Academic Skills helps students build the English and study skills they need to succeed in academic situations, based on their own goals and context. It develops the core language and critical thinking skills needed for university-level study.
Academic Skills
Academic Skills
English level
B1+ (Intermediate and above)
Best for
University, exam preparation and any academic studies
Lesson Length
60 minutes
Minimum age
16+
Course overview
Academic Skills is an optional add-on to your General English course, designed for students heading into further study. Taught at intermediate level and above (B1+ to C1), it builds both your English and your academic and exam techniques across all four skills: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. This course provides students with the language and skills they need to navigate real-world academic situations in English to help them achieve their academic goals based on their personal contexts. While not dedicated to only exams, this course develops the core skills and language needed to be successful in English tests such as IELTS.
This course is organised around practical weekly themes. Each week is modular and Friday lessons provide an opportunity for students to showcase their learning across each week as a whole. As well as communication, students develop essential study strategies to be successful in their future English progress beyond their time with English Path.
Example lessons: Presenting data / Spotting bias & fact vs. opinion / Building strong paragraphs / Pitching a new concept / Discussing future trends / Comparing perspectives
What Academic Skills unlocks
Students will gain the practical tools, adaptability and confidence needed to master real-world academic tasks, critically evaluate complex information, and collaborate effectively.
Through iterative feedback and self-reflective study strategies, learners develop future-ready critical thinking, communication, and self-directed learning skills that drive continuous personal, academic and professional growth.
Who is this course for?
Academic Skills is a good fit if:
- You're already studying General English with English Path and want to add a focused academic strand to your course
- You're heading towards university or further study and want to build academic English skills, not just conversational English
- You want skills that are relevant to tests like IELTS, without committing to an exam-only course
- You're aged 16 or above, at B1+ (intermediate) level or higher
- You want practical, transferable skills — like presenting data, spotting bias, or building strong arguments — that are useful in academic study and in professional or formal settings
What format do the courses take?
- 5 hours of lessons per week, Monday to Friday, 12:30–13:30
- Flexible course length, from 1 to 44 weeks, so you can add it to a short or long stay
- An add-on to your General English course, not a standalone programme
- Weekly modular themes, each building towards a Friday showcase lesson
- Regular tutorials with your teacher, plus personal progress reports on request
- Welfare support as needed, and free one-to-one study clinics with an Academic Manager (weekly slots available to book)
Frequently asked questions
What is English Path's Academic Skills course?
Is the Academic Skills course only for IELTS preparation?
No. While it isn't an exam-only course, it develops the core skills and language that also support success in English tests like IELTS, alongside broader academic skills students can use beyond any single exam.
Academic Skills — Who is this course for?
Academic Skills is a good fit if you're heading towards university or want to build stronger academic English, without committing to an exam-only course. Lessons cover skills like presenting data, spotting bias and telling fact from opinion, building strong paragraphs, pitching a new concept, discussing future trends, and comparing perspectives — all core skills for academic study, and skills that also support success in tests like IELTS
What English level do I need for the Academic Skills course?
Academic Skills is designed for learners at B1+ level and above, aged 16 and over, who are ready to build more advanced academic English skills.
What topics does the Academic Skills course cover?
Lessons follow practical weekly themes covering skills such as presenting data, spotting bias, building strong paragraphs, pitching ideas, discussing future trends, and comparing perspectives. Each week ends with a Friday lesson where students showcase what they've learned.
What skills will I develop beyond the classroom?
Alongside communication skills, students build critical thinking, self-directed learning, and self-reflective study strategies that support their academic and professional growth well beyond their time with English Path.
Do I need to take General English alongside Academic Skills?
Yes. Academic Skills is an optional add-on to your General English course, not a standalone programme, so it's booked alongside General English rather than instead of it.
Can I change my skills class during my course?
Yes. If you're at B1+ level or above, you can switch between Academic Skills and Career Skills by speaking with the school team during your course. If your course is longer than 12 weeks, we recommend trying both, since the skills you'll learn in each are transferable across academic, professional, and everyday contexts.
Accreditations and nominations
At EP, part of the GEDU group, we are committed to excellence in language education. Our dedication is reflected in the prestigious accreditations we hold, such as the British Council in the UK, the ELT Council in Malta, Languages Canada in Toronto, Bildungsurlaub in Germany, ACELS and English Education in Ireland, and approval Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) in Dubai. These accreditations prove that our programmes meet high standards. We are also proud to have been finalists or winners of awards for the best language schools, a testament to the quality and impact of our educational offerings. Click here to find out more about our accreditations.
