Practical Examination – Digital Proficiency

A 45-minute practical IT exam on IT tasks using general office software such as formatting text, importing images into a file, producing charts, producing presentation slides, etc., weighted at 30% meeting Learning Outcome 1. Assessing AHEP 4 Learning Outcomes F12.

Examination – General English Skills
A 2-hour exam on English reading, writing, speaking and listening skills, weighted at 70% meeting Learning Outcomes 2, 3 and 4. Assessing AHEP 4 Learning Outcomes F17.

There is no condonement allowed for this Module

Formative assessment will include mock exams.

This module is designed to develop learners’ English language proficiency and digital skills, providing a foundation for academic study, professional communication, and effective use of technology in international contexts.

The module will cover the following topics on General English Skills:
- Development of all four core English language skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking
- Reading effectively from academic and non-academic sources
- Writing processes, including planning, structure, style, paraphrasing, summarising, and critical thinking
- Key grammatical structures and development of academic vocabulary
- Understanding and applying academic conventions used in UK universities
- Communication skills for different academic audiences and professional contexts
- Reflective learning, including the use of reflective models to evaluate and act on personal learning
- Achievement of at least IELTS 6 proficiency

The module will also cover the following basic IT and digital skills:
- Keyboard proficiency and operating system navigation
- Use of general office software packages
- Internet literacy and safe, effective online practices
- Use of apps, video conferencing, and digital collaboration tools
- Problem-solving in IT contexts and troubleshooting digital tools

This module cannot be condoned; successful completion ensures learners achieve IELTS 6 proficiency.

Skills developed form an essential foundation for further degree-level study and working in international and digital environments.

1. Use applications and software on ICT-based devices proficiently and productively, showcasing digital literacy. (AHEP 4: F12)

Learning Outcome: Digital literacy

2. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of correct, written and spoken academic English to a level equivalent to IELTS 6. (AHEP 4: F17)

Learning Outcome: Knowledge & understanding

3. Communicate information accurately and reliably in written and spoken academic English to level equivalent of IELTS 6. (AHEP 4: F17)

Learning Outcome: Communication

4. Analyse and interpret written and spoken information in academic English to level equivalent of IELTS 6. (AHEP 4: F17)

Learning Outcome: Application & problem-solving

Whole group lectures will be used to deliver new material and to consolidate previous material. Small-group tutorials, with activities designed to enhance the understanding of the material delivered in the lectures, will be used to apply the skills and knowledge learned. Learners will engage in a variety of interactive activities, including large and small group discussions, case studies, presentations, forum discussions, critical exploration of journals, and academic webquests, with a strong emphasis on activity-focused and experiential learning. Formative assessment will run throughout the module, including oral and written presentations, concept maps, discussions, knowledge walls, e-quizzes, worksheets, mini-WebQuests, and gamified tasks, with opportunities for peer and self-assessment.

Independent study will consolidate learning from taught sessions, develop English language skills, and enhance IT and digital literacy, including engagement with multimedia resources such as Teams, Zoom, Padlet, Socrative, Kahoot!, WeChat, blogs, and forums, or equivalent. IT workshops will provide practical, formative exercises both individually and collaboratively with peers and lecturers.

Learners will be encouraged to reflect on their learning, develop independent study skills, and practise English listening, speaking, reading, and writing in academic and professional contexts. All teaching will embed employability, subject-specific application, and understanding of UK culture.

University and XUPT library
XUPT IT & presentation facilities

Must be registered on BEng (Hons) Electronic and Information Engineering provision at XUPT, China.

Murphy, R. (2025) English Grammar in Use (5th edn). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Dowdall, C. (ed.) (2021) Digital literacies in education: teaching, learning and assessment in 21st century classrooms. Leicester: UK Literacy Association.
Latham-Koenig, C., Oxenden, C., Chomacki, K. and Lambert, J. (2025) English File fifth edition. Oxford: Oxford University Press
Graham, D (2018), English for Academic Purposes. Critical Publishing, St Albans
Lowe, J. (2025), Microsoft Office 365 for beginners: practical guide 2025.: Independently published.

The General English Skills and Digital Proficiency module equips learners with essential English language skills and digital literacy to support academic study and future careers. Learners will develop reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills, achieve at least IELTS 6 proficiency, and gain confidence using digital tools, software, and online collaboration platforms.