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Communicate with Confidence

At university. At work. Anywhere.

Whether you want to strengthen your academic communication skills, prepare for future employment or build confidence using English in professional settings, our English for Specific Purposes (ESP) modules can help.

ESP offers a range of short and practical modules designed to support success both during your studies and beyond graduation.

Through interactive, skills-focused sessions, you will develop confidence, improve your communication skills and build valuable transferable skills for academic and professional success.

ESP modules are open to all University of Portsmouth students. They are optional, non-credit-bearing and designed to fit alongside your degree studies. Modules are available throughout the academic year and can be taken alongside your existing timetable.

Modules are delivered by the School of Education, Languages and Linguistics in collaboration with colleagues and professional services from across the University.

Before starting your degree course, you can also learn about academic English by taking a Pre-sessional English course.

The ESP provision is divided into two strands:

English for Academic Purposes (EAP)

Develop the communication skills needed for university study, including:

  • presentations and spoken assessments
  • academic writing and note-taking
  • dissertations and research projects
  • using AI effectively in assessments

English for Occupational Purposes (EOP)

Develop workplace and employability communication skills in areas such as:

  • workplace communication and professional interaction
  • leadership and intercultural communication
  • negotiation and conflict management
  • professional identity and employability communication
  • legal and business communication in global contexts
  • communication in healthcare settings
  • language and interaction in law enforcement and investigative contexts

Registration and Teaching Dates 2026–2027

ESP modules run throughout the academic year across four teaching periods. Most modules are 5 weeks long. One module (Writing a Postgraduate Dissertation or Final Project) runs across a full teaching block (10 weeks). 

Modules are designed to complement your degree studies and are offered during term time only.

 

TEACHING BLOCK REGISTRATION PERIOD TEACHING PERIOD
TB1A  03 August – 18 September 21 September – 23 October
TB1B 28 September – 25 October 02 November – 04 December
TB2A 07 December – 15 January 18 January – 19 February
TB2B 25 January – 21 February 01 March – 19 March and 12 April – 23 April

 

10-week module

The following module runs across a full teaching block (TB1A + TB1B or TB2A + TB2B):

Writing a Postgraduate Dissertation or Final Project (10 weeks)

Registration for the 10-week module takes place during the TB1A and TB2A registration periods only. Students should register at the start of the teaching block in which they wish to study the module.

 

How to register for an ESP module

For campus students at the University of Portsmouth

ESP modules may be taken multiple times throughout the academic year across different teaching blocks (TB1A, TB1B, TB2A and TB2B), depending on availability.

To register, complete the online registration form using the button below during the relevant registration period listed in the table below/above.

You may select up to three module options. We will try to allocate you to your preferred choice wherever possible, although this cannot be guaranteed. Places are allocated on a first come, first served basis and are dependent on:

  • student demand
  • staffing availability
  • timetabling constraints

Please note that not all modules will run in every teaching period.

If you are unable to secure a place on your preferred module during one teaching block, you can register again during the next registration period. Please refer to the ESP Module Overview below for module descriptions and availability.

Apply now

For Distance Learning students and University of Portsmouth London students

Distance Learning students and students studying at the University of Portsmouth London campus can register using the dedicated online registration form via the button below.

Online ESP support is available through a self-enrol module designed to support students in developing academic and professional communication skills flexibly alongside their studies.

Apply now

Module Information

ESP modules are available throughout the academic year and are designed to complement your degree studies. 

Modules are taught by staff with expertise in:

  • academic writing and assessment
  • professional and workplace communication
  • intercultural communication and collaboration
  • applied linguistics and English language teaching
  • employability and professional development
  • digital literacy and the effective use of AI in education

Module and availability Module Overview Skills Developed
M35639 - Performing Effectively in Spoken Assessments (5 weeks) (TB1A & TB2A) This module supports students in developing confidence and control in a range of spoken academic assessments.
  • Identifying expectations and assessment criteria for different spoken formats
  • Communicating ideas clearly and coherently under time pressure
  • Participating effectively in discussions, vivas and other spoken assessment formats
M35640 - Developing an Effective Presentation (5 weeks) (TB1B & TB2B) This module supports students in planning, structuring and delivering clear and engaging academic presentations.
  • Organising ideas logically for an academic audience
  • Using appropriate academic language and visual aids
  • Delivering presentations confidently and responding to questions effectively
M35641 - From Taking Notes to Writing Assessments (5 weeks)  (TB1A & TB2A) This module supports students in developing effective note-taking strategies to strengthen academic writing.
  • Understanding assignment titles and identifying relevant information
  • Exploring and selecting appropriate note-taking methods
  • Applying paraphrasing, summarising and synthesis skills in written assessments
M35642 - Using AI Effectively in Assessments (5 weeks) (TB1B & TB2A) This module supports students in using AI tools responsibly and strategically in academic work.
  • Understanding ethical and appropriate uses of AI in assessments
  • Evaluating and refining AI-generated content critically
  • Integrating AI tools into planning, drafting and revising processes
M35643 - Writing a Dissertation or Final Project (5 weeks) (TB1B & TB2A) This module supports students in planning, structuring and writing a dissertation or final project.
  • Understanding the structure and purpose of different dissertation sections
  • Developing critical and persuasive academic writing
  • Selecting and using appropriate academic language and sources
M35644 - Writing a Postgraduate Dissertation or Final Project (10 weeks) (TB1 & TB2) This module supports postgraduate students in planning, structuring and writing a dissertation or final project.
  • Evaluating and selecting appropriate academic sources
  • Organising and managing an extended research project
  • Writing critically and coherently at postgraduate level

 

Module and availability Module Overview Skills Developed
M35666 - Communicating Your Professional Identity (5 weeks) (TB1B & TB2B) This module supports students in presenting themselves confidently in professional and employability-related contexts.
  • Describing skills, experience and achievements clearly and effectively
  • Responding confidently to interview and networking situations
  • Adapting communication style to different professional audiences
M35667 - Effective Workplace Communication (5 weeks) (TB1A & TB2B) This module supports students in developing clear and confident communication skills for workplace settings.
  • Adapting communication to different professional audiences
  • Participating effectively in meetings and workplace discussions
  • Responding appropriately to questions and professional feedback
M35668 - Language and Interaction for Law Enforcement and Investigation (5 weeks) (TB1B & TB2A) This module supports students in developing language and interaction skills for law enforcement and investigative contexts.
  • Exploring questioning and interaction strategies used in investigative settings
  • Adapting communication for sensitive, high-pressure and intercultural situations
  • Developing confidence in professional interaction within legal and law enforcement contexts
M35669 - Leadership and Intercultural Communication in the Workplace (5 weeks) (TB1A & TB2B) This module supports students in developing leadership and intercultural communication skills for professional environments.
  • Leading and coordinating communication in multicultural teams
  • Managing intercultural communication challenges professionally
  • Using appropriate language for collaboration, leadership and decision-making
M35670 - Legal English for Global Business (5 weeks) (TB1A & TB2B) This module supports students in developing legal and professional communication skills for global business contexts.
  • Understanding legal and business terminology used in international organisations
  • Communicating professionally through emails, contracts and workplace documents
  • Developing confidence in client and stakeholder communication within global business environments
M35671 - Negotiating and Managing Conflict in Professional Contexts (5 weeks) (TB1B & TB2A) This module supports students in developing communication strategies for negotiation and conflict management in professional contexts.
  • Preparing for negotiations and defining professional objectives
  • Using persuasive language to influence decisions and manage disagreement
  • Applying cross-cultural and diplomatic communication strategies effectively

M35672 - Professional Communication in Healthcare Settings (5 weeks) (TB1A; TB1B & TB2B) 

 This module supports students in developing professional communication skills for healthcare settings.
  • Building rapport and communicating empathetically with patients
  • Explaining information clearly using accessible language
  • Adapting communication strategies for different patient needs and professional contexts

 

Why Study an ESP Module?

ESP modules are designed to fit alongside your degree and help you develop the communication skills needed for success at university and in future employment.

Through short, practical and interactive sessions, ESP modules can help you:

  • build confidence in academic and professional communication
  • improve presentation, discussion and teamwork skills
  • prepare for graduate employment and workplace interaction
  • develop leadership, intercultural and workplace communication strategies
  • strengthen transferable and employability skills through applied learning activities

 

How ESP Modules Work

  • Optional for all University of Portsmouth students
  • Non-credit-bearing modules designed to complement your degree studies
  • No formal assessments or exams
  • Weekly 2-hour sessions
  • Most modules run over 5 weeks
  • One extended 10-week module available for postgraduate dissertation support
  • Taught by staff with expertise in academic and professional language development

Students completing English for Occupational Purposes (EOP) modules may also receive certificates of completion and/or digital badges, subject to attendance requirements.

 

Who can join?

ESP modules are open to all University of Portsmouth students, including undergraduate, postgraduate, international, home, campus-based and Distance Learning students.

Modules are designed to support students who would like to develop their academic, professional or workplace communication skills alongside their degree studies.

 

Attendance and Digital Recognition

ESP modules are non-credit-bearing and designed to support your academic and professional development alongside your degree.

Students completing EOP modules with at least 80% attendance (4 out of 5 sessions) will be eligible to receive a Certificate of Completion or a digital badge.

Further details will be shared at registration.

 

Contact us

If you have any questions about the ESP provision, module availability or registration, please contact the ESP team.

E: esp@port.ac.uk

T: +44 (0)23 9284 6190

We are happy to help with:

  • choosing a suitable module
  • registration queries
  • module availability and timetabling
  • general questions about the ESP provision