Academic English Courses in Ireland

Study English for Academic Purposes in Ireland

What is Academic English?

Academic English, or EAP (English for Academic Purposes), is what we call courses and materials which help prepare English learners for higher education. That could be a university degree or a higher-level diploma.

Like a General English course, an English for Academic Purposes course is intended to help you improve your grammar and vocabulary so that you can get as close to English proficiency as possible.

But unlike in General English where the focus is on high-frequency vocabulary that helps you in day-to-day situations, the vocabulary that you study might be more focused towards an academic context. Similarly, Academic English courses still teach all the skills (Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing), but using authentic materials taken from academic journals, lectures and other texts.

Here are the courses we offer to students preparing for higher-level education:

• IELTS Exam Preparation Courses
• Cambridge Exam Preparation Courses (GCI is one of the biggest Cambridge testing centres in Ireland)
• English for University

Pathway Programmes

If you are planning to study a degree programme in Ireland, Galway Cultural Institute is delivering in partnership with Galway Business School a range of Pathway programmes designed to give you the best preparation for undertaking your degree studies at Galway Business School or other similar colleges or universities across Ireland. 

We offer the following full-time pathway programmes: 

The skills you’ll focus on are targeted to help you succeed in your higher-level studies. For example, in an Academic English writing class your teacher would teach you how to write an effective academic essay, paper or presentation rather than a friendly letter or restaurant review. Your speaking lessons might focus on collaborating in group projects and participating in academic discussions.

These courses are intended to challenge students and prepare them for their next big adventure in a university, college or other institution of higher learning.

Who should take English for Academic Purposes courses?

If you’re studying English because you plan to go on to higher education in an English-speaking university, you almost certainly need to take a course in English for Academic purposes. You have already learned how to write academic papers, read and listen critically, and give presentations in your own language, but you need practise and guidance to do them well in English.

You may also want to consider an EAP course if you’re already a professional who has to engage with academic texts. Having access to English language publications can make you better-informed and a leader in your field. Publishing your next paper in English as well as your native language will help you reach more people. Learning how to give presentations and participate in discussions in English can help you at your next conference.

Additionally, a course in Academic English could be a great option for students who have been studying General English for a long time and want to improve their skills. Learning how to write to an academic standard and read challenging texts is a useful skill and can help you broaden your mind, engage in important global discussions, and continue learning throughout your life.

What is the importance of English for Academic Purposes courses?

There are many ways in which an EAP course can help you:

• You will learn while you learn! Because you read a lot of authentic research texts while studying EAP, you’ll gain lots of fascinating insights into all the fields of academia. By the end of your course, you won’t just be better at English, you’ll be smarter!

• You will improve your study skills. Taking the time to enhance your academic level vocabulary and reading skills will make you a better student. It’ll help you read and understand complex English texts faster so that you can study more effectively.
• You will improve your academic writing ability. Academic institutions and instructors require specific things from their students’ writing, and sometimes these requirements are different from language to language. Learning to write academic English means you’ll get better at writing in the correct register and at fulfilling the demands of any assignment.
• You will improve your note-taking. Once you get started in your higher education course in English, you will be expected to attend lectures and take your own notes to study from. Your EAP course will help prepare you for academic listening and make you a more attentive, focused student.
• You will learn to cite correctly and avoid plagiarism. Universities and colleges take plagiarism very seriously. Your EAP teacher will help you learn how to paraphrase, choose quotes, and write bibliographies that will enhance your academic writing.
• You will join the global community. English is the global language of science and academia. According to some experts, roughly 80% of academic papers are published in English.
• Your English will improve! Academic texts are full of formal constructions and rare vocabulary. You will be challenged every day in your course and all that hard work will boost your abilities. You’ll read more critically, write with greater sophistication, listen with better focus, speak convincingly and improve your vocabulary.

Why choose to study Academic English in Galway with GCI?

Galway is a truly vibrant, international city playing host to visitors from all over the world year-round. It’s the gateway to the beautiful west of Ireland, which means that it’s the perfect place from which to explore Ireland’s culture and heritage, the mountains of Connemara, and the stunning Atlantic coast. The city’s schedule is packed with exciting events and festivals in every season so that no matter when you come, there will be lots to see and do.

Even more importantly, it is a thriving, friendly student city with a student population of more than 22,000. While you’re studying Academic English in Galway you have the opportunity to make contact with other students from Ireland and every corner of the world.

Galway Cultural Institute has a highly trained, motivated staff to help you upgrade your language and take your next step towards higher education. You will have every resource available to you: modern, tech-integrated classrooms, a student library to study in, and access to computers and wifi. Apart from being a world-class, accredited language school, GCI is also partnered with Galway Business School and we therefore have experience with higher-level qualifications.

Grow as a learner!

Academic English can sound scary or exclusive, but these days more and more people are getting higher level degrees and diplomas and the world of academia is becoming more accessible and relevant than ever.

An English for Academic Purposes Course - (or English as academic purpose which people sometimes type into Google!) can be fun as well as challenging.  It can broaden your mind and help you have deep discussions with your peers. It can teach you something interesting every day. And most importantly, it can make you a better and more confident communicator.