1. Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences
  2. Your guide to the Professional and Academic Communication module

Your guide to the Professional and Academic Communication module

Chemical engineering lecture theatre

The Professional and Academic Communication for Engineering and Physical Sciences (EPS) module is designed to support your transition into postgraduate study.

  • Whether English is your first language or an additional one, this module gives you the skills to engage confidently and precisely with peers, academics, and professionals in your discipline.
  • We’ll help you explore and practise the use of subject-specific vocabulary to make you more confident with key terminology.
  • The module also introduces essential tools and strategies, including AI, letting you make informed decisions about how and when to use them effectively.
  • You’ll also explore and develop techniques to help your day-to-day interactions with peers, lecturers, and wider University staff, supporting your learning.

Who is this module for?

This module is designed for all incoming MSc students enrolled in a course within the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences. Students from over 30 MSc courses will participate, meaning you'll have an excellent opportunity to connect with peers from across the faculty, as part of our ongoing mission to support academic collaboration and social networking among our students.

Academic support

  • The module is led by expert staff from the University's Language Centre, who specialise in teaching academic English at postgraduate level.
  • It has been developed in collaboration with subject-specific academics to ensure relevance to your area of study.
  • You’ll receive structured guidance throughout, with a particular emphasis on directly applying what you learn to your own Masters study.

Structure and delivery

The module begins in September and runs throughout the academic year, concluding in May. It fits flexibly alongside your postgraduate commitments and doesn’t require full-time engagement across the year. Further details on time commitments and session schedules will be provided closer to the start date.

The first two weeks are delivered online, meaning you can access them wherever you are. This will be followed by two weeks of in-person sessions on the Leeds campus.

If you’re unable to attend from the outset, recordings and materials will be available through the module’s online learning platform so that you can catch up at your convenience.

Participation and assessment

  • This module is not compulsory, but you will be automatically enrolled, and participation is strongly recommended. We believe that students completing the module will feel better prepared for the demands of postgraduate study.
  • If you wish to opt out, a form will be made available closer to the start date.
  • Assessment will be via a portfolio, designed to help you reflect on your progress and demonstrate the communication skills you have developed. Detailed guidance will be provided at the beginning of the module, and we’ll make support available to you throughout the year.
  • Most importantly, the module won’t impact your final Masters classification.

Practical information 

  • No tuition fees are associated with this module, as participation is fully funded as part of your course.
  • Specific timings for live sessions will be shared when the module timetable is finalised.

Further information

Full module details, including schedules, session formats, and assessment guidance, will be published on the module page; you’ll be given all updates through your University email address.

Any more questions? Please get in touch with University’s Language Centre at languagecentremass@leeds.ac.uk.