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851-0832-10L 2 Credits DS D-GESS
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Advanced English for Academic Purposes (C1-C2)

No enrolment to this course at ETH Zurich. Book the corresponding course directly at "Language Center of UZH and ETH Zürich". Course fees: Registration dates:
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:35:05

Abstract

This course is designed for Bachelor and Master students from all disciplines, who wish to improve their English from C1 towards C2 level and train their language skills at Mastery level. Selected Academic English features are included to add value to the course to meet standard entrance requirements by leading universities and colleges worldwide.

Objective

Participants should already have reached a level of C1 (advanced), as defined in the Council of Europe Global Scale. The course is also open to participants whose level is above C1. The course aims to train and develop linguistic skills at Mastery level, with a focus on formal and informal lexis, on listening and oral communication skills, increasing fluency, accuracy and complexity of spoken language; writing well-structured descriptive texts and argumentative essays, with the aim to fulfill the language requirements for study at an English speaking university or follow University Master Courses held in English.

Content

The course covers: a review of vocabulary building and extension, including the Academic Word List and formulaic language; input on academic reading, writing and listening comprehension; improvement of grammatical accuracy with web-based practice. Special emphasis is placed on individual speaking, argumentative discourse and group discussions, to enhance fluency and confidence. Topics cover globalisation, communication, social issues, health, work and/or the environment.

Resources

Lecture Notes

No script.

Literature

Course materials will be provided electronically, prior to the lessons. For additional handouts and materials participants will be expected to make a contribution of about CHF 5.00 at the beginning of the course.

Learning Materials (Links)

General Information

Language
English
Levels
DS
Frequency
Semesterly recurring

Examination

Type
graded semester performance

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture with exercise Advanced English for Academic Purposes (C1-C2) (Sprachenzentrum)
**Kurs vom Sprachenzentrum der UZH und der ETH Zürich** Parallelkurs I
No time listed 2 h weekly

Offered In

  • GESS Science in Perspective (Only the topics listed in this paragraph can be chosen as GESS Science in Perspective. Further below you will find the "type B courses Reflections about subject specific methods and content" as well as the language courses. 6 ECTS need to be acquired during the BA and 2 ECTS during the MA Students who already took a course within their main study program are NOT allowed to take the course again.)
    • Language Courses of the UZH and ETH Zurich (A maximum of three credits from language courses may be recognised. In addition, only advanced courses (level B2 upwards) in the European languages English, French, Italian and Spanish are recognised. German language courses are recognised from level C2 upwards. Course fees: Registration dates: )