Foundation College

TEAP (English for Academic Purposes Teacher Training) courses

Key information

Start date
Duration
Two weeks on campus (15-26 May) or one month online (17 July - 11 August)
Start of programme
May 2023
Attendance mode
Part-time online, full-time on campus
Location
Online or on campus

Course overview

We are offering both online and on campus TEAP courses which give teachers from other English language teaching sectors an opportunity to familiarise themselves with the Higher Education context and EAP practices.

TEAP introductory course over four weeks online or on campus over two weeks

Key features include

  • Analysis of the specific needs of learners in EAP contexts
  • Overview of SOAS EAP curriculum, showing how language and subject can integrate
  • Insights into building the four skills and micro-skills in EAP
  • Evaluation of EAP materials
  • Opportunities to develop your own EAP teaching materials
  • A dip into pedagogy theory with plenty of practical teaching ideas

Introduction to EAP skills: writing; reading; speaking; listening; needs analysis and materials development

These short courses will concentrate on one skill area at a time and can be combined to build the introductory course above in full or in part. They allow you to take a flexible approach to your participation according to your specific needs and as your time dictates.

Entry requirements

We do not have fixed entry requirements, but we prefer participants to have some ELT or ESOL teaching experience with some training or a qualification to support this. We do also consider applicants with relevant experience in educational management or curriculum development.

We also offer existing experienced EAP teachers the chance to enrich their current practice through exploring current trends in EAP and reflecting on new approaches with our TEAP seminars.

SOAS and IFCELS

SOAS University of London is the only Higher Education Institution in Europe specialising in the study of Asia, Africa and the Near and Middle East. Situated in Bloomsbury in the heart of London, it uniquely combines language scholarship, disciplinary expertise, and regional focus, with the largest concentration anywhere of academic staff focused on Africa, Asia and the Middle East. SOAS research directly informs public thinking, government policy and issues affecting the lives of people globally, in areas such as democracy, development, economy, finance, public and corporate policy, human rights, migration, identity, legal systems, poverty, religion, and social change. 

The SOAS library attracts scholars from around the world. SOAS is among the world’s most international HEI with about 60% of students from outside the UK, five times the global average (source: QS).

The International Foundation Courses and English Language Studies department is part of the SOAS Foundation College, with a staff of 40+ teachers and subject lecturers. They provide undergraduate and post-graduate foundation programmes for students who proceed on to bachelor, masters, or doctoral studies at SOAS University of London and other high-profile universities. 

IFCELS, renowned for integrating academic subject study with language development, also runs the university’s pre-sessional English courses, various summer programmes, and in-sessional provisions in language and study skills support for degree students across all disciplines.

Structure

TEAP course components

The five linked threads that run through the course are: academic writing, academic reading, academic speaking and listening, learner needs analysis with student conferencing and materials development.

Main features

  • Interactive, practical, and reflective seminars and workshops
  • Online videos, exercises, readings, and other activities
  • Participation in online forums on all areas of EAP
  • Assessed materials development project and exhibition

The TEAP introductory courses cover topics such as:

  • EAP and Subject-Specific Needs Analysis
  • Teaching Academic Reading and Writing
  • Academic Discourse and Academic Writing Style
  • Teaching Academic Listening and Speaking
  • EAP Materials Production and Syllabus Design
  • Exploring ways of locating, adapting and developing materials for suitable use in EAP classes at different levels
  • Sharing reflections on the course and professional development

Dates

We plan to resume our programme of TEAP courses in the Autumn 2024.

Important notice

The information on the programme page reflects the intended programme structure against the given academic session. Please read the important notice regarding changes to programmes and modules.

Teaching and learning

Online introductory course

The minimum required time to complete the TEAP course is 40 hours, but a recommended commitment is 50-60 hours during the month. This is comprised of 16 live (synchronous) facilitated sessions, project tutorials and other contact time, plus 30-40 of asynchronous required preparatory activity, moderated forum contribution and project preparation.

The 90 minute live sessions will be held on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and some Fridays

Technology Essentials

Note that participants will need a capable device or computer with the capacity for good quality video and audio call connections, supported by an internet capacity of good bandwidth and speed to take part. Headphone use is mandatory to avoid feedback and background noise.

On campus introductory course

Conducted over a two week period, this intensive TEAP course requires a full time commitment. Sessions run from 9:15 am to approximately 4 PM Monday to Friday and are a mix of workshops and seminars as well as group tutorials and independent project preparation.

Introduction to EAP skills courses

These short courses are conducted online and are of various lengths from between 16 to 12 hours of synchronous and asynchronous content. They are based on our full length introductory courses and can combined to build the whole content; however, they present a more flexible option timewise and allow you concentrate on your specific training needs at a time.

Fees and funding

Fees

All fees must be paid in full before the start date of the programme. For instructions on how to pay see IFCELS fees and application payment

Discounts

A discount of 10% is available for SOAS staff and students, exchange students and alumni.

Scholarships

For further details and information on external scholarships visit the Scholarships section

Further enquiries

Email: TEAP@soas.ac.uk