Type of course

The course can be taught in-person or online. Go to ‘Timetable & Registration' to see whether the course is offered as a traditional classroom or online course.

In a classroom course, the teacher and all students are present in the classroom. To be able to participate online, you are advised to use a headset with microphone.To check that everything is working properly, please use: Quick Tech Check.

It is not possible to switch between courses once the course has started.

Course description

The participants’ knowledge of English is further extended in this course. Everyday topics that are covered include work, study and hobbies. There is a high degree of interaction between teacher and participants, in the form of class discussions and other fluency assignments which allow participants to further hone their speaking skills. Participants study advanced aspects of grammar and the accompanying vocabulary and practice these skills in a communicative context. In principle, English is the language of instruction during the lessons. The English (BBC) pronunciation is practised both individually and as a group using the language lab equipment. Participants are expected to prepare the lessons at home (approximately two hours per lesson).

The course is concluded with a written test. Participants who have attended 80% of the lessons and who have successfully completed the final test are awarded a certificate.

Course material

For the courses starting in January

• Complete First Student’s Book with Answers Self-study Pack 3^rd Edition by Brook-Hart et al. ISBN 9781108903387

For the courses starting in April

• Compact First Student’s Book with Answers Self-Study Pack 3^rd Edition by May. ISBN 9781108922012

The course material is not included in the registration fee. Course participants are required to purchase course materials themselves. 

Target group and admission requirements

This course is intended for highly educated adults, both students and staff members of Leiden University, as well as interested parties with no affiliation with Leiden University. Speakers of languages other than Dutch can also participate in this course.

This course requires knowledge of the English language. Participants who have obtained the certificate for the previous course at the Academic Language Centre can register directly. Other participants are strongly advised  to take a placement test in order to find out which level suits your current knowledge of the English language. You can simply complete the online placement test at home. When you are in doubt, contact us: 071 - 5272332 / talencentrum@hum.leidenuniv.nl

Other information

• The maximum number of participants for this course is 18.
• The course load is 56 hours. On request a Course load declaration form can be issued. The student should enquire with their department whether course participation can be converted into credits.
• The holiday periods can be found in the Academic Language Centre's academic calendar.
• If classes are cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances, they will be added on to the end of the course. Please take into account courses may end later than scheduled.
• The course level is indicated with the help of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.