CENTRE FOR APPLIED LINGUISTICS
PROGRAMME IN ENGLISH FOR POSTGRADUATE STUDIES
2015-16
STUDENTS’ HANDBOOK
Course dates
Autumn Term
th
Monday 5 October 2015 - Saturday 12th December 2015
Spring Term
Monday 11th January 2016 - Saturday 19th March 2016
Summer Term
Monday 25th April 2016 - Saturday 2nd July 2016
Please note the following days are Bank Holidays in Britain and there are no classes
nd
th
on these days: Monday 2 May 2016, Monday 30 May 2016,
Welcome to the Centre for Applied Linguistics
We hope that you will enjoy your time at Warwick and that you will find your studies on the
PROGRAMME IN ENGLISH FOR POSTGRADUATE STUDIES rewarding.
This booklet contains information about the Programme in English for Postgraduate Studies,
some of the resources and support available to you during your studies at Warwick, and also
about the Centre and the University in general. This Centre is your academic home while you
are following the Programme at Warwick. We will usually be able to help you with any
questions and we will certainly always be willing to try! Please do ask us if you have any
questions, no matter how small they may seem.
A number of other sources of information are available to you when you arrive at Warwick
University. The International Office issues a package of information to international students
before they come to Warwick which can be found on the website:
www.warwick.ac.uk/services/international which has lots of advice on the realities and costs of
living in Britain as a student. The Student Union also has useful information and advice and this
can be found on the following site: http://www.warwicksu.com/advice . All of these sources will
be of use to you.
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Contents
1. Programme In English For Postgraduate Studies Course: General Information
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
1.5
Aims of the Course
Entry Level
Summary Scale of the Common Reference Levels for Language
Course Structure
Attendance
2. Programme Content
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
2.5
2.6
2.7
2.8
Programme In English For Postgraduate Studies Course
Timetable
Teaching Staff
Teaching Methodology
Testing
Self Study
The Learning Resources Room
Pre-sessional Course
3. Resources in the Wider University
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
3.5
3.6
3.7
3.8
The Library
Computer Facilities
Student Representative Meetings
Registration with the University
International Office
Counselling Services
Student Union
Accommodation
4. The Centre for Applied Linguistics
4.1
4.2
Office Location
Personal Tutors
5. Administrative Matters
5.1
5.2
5.3
5.4
5.5
5.6
5.7
Bank Letters
Complaints
Disability
Emergencies
Equality and Diversity
Police
Visas
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1. PROGRAMME IN ENGLISH FOR POSTGRADUATE STUDIES COURSE:
GENERAL INFORMATION
1.1 AIMS OF THE COURSE
The Programme in English for Postgraduate Studies is a taught, full-time course delivered
over three University terms, each of which lasts for 10 weeks. The overall aim of the course
is to help you develop your skills in reading, writing, speaking and listening for academic
purposes.
By the end of the course you should be ready to study successfully in an English-medium
university at postgraduate level. The various parts of the course aim to refine and extend
your knowledge of English and its use in the English-speaking academic world.
1.2 ENTRY LEVEL
Applicants to this Programme are required to take a recognised language test (such as IELTS,
or PTE) before coming to the UK in order to obtain a visa, and should send the proof of their
English level to us (test certificate).
We expect applicants to have a level of English adequate for the stage of the course. We
express these in terms of the Common European Framework for Languages. This is a scale
which ranges from A1 (bottom) to C2 (top). The global competence levels appear below.
C2
Can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read. Can summarise information from
different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent
presentation. Can express him/herself spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating
finer shades of meaning even in more complex situations.
C1
Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognise implicit meaning. Can
express him/herself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions.
Can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes. Can
produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of
organisational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices.
B2
Can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including
technical discussions in his/her field of specialisation. Can interact with a degree of fluency and
spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for
either party. Can produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint
on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.
B1
Can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered
in work, school, leisure, etc. Can deal with most situations likely to arise whilst travelling in an area
where the language is spoken. Can produce simple connected text on topics, which are familiar, or
of personal interest. Can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes & ambitions and briefly
give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.
A2
Can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate
relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography,
employment). Can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct
exchange of information on familiar and routine matters. Can describe in simple terms aspects of
his/her background, immediate environment and matters in areas of immediate need.
A1
Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the
satisfaction of needs of a concrete type. Can introduce him/herself and others and can ask and
answer questions about personal details such as where he/she lives, people he/she knows and
things he/she has. Can interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly
and is prepared to help.
Basic User
Independent User
Proficient User
1.3 SUMMARY SCALE OF THE COMMON REFERENCE LEVELS FOR LANGUAGE:
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1.4 COURSE STRUCTURE
The Programme in English for Postgraduate Studies is a modular course: MODULE A,
MODULE B and MODULE C.
MODULE ‘A’ is at Lower B2 level and normally requires a minimum level of 4.5-5.0
IELTS/30-40 PTE for acceptance (we should stress that test sub-scores for particular
language skills, such as speaking or writing, are significant: we would hesitate to accept subscores of IELTS 4.0 or below). We can, however, also teach students effectively at higher
levels within the programme and ensure their language progression through the skilful
differentiation of tasks. In this term, you will bring your skills in English grammar, reading,
writing, speaking and listening up to a level that will allow you to make effective progress in
your more specialised studies in the second term. This module is usually taught during the
Autumn Term.
MODULE ‘B’ is at Intermediate B2 level and normally requires a minimum level of 5.0-5.5
IELTS /40-50 PTE for acceptance (please note, however, the comments in the paragraph
above relating to language skills sub-scores). During this term you will focus on using
English for study purposes, especially those related to your academic field.
MODULE ‘C’ is at Upper B2 level and normally requires a minimum level of 5.5-6.0
IELTS/50-60 PTE for acceptance. During this term, there is more opportunity to concentrate
on material closely related to your future degree work.
Following the above three modules, in summer there is the option for students of
continuing to the Pre-sessional course, which lasts ten weeks (divided into two Phases of
four and six weeks) and which is aimed at students with a B2 or Lower C1 level: entry level
depends on the requirements of the department where you will complete your degree.
You will be working to make sure you are fully competent to follow a post-graduate degree
course at Warwick University.
1.5 ATTENDANCE AND MONITORING
This course is a full-time course. There is no part-time option. Studying a course such as
this will give you the best possible opportunity of reaching your goals in English. We keep a
very careful check on students’ attendance and progress throughout this course. This is for
two reasons:

The conditions of your visa will specify that you are following a full-time course of
study and we are responsible for ensuring that you attend every day of the course.
We are required to monitor your attendance and possibly to report on this to the
university management and the UK Border Authorities.

We are often asked to write references for students who are applying for a further
course
If you fail to attend classes, you may be asked to withdraw from the course. If you are
absent for more than one day without an explanation, we may be obliged to inform the UK
authorities, who may withdraw your visa rights and require you to leave the country.
University accommodation is generally only available for students who are registered to
study full-time at the university. Students who drop out of the course will not be entitled
to retain their university accommodation. It is not permitted to study for only part of a
term. The minimum study requirement is ten weeks.
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2. PROGRAMME CONTENT
The Programme in English for Postgraduate Studies is not a dedicated examination preparation
course. However, we do offer a module which helps students to prepare for examinations such
as IELTS.
2.1 THE COURSE
 Integrated Academic Skills: this element of the course will help you develop the language
and study skills to follow an academic course in English: each IAS session will start from
one particular skill then lead to other skills. For example, Listening could lead to notetaking, then Speaking then Writing as a follow-up, either in class or as homework. In
another class, Speaking might begin as a student-led presentation and seminar discussion,
to be followed by Writing on the discussion topic. A Reading-based session could lead to
discussion (Speaking) and then Writing.
 Integrated Skills: these classes prepare you for life in the UK and offer an introduction to
British culture and attitudes as well as developing your language skills. Each class will be
based on a topic or theme, and will incorporate vocabulary development, listening and
speaking practice as well as some writing.
 Academic Writing: these classes will focus on the grammar and syntax you need to write
accurately and effectively for academic purposes in English. The course will cover
particular genres of writing, such as description, narrative, comparison and contrast, and
argumentation, together with the sub-skills needed to develop these genres.
 Examination Skills: these classes will help you to develop your techniques for a variety of
English language tests including the IELTS, FCE, and CAE.
 Use of English: this course will include the following two strands:
o Grammar: these classes will be based on short reading texts, which will be
used to analyse and then practise particular features of grammar, with
rewriting exercises. There is also an emphasis on speaking practice of
particular grammar patterns.
o Lexical Development: these classes are focused on the enrichment of your
active vocabulary – the words you use for academic study and daily life. You
will study how words work in context and in relation to each other and will
be given extensive practice in the production of this language both spoken
and written.
 Research and Reading into Writing for Project Work: We will introduce you to IT
applications and programmes which will help you in your language learning and your
research techniques. You will also engage in extended reading and become aware of
different genres of writing. As part of this course you will research and plan a short survey
project, linked to an aspect of British culture. You will work in a team and give a joint
presentation.
You will be given regular homework: two short writing assignments during the week, and a
longer one over the weekend. In addition, your teachers will ask you to do particular exercises
related to points of grammar, vocabulary development, or seminar preparation.
2.2
TIMETABLE
Classes are held each weekday from Monday to Friday. (There are no classes scheduled
on Wednesday or Friday afternoons.) Students are also expected to do homework
regularly. The timetable offers 23-24 contact hours per week. It is very important for
students to be punctual, and we expect full attendance in all classes.
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2.3
TEACHING STAFF
The Director of Studies on the course is Nigel Prentice. There are also a number of
language tutors for each module. Each tutor is highly experienced and very approachable,
and will be happy to advise you in any way they can about your English studies.
Email contact details of course management team
Neil Murray Deputy Director, C A L
Nigel Prentice Senior Tutor
Tina Perrins (Administrator)
Tracey Howe (Administrator)
2.4
Room S1.70
Room S1.83
Room S1.76
Room S1.76
N.L.Murray@warwick.ac.uk
N.Prentice@warwick.ac.uk
c.a.perrins@warwick.ac.uk
t.howe@warwick.ac.uk
TEACHING METHODOLOGY
We believe that you will make better progress when you are actively participating in class
than if you are sitting passively just listening to the teacher. In other words, our teaching
method is based on a communicative approach and active participation. As well as
listening to the tutor or doing tasks on their own, you will often be asked to take part in
small group discussions and debates, and to exchange ideas with each other, or to
complete tasks as part of a small group. During these tasks, we expect that you will work
co-operatively with other members of the group. It is essential that you use English at all
times in class and as much as possible out of class as well.
2.5
TESTING
Tutors will assess your progress at the mid-point of each term (week 5) and at the end of
each term. Tutors may give other informal tests from time to time. This course is not an
examination course: its aims are much wider than this, helping you to prepare fully for
your future post-graduate study.
On the basis of your written homework and class performance in other skills, your
teachers may be able to advise you about your approximate IELTS level.
As mentioned above we do offer you some exam training and which will help you prepare
for a range of English Language Tests. The IELTS test can be taken at centres near the
university, as can the Cambridge First Certificate or the Certificate of Advanced English:
we will help you find a convenient centre. The Course fee does not cover test fees, and
this remains your own responsibility.
2.6
SELF-STUDY
Self-study is an essential part of the course. We expect that you will practise your English
extensively outside the classroom, and make use of the many opportunities within the
University to develop your knowledge of the language. We advise that you use your
computer as a study aid to practise all of your language skills, and we will at times
recommend particular websites for developing particular skills. Regular reading outside
the classroom is one important way to improve writing skills; and regular listening, to talk
radio, podcasts and other items online, will help your speaking skills.
Particularly recommended is the following language learning website:
http://www.uefap.com/
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Have a look also at our own Centre for Applied Linguistics website:
http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/fac/soc/al/learning_english/leap
Importantly, the Programme has its own Moodle site. This is a Virtual Learning
Environment for PEPS students only. It serves as a repository for class notes and
supporting materials such as reading texts and video clips.
2.7
THE LEARNING RESOURCES ROOM
On your arrival, you will be given a tour of our Learning Resources Room: this is room
number A1.06 on the first floor of the extension to the Social Sciences Building. As
students on the course, you will have access to this room to borrow materials. This is
well-stocked with study books, modern video monitoring equipment and computer
software to help you in your studies. Ms Sheila Verrier, who runs the Resources Room,
will help and advise you further about procedures for using the room and borrowing
materials.
Opening hours for the Learning Resources Centre are shown on the door. You may
browse, borrow and return materials during the opening hours.
Borrowing and using the materials:
1. The books on the Reference Only shelf may not be borrowed.
2. Video materials and CD-ROMs may be viewed on the premises only.
3. Copies only of CDs may be borrowed.
4. You may take out a maximum of four books at a time.
2.8
PRE-SESSIONAL COURSE
The university’s Pre-sessional course, which is taught during the months of July, August
and September, is only open to students who have a firm conditional offer from the
University of Warwick for further postgraduate study. If you have applied to Warwick and
your offer letter makes it a condition of entry that you must study on the Pre-sessional
course for either five (or, less likely) ten weeks, then you must follow this requirement if
you wish to join your course.
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3. RESOURCES IN THE WIDER UNIVERSITY
3.1 THE LIBRARY
During your course, we will arrange a library visit for you, where you will find out not only
about how to find and borrow books, but about using the electronic resources available
there.
3.2 COMPUTER FACILITIES
You will need to use a computer for your studies. You will use computers for:
 Assignments
On the Course, you may write your work by hand. However, you will also be expected to
submit some word-processed work.
 Communication
You will probably want to use e-mail to communicate with family, friends and fellow
students. Some tutors use e-mail to arrange appointments with students and organise
their courses, and the library uses e-mail to send out reserve notices and notification of
fines. Staff will often contact you via your e-mail address, so check this address regularly.
 Access to the library catalogue
The catalogue allows you to find books and periodicals held by the library and enables you
to reserve books on loan, check which books you have on loan and renew any that are not
reserved. It can be accessed from any computer on or off campus via the Internet. The
library also provides access to a number of electronic databases that you will find useful for
your research. You will be given more information about these on the library tour, and you
can also use the library website to search for resources and ask for help. To find the library
website go to Quick Links (Library) from the University Home Page.
How to get IT advice
The IT Help and Advisory Counter is open from 9.00 - 19.00 in term time, and from 9.30 to
19.00 in vacation periods. Always take your library card when visiting the Help and
Advisory Counter. You can find out all the support that the IT Services offer by going to the
following site: http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/services/its/servicessupport/
In addition, IT Services run regular training courses in various useful programmes. If you
have time, and can attend one of these courses without disrupting your English studies, you
can choose and book a course via the following link:
http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/services/its/servicessupport/training
3.3 STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE MEETINGS
These meetings are held regularly, in order to provide a forum for discussion between staff
and students of any matters people wish to raise. Matters may relate to courses and the
meetings may be a forum for presenting student views and feedback and also for discussion
of possible course changes. Other issues may also be raised, e.g. relating to resources,
services, social matters or any problems students may wish to put on the agenda.
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3.4 REGISTRATION WITH THE UNIVERSITY
It is important for students to complete their registration procedures as soon as possible in
order to get their University card which gives access to all the services of the University.
Tina Perrins or Tracey Howe will help you with this.
3.5 INTERNATIONAL OFFICE
The International Office does everything possible to help international students make the
most of their time at Warwick. All new international postgraduate students receive
comprehensive pre-departure information from the International Office, including a copy of
its ‘Welcome Guide’ for international students. The International Office also organises an
extensive programme of social activities and trips to places of interest throughout the year,
and provides opportunities for students to enjoy the hospitality of British families.
Details of weekend trips to various places in Britain organised by the International Office
can be found via the following link:
http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/services/international/events/?calendarItem=094d434547b0d
b200147b4f77af7732d
The staff in the International Office work closely with the Students’ Union’s ‘Advice and
Welfare Services’ office and with the Senior Tutor’s Office, which provides professional
counselling services for any student with academic or personal problems. In addition,
members of the University staff who have special interests in different parts of the world
have been appointed as Overseas Students Advisors, and are available to offer help and
advice on any matter to the main nationality groups represented on campus.
3.6 COUNSELLING SERVICES
The University Welfare Service is co-ordinated by the University Senior Tutor. Several
professional counsellors and a financial adviser work from his offices. All are available for
confidential help and advice if you need to look beyond your personal tutor for support.
They can help with personal and emotional problems and can also advise on some financial
matters.
3.7 STUDENT UNION
All students may become members of the Student Union and can join any student society
or indeed set up their own if they can find a dozen people with similar ideas! The Union
offers a number of services including an Advice and Welfare Service. The shop and travel
agency are also very useful to many students. Full details of Union activities and services
may be found in the Student Union Handbook.
3.8 ACCOMMODATION
All students who wish to live on campus should contact the Accommodation Office and
apply in the normal way i.e. via http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/services/accommodation
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Please note that in order to be guaranteed a place on campus in the Autumn Term of any
given year you must apply to the accommodation office for accommodation by 30th July of
that year. If you apply for accommodation after that date, you will be unlikely to gain a
place on campus, though the accommodation office can advise you regarding off-campus
accommodation.
Please note that while we can advise you generally about
accommodation matters, we cannot help to change your accommodation from off-campus
to campus accommodation if you have not applied by the July deadline. Once you have
accepted off-campus accommodation and signed a contract, this is legal and binding.
If you leave the course before it is completed, you will not normally be permitted to retain
your university accommodation.
Please take great care if you are considering renting private accommodation. The Students’
Union offer an advice service if you are concerned about where to live or about the terms
of the accommodation contract you are being asked to sign:
http://www.warwicksu.com/advice/housing/
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4. THE CENTRE FOR APPLIED LINGUISTICS
4.1 OFFICE LOCATION
The Centre office is located in Room S1.76 on the first floor of the Social Sciences Building.
The Departmental Administrator is Catherine Gordon. The other Administrators are Tina
Perrins and Tracey Howe (they are the Course Administrators for the Programme in English
for Postgraduate Studies, and who you should contact first regarding any administrative
matters), Maureen Tustin, Pratibha Chauhan (Pat) and Heather Vernon.
The postal address is:
The Centre for Applied Linguistics
University of Warwick
Coventry
CV4 7AL
The telephone numbers are 0247 652 4315 / 0247 6527 2845
The fax number is 02476 524 318
E-mail: PEPS.NABA@warwick.ac.uk
Website http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/fac/soc/al/learning_english/peps/
Your mail may be sent via the Centre. All student mail will be put into the student
mailboxes located near the office. It is very important for everyone to check their
mailboxes regularly, since tutors and others may wish to communicate and will put notes in
the mailboxes in order to do so.
If students wish to leave messages for tutors, they may do so through the tutor mailboxes
in the office.
4.2 PERSONAL TUTORS:
All students at Warwick University are allocated a Personal Tutor who has responsibility for
the work and welfare of the individual student throughout their period of study at Warwick.
Your Personal Tutor on your course will be one of your regular language tutors.
Any problems you have with your course should first be discussed with the tutor teaching
that particular class. In most other circumstances, however, Nigel will be the first point of
contact, whether problems are academic, personal or of any other kind. He will often know
whom to contact within the wider University even if he does not know the answer himself.
He will also be able to give you guidance about your applications to universities for
postgraduate courses, and will be able to compile and write references for you, if you need
them, in consultation with your course tutors. Please give him enough time to complete
references.
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5. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
5.1 BANK LETTERS
If you need an official letter to open your bank account, this can be obtained from the
International Office. Please note that you will need a permanent address in the UK before
such a letter can be issued.
5.2 COMPLAINTS
In the unlikely event that you want to make a complaint, you should speak to your English
tutor in the first instance, who will do their best to resolve the problem. If the problem
cannot be resolved by your tutor, please then speak to Nigel Prentice or Neil Murray. If we
are unable to resolve the difficulty you may go to the university’s complaints procedure.
Full details of the university’s complaints procedure can be found at the following web site:
http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/services/gov/complaintsandfeedback
5.3 DISABILITY
If you have any health issues that are helpful for us to know about, you can discuss these
with your personal tutor, but if you do not feel able to do so, it is also possible to speak to
the senior tutor or the counselling service of the University. Some students need regular
breaks – if you are in this position, please let us know as soon as possible.
If you have any additional requirements or disabilities that you feel may affect you during
your studies, or in your assessments, please let us know as soon as possible so that we can
support you to the best of our ability. If you wish to find out more about the university’s
policy on disability, or if you wish to contact the university’s disability co-ordinator, please
visit the following web site:
http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/services/tutors/disability/
5.4 EMERGENCIES
If you have an accident while you are at the university, please report it to your tutor at once
and ask for the accident to be reported in the accident book which is in the main office
(S1.76).
The Centre office holds a list of First Aiders who can be called upon if required. Please ask
at the office if this is necessary.
In the event of an emergency requiring ambulance, police or fire brigade, phone 999; but
you must then call 22222 from an internal telephone or 024 7652 2222 from your mobile to
tell the University security service what has happened. If there is an emergency (i.e. a crime
is in progress, or someone's life is in danger) then always phone 999 (unless you're on
campus, in which case call the Gatehouse on 22222 or 024 7652 2222). Follow the
http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/services/campus-support/ for more information.
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5.5 EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY
The university is fully committed to equality and diversity issues. As you may know, some
language and behaviour which is acceptable in your own country may possibly be seen as
unacceptable in other cultures: make yourself aware of the cultural differences you
encounter and be sensitive to them.
All staff and students have the right to be treated fairly. We also have a responsibility for
encouraging a culture of dignity and respect and for challenging inappropriate behaviour.
Full details of the university’s equality and diversity policy may be found at:
http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/services/campus-support/
http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/services/equalops/singleequalityscheme/policies/equality_an
d_diversity_policy.doc
The University's Dignity at Work and Study policy includes information on the rights and
responsibilities of all members of the University community. It also sets out the process to
follow if you feel that you are being subjected to harassment or bullying, including how to
make a formal complaint.
5.6 POLICE
In the very unlikely event that you are arrested by the police and kept in custody during
your stay in the UK, you have certain rights. Anyone from outside the UK who is arrested
and placed in custody is entitled to ask for their consular representative to be contacted on
their behalf. If you are kept in custody, you are entitled to ask for visits to be arranged
from a consular official.
5.7 VISAS
If you have any visa-related issues, you should contact the International Office (Immigration
Advice) in the first instance. They are able to give qualified visa advice. Members of the
Centre are not qualified to provide this information.
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