The course coordinator will deliver the content of each module. Lectures will be followed by short exercises for hands-on practice and self-evaluation. Cooperative and collaborative learning will be encouraged by means of peer review and peer feedback activities. The last part of the course will be project-based and will involve students in the simulation of an academic conference.
The course is structured as follows:
- Lesson 1 (1.5 hours) – 13th February 2026, 11.00-12.30 CET: process writing; cohesion and coherence; accuracy; the use of generative AI to improve academic writing skills
- Lesson 2 (1.5 hours) – 19th February 2026, 11.00-12.30 CET: style and register in academic writing and public speaking¸ graph description
- Lesson 3 (1.5 hours) – 26th February 2026, 11.00-12.30 CET: writing an abstract; preparing a presentation; giving feedback
- Lesson 4 (1.5 hours) – 5th March 2026, 11.00-12.30 CET: selecting, integrating and quoting sources in writing and in oral presentations; paraphrasing; avoiding plagiarism
- Lesson 5 (4 hours) – 11th March 2026, 09.00-13.00 CET: mock conference
- Lesson 6 (2 hours) – 13th March 2026, 11.00-13.00 CET: evaluation and feedback
Learning outcomes
Students will share their research projects in English, fostering intercultural exchange with their peers and practising both English for Academic Purposes (EAP) and English as a Lingua Franca (ELF). The course aims to develop both their written and oral communication skills in academic English. At the end of the course they will know how to write an abstract, structure and deliver a conference presentation and handle questions.
Assessment methods
All candidates are asked to prepare an abstract and a presentation for a mock conference to be held online during session 5. The topic of their presentation can be one section or one aspect of their current research or the research that they would like to carry out. Presentations shall be orally delivered and can be accompanied by either a Power Point or any other type of visual. The overall presentation shall last no more than 10 minutes, followed by a 5-minute Q&A session. Both the abstract and the presentation will not be evaluated for their specialized content but for their language and structure.
Who can apply
The course is open to 15 ERUA Master’s students, especially those interested in applying for a PhD programme, as well as PhD students.
Students with a good command of English (minimum CEFR B2 level) in both speaking and writing are welcome to apply. Students from all academic backgrounds are welcome.
How to apply
Students interested in applying should complete the following form by 5th February 2026: Communication Skills in English for Academic Writing and Public Speaking – Fill in the form.
