Studying English Independently
In your academic courses, you are expected to undertake further study in addition to your lectures and classes. This is also true for improving your English: identifying your weaknesses and the resources that can help you are very important skills. Students who make the most progress are usually people who have these skills and give time to further language practice.
What resources are there to help me?
Independent study is an important part of our programmes. Your tutor can advise you on what to study and recommend resources. In the Pre-sessional we also have specific Supported Independent Study sessions to help you. For further information on our recommended resources see the list of Recommended Websites & Books as detailed below.
Books
We recommend you buy or borrow at least the following:
- a good English-English dictionary (NOTE: these should be intended for learners)
- a reference & practice grammar
- a reference & practice book on academic writing (e.g. at the basic level Stephen Bailey: see the list of under Links)
You can borrow these from the Language Resource Library or you can buy them from the campus bookshop or on-line (see Links).
Websites
There are many websites which may be helpful. We recommend you look at the following types (for details, see Links):
- academic English & study skills sites such as UEfAP.com
- listening practice: from BBC World Service news to TED Talks there is a wide range; accompanying scripts or exercises are very helpful
- more general sites for the English learner; e.g. BBC World Service learningenglish or the British Council's LearnEnglish site
Moodle
The University uses the web-based e-learning system Moodle. The EFL Unit has a number of Moodle courses for its programmes. Click on the Moodle Link to go to the list of EFL Moodle courses (or the School of Education Moodle site for the MEd). (NOTE: You will normally need to be a registered University of Glasgow student to access these. If Guest Access is available we will inform you.)
Other Ideas
- There are more informal language cafes and exchanges: see the information on our Other Support in the University page.
- Take part in one of the University clubs & societies, or even join one outside of the University.
Download
ESS Recommended Websites and Books
Bookshops
- John Smiths campus bookshop
- Amazon.co.uk (on-line new & used)
- Abe Books (on-line used)
Other on-Campus activities
- Student Volunteer Service English Conversation Programme
- Language Exchanges: Adult & Continuing Education Language Programmes
- List of Student Clubs & Societies
What resources are there to help me?
Independent study is an important part of our programmes. Your tutor can advise you on what to study and recommend resources. In the Pre-sessional we also have specific Supported Independent Study sessions to help you. For further information on our recommended resources see the list of Recommended Websites & Books.
Books
We recommend you buy or borrow at least the following:
- a good English-English dictionary (NOTE: these should be intended for learners)
- a reference & practice grammar
- a reference & practice book on academic writing (e.g. at the basic level Stephen Bailey: see the list of recommended websites and books as detailed above
You can borrow these from the Language Resource Library or you can buy them from the campus bookshop or on-line.
Websites
There are many websites which may be helpful. We recommend you look at the following types (for details, see Links):
- academic English & study skills sites such as UEfAP.com
- listening practice: from BBC World Service news to TED Talks there is a wide range; accompanying scripts or exercises are very helpful
- more general sites for the English learner; e.g. BBC World Service learningenglish or the British Council's LearnEnglish site
Moodle
The University uses the web-based e-learning system Moodle. English for Academic Study has a number of Moodle courses for its programmes. Click on the Moodle Link to go to the list of EAS Moodle courses (or the School of Education Moodle site for the MEd). (NOTE: You will normally need to be a registered University of Glasgow student to access these. If Guest Access is available we will inform you.)
Other Ideas
- There are more informal language cafes and exchanges: see the information on our Other Support in the University page.
- Take part in one of the University clubs & societies, or even join one outside of the University.