Our Courses

ELC

The English Language Centre at University of Galway provides programmes to suit the different learning needs of our students.

  • 4-week Pre-sessional EAP Programme is a language and academic skills preparation course aimed at all students with an offer to study at University of Galway. 
  • 7-week Pre-sessional EAP Programme Online On Campus is a language and academic skills preparation course aimed at students on an IELTS 6 (with no band lower band than 6) who need to meet the language requirement to accept an offer to study at University of Galway. 
  • 10-week Pre-sessional EAP Programme Online & On Campus is a language and academic skills preparation course aimed at students on an IELTS 6 (with no band lower than 5.5) who need to meet the language requirement to accept an offer to study at University of Galway. 
  • 25-Week Pre-Masters English Language Pathway is a higher diploma designed to develop students’ English language and academic skills to a level commensurate with studying at university.  
  • Bridging Programme is a pre-doctoral course designed to develop proficiency in the core English language skills and academic skills including research methodologies, academic writing, critical reading, presentation skills. A core aim of this course is to prepare candidates in the skills required to undertake a PhD in Ireland 
  • Erasmus+ Mobility Courses are aimed at academic and administrative staff working in higher education who wishes to improve their English language and professional skills.   
  • English Language for Refugees provides free English language classes for refugees living in Galway.  
  • English Language Group Programmes  English language and social programme for groups with bespoke requirements.  
  • In-Sessional English for Academic Purpose (EAP) Workshops. We provide EAP Workshops for all international students throughout their studies.  

    We are here to support all of our international students on their academic journey towards reaching their full potential as students of University of Galway. We recognise that the language and skills required for academic study can be challenging and would like to support you as you build and develop these skills throughout your studies.

    We will be running a series of in-person English for Academic Purpose (EAP) Workshops this semester. These workshops are free of charge and available to all international students including Erasmus students and students of our ENLIGHT partners.

    Further Information:

    • Dates: 17 January - 10 March 2023
    • Location: SC200a on the Concourse
    • Duration: 75 minute sessions
    • Booking system: first-come-first-served basis
    • Maximum participants: 15 per session

    To book a session, please click the following link and complete the booking form https://nuigalwayelc.clr.events/ 

Check out our video testimonials here

4-week Pre-sessional EAP Programme

The 4-week Pre-Sessional EAP Programme is aimed at international students who meet the University’s English language requirement who would benefit from improving their language and academic skills prior to commencing their chosen postgraduate course. The aim of the programme is to develop proficiency in the core linguistic areas, English for academic purposes and to develop academic skills required for successful transition to your postgraduate degree course.

Entry Requirements

An IELTS score of 6.5

Course Overview

  • Classes with experienced EAP teachers
  • Guided and collaborative learning with your international classmates
  • Scheduled 1-1 feedback sessions with your teacher
  • Administrative support from University of Galway’s English Language Centre
  • Course Certification on successful completion of all modules
  • Maximum 15 students per class

Course Objectives

  • Academic Skills Development (Research, Communication, Academic Writing, Presentations, effective note-taking)
  • Develop learner skills for group tasks and independent study and research
  • Build discipline-related knowledge through academic text analysis and reading
  • Develop ability to write accurately referenced pieces in appropriate academic style and register
  • Develop critical thinking skills essential for postgraduate study
  • Orientation to Irish culture and life at University of Galway including learning technologies and student support services

Delivery Mode

The programme will be deliver in – person at University of Galway subject to Government Public Health Guidance and campus imposed restrictions

Course Dates

31 July 2023 – 25 August 2023

Course Fees

Tuition Fee: €1,250

Course Materials: €70 (to be purchased by the student prior to course commencement)

Required to participate in the programme

  • Headset
  • Laptop/Tablet
  • Microphone
  • Course Materials

How to Book

Book this English Language Course  here.

7-week Pre-sessional EAP Programme Online & On Campus

Course Description

The 7-week Pre-Sessional EAP Programmes is designed to develop students’ English language skills to a level commensurate with studying at university. The aim of the programme is to develop proficiency in the core linguistic areas (reading, writing, listening speaking) and to prepare students in the essential academic skills for postgraduate study. The course incorporates one-one-feedback sessions and coaching to assist students plan for a successful transition to their chosen postgraduate programme.

Entry Requirements: 

An IELTS score of 6 with a minimum score of 6 is required in all bands or Duolingo 105

An interview may form part of your application

Course Overview

  • Develop proficiency in the core linguistic areas
  • Academic skills development (research methodologies, academic writing, critical reading, presentation skills).
  • Build discipline-related knowledge through academic text analysis and reading
  • Develop critical thinking skills essential for postgraduate study
  • One-one-feedback sessions with your EAP teacher
  • Executive coaching on completion of the course to assist students plan for a successful transition to their chosen programme.
  • Orientation to Irish culture and student life at University of Galway

Delivery Mode

  • On campus & Online
  • Exit Requirements
  • Successful completion of all course modules with a minimum average exit grade of 70%
  • 90% attendance

Course Dates

Online EAP Pre-Sessional: 19 June – 4 August 2023

On Campus EAP Pre-Sessional:  19 June - 4 August 2023

Course Fees

€2,250

Required to participate in the programme online

  • Headset
  • Laptop/Tablet 
  • Microphone 
  • Course Materials

How to Book

Book this English Language Course here. 

10-week Pre-sessional EAP Programme Online & On Campus

Course Description

The 10-week Pre-Sessional EAP Programme Online is aimed at international students whose English language level is below the University’s language entry requirement for academic study at University of Galway. The aim of the programme is to develop proficiency in the core linguistic areas, English for academic purposes, develop students’ academic skills required for successful transition to their postgraduate degree course.

Entry Requirements

  • An IELTS score of 6, with a minimum score of 5.5 is required in all bands or Duolingo 110
  • An interview may be scheduled as part of your application.

Course Overview

  • Online classes with experienced EAP teachers
  • Guided and collaborative learning with your international classmates
  • Scheduled 1-1 feedback sessions with your teacher
  • Administrative support from University of Galway’s English Language Centre
  • Final Course Assessment & Course Certification on successful completion of all modules
  • Maximum 15 students per class

Course Objectives

  • Develop core linguistic and English for Academic Purposes (EAP) skills
  • Develop core linguistic and English for Academic Purposes (EAP) skills
  • Academic Skills Development (Research, Communication, Academic Writing, Presentations, effective note-taking)
  • Develop learner skills for group tasks and independent study and research
  • Build discipline-related knowledge through academic text analysis and reading
  • Develop ability to write accurately referenced pieces in appropriate academic style and register
  • Develop critical thinking skills essential for postgraduate study
  • Orientation to Irish culture and life at University of Galway including learning technologies and student support services

Delivery Mode

Online & On Campus

Exit Requirements

  • Successful completion of all course modules with a minimum average exit grade of 70%
  • 90% attendance

Course Dates

On Campus: 29 May - 4 August 2023

Online: 29 May – 4 August 2023

Course Fees

Tuition Fee: €3,250

Course Materials: €70 (to be purchased by student prior to course commencement)

Required to participate in the programme online

  • Headset
  • Laptop/Tablet
  • Microphone
  • Course Materials

How to Book

Book this English Language Course here.

25-Week Pre-Masters English Language Pathway

Course Description

The Pre-Masters English Language Pathway is a higher diploma course designed to develop students’ English language skills to a level commensurate with studying at third level. On successful completion of the course, students will progress to some of the most innovative and competitive postgraduate degree courses in Business, Law, Public Policy, Science, Engineering, Medicine and Arts.

Entry Requirements

  • IELTS 5.5 overall with no component less than 5.0.
  • Students must hold an honours degree in any subject.
  • An Interview may form part of your application.

Course Overview

  • Higher Diploma Certification (Level 8) on successful completion of all modules.
  • General English classes in mixed nationality groups at Atlantic Language Galway.
  • English for Academic Purposes (EAP) and academic skills classes at University of Galway.
  • Students will undertake a minor discipline-specific dissertation.
  • One-one-feedback sessions and coaching to assist students with a successful transition to your chosen programme.

Course Objectives

  • Develop proficiency in the core linguistic areas.
  • Academic skills development (research methodologies, academic writing, critical reading, presentation skills).
  • Build discipline-related knowledge through academic text analysis and reading.
  • Develop critical thinking skills essential for postgraduate study.
  • Orientation to Irish culture and student life at University of Galway.

Exit Requirement

Successful completion of all course modules

Delivery Mode

This course will be delivered at University of Galway and Atlantic Language Galway

Course Dates

6 February – 4 August 2023

Course Fees

Tuition: €6,950

Registration fee: €35

How to Book

Book this English Language Course here

Bridging Programme

Course Description 

The 8-Week pre-doctoral Bridging programme is designed to develop proficiency in the core English language skills and academic skills including research methodologies, academic writing, critical reading, presentation skills. A core aim of this course is to prepare candidates in the skills required to undertake a PhD in Ireland including using academic resources, library use, critical reading, research ethics and integrity, writing and defence of research proposals. The programme will include an opportunity for candidates to meet with academics from a range of universities to learn more about PhD opportunities and meet with potential supervisors researching in their fields. Participants will also experience a welcoming and engaging social and cultural activity programme.

Entry Requirement

An IELTS band of 6.5 with no score is lower than 6 in any band

Course Aims:

  • English for Academic Purposes (EAP) skills
  • Academic skills including academic writing, critical reading, research methodologies, and presentation skills
  • Critical thinking on a range of academic topics and scenarios
  • Awareness of the cultural and academic conventions commensurate with research and teaching in a European context;
  • Use of academic vocabulary and register appropriate to participants’ respective discipline and area of research;
  • Ability to access, search and use academic library resources including online databases for research purposes
  • Knowledge of the conventions of and compliance with research ethics and integrity.

Learning Outcomes

  • On successful completion of the programme, participants will be better able to:
  • Demonstrate an ability to write in appropriate academic style and register through the medium of English;
  • Present and defend discipline and research-related content in English
  • Critique, analyse and conduct academic research within their own research fields
  • Participate constructively in academic seminars and discussions with an awareness of cultural expectations and conventions
  • Prepare and give academic presentations including presenting an academic poster outlining the participant’s draft research proposal

Included in the Programme

  • 8-weeks of tuition.
  • Campus visits to other Irish universities.
  • Facilitation of academic meetings with researchers.
  • Accommodation in self-catering apartments in Galway city.
  • Social activities and tours.
  • Airport transfer to/from Dublin airport.

How to Book

To inquire about this course, please contact Dr Maeve Egan eganm@universityofgalway.ie

Erasmus+ Staff Mobility

This course is aimed at administrative and academic staff working in higher education and who would like to improve their English language and professional skills for their purpose of their work. Participants will have the opportunity to actively practice using the target language and to learn about Irish Culture in class and through tours to landmark areas in the West of Ireland.

Participation in a Erasmus+ staff mobility programme is funded by your home institution. The English Language Centre will provide the essential documentation to receiving funding for these courses (Staff Mobility for Training Invitation, Course Outline, Certificate of Participation.

How to Book

To inquire about this course, please contact Dr Maeve Egan eganm@universityofgalway.ie

English Language for Refugees

With the support of the University of Sanctuary, the English language Centre provide free English language classes throughout the year. When possible, we offer support and mentorship to students who are seeking employment in Galway.

English Language Group Programmes

The English Language Centre offers a range of different options for English language groups including administrative English courses for university staff, Teacher Trainer courses, English & Discipline which are combined with a rich social and cultural activity programme. Each group booking is based on a pre-agreed quotation and contract which lays out in detail the different aspects, prices etc. of the overall package in question. For inquiries, please contact Dr Maeve Egan: eganm@universityofgalway.ie

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