Knowledge, Politics and Cultures in Academia short course 2025-26

Course overview

In this course you’ll examine how knowledge is constructed within and across disciplines, how academic cultures shape and are shaped by disciplinary epistemologies, and how social structures and forces shape academic practices.

By completing this course, you’ll reach an in-depth understanding and be able to critique current knowledge and issues in academia, disciplines and English for Academic Purposes (EAP) related to the social, political, epistemological, and cultural forces and practices that configure higher education. You’ll also be asked to demonstrate your understanding of these factors that shape academic practices throughout the course and to show how you apply theory to specific contexts and issues.

This short course is a module taken from the MA in Teaching English for Academic Purposes. You’ll study this credit-bearing module as an individual course to widen your knowledge in English for Academic Purposes (EAP) and develop your skills within the field. You’ll study online and part-time, on a course that’s designed to fit around your commitments. You’ll study with experts in the field at the University of Leeds Language Centre, who are directly involved in the practice and development of teaching English for Academic Purposes.

We have a range of Masters-level short courses available to help you develop as a practitioner of EAP, explore new approaches and prepare to take the next step in your career. You’ll gain postgraduate credits when you complete each course, and you can use these credits towards a Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert), a Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip), or a Masters (MA). To find out more about building credits towards a qualification, contact our admissions team at lcspg@leeds.ac.uk.

How to apply

Application link available in October 2024

Please indicate in your application which of our Teaching English for Academic Purposes Short Courses you're applying for.

The deadline to apply for this course is to be confirmed.

Next steps

Once you have made your application, we’ll be in touch with further information. Qualified applicants will be invited to an interview, which may take place via a video conferencing platform such as Zoom.

If you have any questions, contact our admissions team at lcspg@leeds.ac.uk.

Entry requirements

A bachelor undergraduate degree or equivalent, plus either:

• a postgraduate teaching qualification, such as a postgraduate certificate in Education, Higher Education or Academic Practice; a CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching) or a DELTA (Diploma in English Language Teaching)
• or at least two years of teaching experience in higher education or teaching English for specific purposes.

International

Our admissions team are experienced in considering a wide range of international qualifications. If you wish to discuss whether your qualifications will meet the necessary entry criteria, contact our admissions team at lcspg@leeds.ac.uk.

You can also check the accepted qualifications for your country or region. 

English language requirements

IELTS 7.0 overall, with no less than 7.0 in all components. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

This course is taught online and part-time, and is worth 30 credits at postgraduate level.

We're experienced in providing high-quality online learning, and offer extensive resources, specialised support, and courses that you can fit around work and other commitments.