The aim of this programme is primarily to provide students with the linguistic skills and knowledge required to be able to perform tasks related to health science research.  Critical reading and listening skills for academic and professional contexts are especially emphasized. Professionally related oral and written skills will also be implemented.

The programme includes class-based lessons, tutorials and self study. The teacher-led lessons focus on developing critical linguistic knowledge related to health science research.  These lessons involve reading and listening tasks aimed at improving receptive skills that are essential for developing research activities including professional presentations. Speaking activities are emphasized mainly as preparation for conference participation as speakers, as colleagues or as audience members. Writing tasks are mainly designed to consolidate linguistic elements acquired throughout the course. Tutorials will focus on student development and interpersonal skills and will include group projects. Self-study or ‘autonomous learning’ will focus on developing reading, writing and listening skills, consolidating grammar, specific lexis and increasing the autonomy of the learner with respect to learning-related aspects of a foreign language.