The Department of Academic Communication Skills

The department is responsible for teaching courses that help students develop strong academic communication abilities, especially in English. These generally include:

• English for Academic Purposes (EAP): Helping students learn how to write and communicate effectively in academic settings.
• English for Specific Purposes (ESP): Focusing on communication skills tailored to particular disciplines or fields.

This means students learn skills like academic writing, research reporting, presentations, critical reading, and discipline-specific communication — all of which are essential for success in university studies and beyond.

Courses and Requirement

Although not a standalone degree, Academic Communication Skills courses are built into many undergraduate programmes at UNESWA, especially in the Bachelor of Arts in Humanities and other faculties (e.g., in Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Education curricula). For example, first-year students across various programmes are typically required to take Academic Communication Skills courses such as English for Academic Purposes and English for Specific Purposes as part of their core or general education requirements.

Teaching and Research

• The department teaches undergraduate courses and contributes to the development of students’ research communication skills.
• It also engages in research within applied linguistics and related areas, reflecting its academic expertise.