• University of Southampton

English as a Medium of Instruction for Academics

Equip yourself to teach in international contexts by increasing your English language skills and intercultural knowledge.

59,482 enrolled on this course

Lecturer presenting to students

English as a Medium of Instruction for Academics

59,482 enrolled on this course

  • 4 weeks

  • 4 hours per week

  • Digital certificate when eligible

  • Open level

Find out more about how to join this course

Learn how to teach your subject in English

As universities work to become globally competitive courses taught in English are expanding.

Those working in Higher Education are often thrown into producing academic work in English – either as teachers or researchers – without training in English language or intercultural skills.

This course aims to remedy that, giving you a thorough introduction to English as a Medium of Instruction (EMI). You’ll learn about current EMI practice, and increase your confidence in using English, you’ll also work to grow your intercultural skills.

Join us and get prepared for the global classroom.

What topics will you cover?

  • What is EMI?
  • Different contexts of EMI use and different interpretations/meanings of the term including internationalisation ‘at home’
  • Latest research findings and discussions about how ELF research has influenced EMI
  • The role of language in effective intercultural communication
  • Useful language for presenting ideas in English (e.g. signposting language)
  • The use of the voice in effective intercultural communication, e.g. clarity, speed of delivery, intonation etc
  • How far is accuracy in language important?
  • Issues and challenges in lecturing for a multilingual and multicultural audience
  • Facilitating and managing effective communication in small groups or seminars
  • Recognising cultural differences in the international classroom and avoiding stereotypes
  • Practical tips for addressing intercultural challenges

When would you like to start?

Start straight away and join a global classroom of learners. If the course hasn’t started yet you’ll see the future date listed below.

  • Available now

Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

  • Explore aspects of research and practice in contemporary EMI across the world
  • Develop confidence in using English as a medium of instruction and become part of a community of practice in EMI
  • Compare the different contexts of use for EMI and reflect upon how this understanding fits with your own teaching context
  • Identify challenges in facilitating effective intercultural communication in a variety of contexts (lectures, seminars, writing etc) and explore how these may be addressed
  • Explore the role of the voice in effective intercultural communication
  • Identify appropriate language to facilitate effective communication in English and discuss the role of language in intercultural communication
  • Investigate how to promote successful communication in educational interactions

Who is the course for?

This short course has been created for non-native speakers of English, required to teach in HE through the medium of English. The ideas underpinning the course are based in the work of Professor Jennifer Jenkins and researchers at the Centre for Global Englishes.

What software or tools do you need?

None

What do people say about this course?

"I found FutureLearn whilst surfing through Google and found the English as a Medium of Instruction for Academics course by the University of Southampton. I felt sure it would enrich my career goals and, already, it has helped me achieve greater heights in my workplace. "

Who will you learn with?

At the University of Southampton, I have been involved with a range of language and applied linguistics programmes. I am interested in the complex and social nature of communication and education.

English Medium Instruction has been my main research focus since 2007 when I taught our first EMI course at Southampton. I've worked with so many wonderful international colleagues because of EMI!

Who developed the course?

University of Southampton

Southampton is a place for ambitious people keen to stretch their intellectual abilities and help change the world.

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Ways to learn

Choose the best way to learn for you!

Subscribe & save

$27.99

For the first two months. Automatically renews

Develop skills to further your career

  • Access to this course
  • Access to 1,000+ courses
  • Learn at your own pace
  • Discuss your learning in comments
  • Digital certificate when you're eligible

Cancel for free anytime

Buy this course

$134/one-off payment

Fulfill your current learning need

  • Access to this course
  • Learn at your own pace
  • Discuss your learning in comments
  • Printed and digital certificate when you’re eligible

Limited access

Free

Sample the course materials

  • Access expires 25 Apr 2024

Find out more about certificates, Unlimited or buying a course (Upgrades)

T&Cs apply.

Learning on FutureLearn

Your learning, your rules

  • Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
  • Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
  • Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores

Join a global classroom

  • Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
  • Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
  • Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others

Map your progress

  • As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
  • Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
  • Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate

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