Applied English Language Studies (AELS)

Find out more about the English for Academic Purposes department

The department for Applied English Language Studies (AELS) supports students at both the Institute of British Studies and the Institute of American Studies in developing their academic language skills. We teach classes in academic writing, speaking, grammar and translation.
In particular, our classes serve to

• systematically build on language skills students acquired at school to ensure effective use of English both as a language of instruction at the university and as a tool for international communication;
• promote continuous independent learning;
• provide insights into English language structures via systematic and contrastive approaches, encouraging students to reflect on their language competence.

We support the other departments at the Institute of British Studies by using relevant source materials, referencing functional, stylistic and regional varieties of English, exploring text types that are typical of educational and professional contexts, and discussing current cultural, political and literary concerns. We strive to consolidate skills in text analysis, critical thinking and abstraction.