English for Academic Purposes

Entry Requirements/ Participants

English for Business Masters is designed for students going on to study for an MBA or other postgraduate business studies degree at the University of Edinburgh. EBM students follow a programme designed to improve their English for use in the business and academic environments with a particular focus on improving English language skills for effective participation in the University of Edinburgh Business School MBA and MSc programmes.

Course

Content

1. EBM Reading and Writing Skills
Practice in reading for and writing academic assignments for the MBA. Students will write two assignments:-

- an essay
- a case study analysis

2. Business Communication Skills
Development of core business communication skills, for example:-

- giving presentations
- participating in meetings
- negotiating

3. Business Topics
Development of English language skills through the exploration of key business topics. These will include presentations by guest lecturers relating to key EBM and other business topics and video material, including an MBA class in action.

4. Team Projects
Participants will work in teams on three micro-projects, leading to group presentations.

5. Language Review
Language review sessions focus on the language used in the lecture room including strategies and skills for effective participation as well as core business and management vocabulary.

Approach
There is an emphasis on the development of both academic writing skills and oral presentation skills with opportunities for both individual and team work . A series of talks by guest speakers and video sessions is programmed to develop listening skills. Participants will be required to produce several assignments to deadlines - a necessary preparation for the potential EBM student.