which you would like support and you will receive confidential feedback. This programme is open to teachers of all levels of experience and offers a practical and focused approach to developing your English communication skills and achieving excellence in the classroom. |
| Individual English Consultations | One-on-one consultations with Dr Pamela Heidi Douglas are available to all university employees on an ongoing basis, both during and outside of the lecture period. The consultations offer tailored support for enhancing your English language skills and can assist you with various tasks, including proofreading academic manuscripts, refining presentation and lecture slides, preparing for an upcoming presentation or course taught in English, and brushing up on speaking skills for conferences and other events. |
