Presentation

A 10-minute evidence-informed presentation on a chosen Electronic and Information Engineering topic, including Q&A, weighted at 50% meeting Learning Outcomes 1 and 2. Assessing AHEP 4 Learning Outcomes F4, F17.

Examination

A 1-hour listening and writing exam based on subject-specific academic content in Electronic and Information Engineering where the learners’ responses will take different forms, including: writing short answers, answering reflective questions on UK conventions and culture, multiple-choice answers, weighted at 50% meeting Learning Outcomes 3 and 4. Assessing AHEP 4 Learning Outcomes F11, F17.

Formative assessment will include:

- Reflective Action plan on your learning from the process: how you organised your time, planned the presentation and what communication skills you feel you have developed, including any actions you need to take to continue to develop your skills.
- Self-assessment of own listening skills in the medium of English (from chosen online artefacts).
- Work in small groups to analyse engineering case studies.

This module develops core English language, academic communication, and engineering discipline-specific skills required for successful study in UK higher education and professional practice in international contexts. The module will focus on:
- Development of listening skills for general, academic and engineering-related purposes
- Development of speaking skills to lead and participate in discussions, presentations and engineering project briefings
- Reading effectively from a range of academic, technical and engineering-related sources
- Writing processes including planning, note-taking, and presentation design for engineering reports and documentation
- Understanding and application of key grammatical structures for academic English in engineering contexts
- Development of vocabulary for engineering discipline and wider academic contexts
- Understanding UK academic conventions including referencing and quotation in technical and engineering documents
- Summarising, paraphrasing, and synthesising academic literature
- Using academic texts, technical manuals, and datasheets to support the development of arguments
- Reading, interpreting, and using data, graphs, and figures commonly found in engineering studies
- Development of engineering-specific English language knowledge using academic sources related to the chosen subject area
- Development of professional communication skills, including technical writing, referencing and presentation
- Application of basic subject knowledge in different academic and professional contexts
- Development of personal and communication skills for engaging with different academic and engineering professional audiences
- Awareness and appreciation of different academic cultures
- Reflection on learning using reflective models to support academic progress and future development
- Preparation for further study at degree level and for professional life in an international environment

1. Communicate effectively in spoken English in academic settings by responding appropriately to questions, instructions and discussions. (AHEP 4: F17)

Learning Outcome: Communication

2. Read, summarise, and interpret information from a variety of academic sources, including data, graphs and figures relevant to Electronic and Information Engineering. (AHEP 4: F4)

Learning Outcome: Research skills

3. Reflect on how UK academic conventions and culture influence study practices and academic communication in Electronic and Information Engineering. (AHEP 4: F11)

Learning Outcome: Reflection

4. Communicate information accurately and reliably in written format within the context of Electronic and Information Engineering. (AHEP 4: F17)

Learning Outcome: Communication

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.

There will be many opportunities to engage in large and small group discussions and independent work, reflection questions, and formative, ongoing assessment, to enhance understanding and assess for learning. There will be regular opportunities for interaction with the lecturer and other students and regular feedback from the lecturers, peers and encouragement to self-assess. The teaching approaches will include presentations, group discussions, case studies, forum discussions and critical exploration of journal publications. There will be a strong emphasis on activity-focused learning and learners are expected to actively engage in all sessions. In addition, learners are required to engage in independent study to consolidate and build upon their learning in taught sessions. Outside of the classroom, opportunities to listen/engage with people speaking English will be encouraged, through the media and the internet.

There will be many opportunities to engage in speaking and listening, reading and writing activities. Learners will be expected to develop independent learning skills over the duration of the course. All opportunities to embed the chosen subject area, employability and an understanding of the culture of the UK will be utilised.

University and XUPT library
XUPT IT & presentation facilities

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

McKay, M. et al. (2023) Messages: the communications skills book. 4th edn. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications.
Pecorari, D. and Coxhead, A. (2025) Introducing English for academic purposes. 2nd edn. London: Routledge.
Oxford, D. et al. (2013) Oxford EAP: upper-intermediate. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Barker, A. (2026) How to improve your communication skills. London: Kogan Page.
McKay, M. et al. (2023) Messages: the communications skills book. 4th edn. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications.

The Communication Skills and English for Engineers module develops essential English language and academic communication skills needed for successful degree-level study. The module focuses on listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills, alongside discipline-specific academic English, digital literacy, and an understanding of UK academic conventions.