Academic Research and Communication Skills

This core module is included in every IFP pathway and is designed to prepare you for the style of teaching, learning, and assessment you’ll experience at university in the UK. This module ensures that, whatever subject pathway you choose, you will be equipped with the transferable skills needed not only for your degree but also for your future career.

Key Information

Module Content

You will develop your academic language, literacy and research skills, practising reading, writing, listening and speaking in authentic academic contexts. The module will help you to:

Structure and present arguments clearly in essays, reports and presentations.
Communicate effectively in both written and spoken formats. Evaluate and reference academic sources accurately.
Work independently as well as in teams to complete research-based projects.

You will also be introduced to critical academic practices, such as inquiry-based research and reflective learning, which are central to success at undergraduate level.

By the end of the module, you will have the confidence to:

Plan, produce and present structured academic work.
Engage in debates and discussions, developing your critical thinking skills.
Demonstrate the independent study and research skills expected at university.

Assessment

Through teamwork and a research-based project, students will apply the skills they have developed to authentic academic tasks.

Research based project:

A key feature of this module is the Research Project. In this exciting element, you will propose, design, plan, and carry out your own research project on a topic of interest.

At our annual student conference, you’ll showcase your poster to staff and fellow students, explaining your ideas and answering questions about your work. It’s a great opportunity to showcase your creativity, build your confidence, and practise presenting your research in a supportive academic setting.

We're Accredited by BALEAP

This module (ARCS) is accredited by BALEAPLink opens in a new window, the British Association of Lecturers in English for Academic Purposes.

The BALEAP Accreditation Scheme (BAS) is designed to establish and sustain the standard required of specialist English for Academic Purposes provision to enhance the student experience and learning.

What our students think....

"The skills we’re developing are essential for effective communication and understanding in an academic setting. I particularly appreciate how our teacher structures the lessons—they’re engaging, interactive, and make the learning process genuinely enjoyable. Overall, the EAP program has been a fantastic experience, and I’m grateful to be a part of it!"

Renata - IFP Student 2025/6

" This was one of my favourite modules, since it not only improves your language knowledge but also develops such skills as public speaking, debating, problem solving, critical thinking, teamwork and communication. It’s not about English itself - it’s about making students prepared for various academic aspects of their future university degree."

Ella, former IFP student and progressed onto BA Hons Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) at Warwick

"At first, I believed that the module would be time-consuming and not particularly important. However, my perspective has changed significantly. The lessons are engaging and interactive, making learning enjoyable rather than a burden. The content is highly relevant to my academic journey, helping me develop critical thinking, academic writing, and presentation skills. I have improved my ability to structure essays, reference sources correctly, and participate effectively in discussions. These skills are not only beneficial for my current studies but will also be invaluable in university and beyond."

Kyrylo - IFP Student 2025/6