Study information

Professional English

Module titleProfessional English
Module codeELC2730
Academic year2024/5
Credits15
Module staff
Duration: Term123
Duration: Weeks

11

11

Number students taking module (anticipated)

16

Module description

Students taking this module will learn how to use their English skills effectively in business and other professional settings. This includes a range of oral contexts such as meetings, negotiations, presentations, pitching and selling, in addition to formal and informal written communication such as emails, letters, reports, proposals and social media posts. This module will also explore the issues of using English as a global language for the workplace and reflect on the implications for its users. There are no prerequisites for this module, and it is suitable for students from all subject areas with an English level from B2 to C2 on the CEFR framework (IELTS 6.5 to 8). Students wishing to take this module will need to complete a short task to ensure appropriate language level and shouldemail insessional@exeter.ac.ukbefore registering. 

Module aims - intentions of the module

This module provides opportunities to enhance employability and raise awareness on issues of cultural competence in a globalised world. Its overarching aim is to help students to build real-world skills with transferability into workplace settings. It would be valuable for students who are non-native speakers of English and would like to be able to demonstrate specific aptitude in English for the workplace.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

  • 1. Use English to communicate clearly, accurately, and effectively in oral professional encounters.
  • 2. Use English to communicate appropriately in different genres of professional communication.
  • 3. Effectively fulfil different purposes in written communication, including explaining complex issues.
  • 4. Build appropriate lexis and grammar for professional communication.

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

  • 5. Understand and use professional English to address business challenges such as marketing and sales, sustainability, international supply chain management, technological innovation and artificial intelligence.
  • 6. Evaluate the challenges and opportunities of using English in intercultural professional contexts

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

  • 7. Work effectively with a team.
  • 8. Use research strategies.
  • 9. Identify problems and find solutions.
  • 10. Work autonomously, when appropriate and reflect on process.

Syllabus plan

  • Professional communication in a digital, social, and mobile world. 

  • Using English as a lingua franca for professional purposes 

  • Communication challenges in a diverse world. 

  • Interpersonal communication and etiquette. 

  • Writing professional messages. Being clear and concise. Writing routine, negative, and persuasive messages. 

  • Using social media for professional purposes. 

  • Writing professional reports: researching, planning, drafting, and editing. 

  • Delivering professional presentations. 

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Scheduled Learning and Teaching ActivitiesGuided independent studyPlacement / study abroad
441060

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

CategoryHours of study timeDescription
Scheduled learning and teaching activities 44 Lectures, language classes and seminars.
Guided Independent Study 42Review and practice activities focusing on language, grammar and function.
Guided Independent Study 20Keeping a reflective journal of learning.
Guided Independent Study 44Research and preparation for group project.

Formative assessment

Form of assessmentSize of the assessment (eg length / duration)ILOs assessedFeedback method
Group proposal for project work 1200words 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 Tutor written feedback
Group presentation on project Topic8-10 Minutes1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 Peer and tutor oral feedback
Reflective learning journal (3 entries) 6000 Words3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10 Tutor written feedback

Summative assessment (% of credit)

CourseworkWritten examsPractical exams
10000

Details of summative assessment

Form of assessment% of creditSize of the assessment (eg length / duration)ILOs assessedFeedback method
Group report on project work 402000 Words2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 Tutor written feedback
Group presentation on project work 4020 Minutes1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 Tutor written feedback
Individual written reflection201000 words 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10Tutor written feedback
0
0
0

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Original form of assessmentForm of re-assessmentILOs re-assessedTimescale for re-assessment
Individual report on project work Re-submission 2, 3,4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 August/September assessment period
Individual presentation on project work Re-submission 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 August/September assessment period
Individual reflection on module learning and project work Re-submission 3,4, 5, 6, 8, 10August/September assessment period

Re-assessment notes

Deferral – if you miss an assessment for reasons judged legitimate by the Mitigation Committee, the applicable assessment will normally be deferred. See ‘Details of reassessment’ for the form that assessment usually takes. When deferral occurs there is ordinarily no change to the overall weighting of that assessment. 

 

Referral – if you have failed the module overall (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 40%) you will be required to take a re-sit exam. Only your performance in this exam will count towards your final module grade. A grade of 40% will be awarded if the examination is passed.

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

Basic reading: 

 

Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources

Web-based and electronic resources:  

 

  • ELE – College to provide hyperlink to appropriate pages 

Key words search

Professional, English, Workplace, Communication 

Credit value15
Module ECTS

7.5

Module pre-requisites

None

Module co-requisites

None

NQF level (module)

5

Available as distance learning?

No

Last revision date

29/06/2023