The Covid-19 pandemic suspended most of our lives and shook the very foundations of our world. Traditional study routes, such as college and university, were disrupted and subsequently changed forever. Online learning became a way of life, as the world shifted to the digital sphere.
One of the most significant changes was how the education system transformed. With the vast majority of students now doing their school work remotely, online degree courses became the norm. English learning was no exception. Courses like English for Academic Purposes, formerly known as English for Academic Purposes (EAP), became some of the most popular degree programmes around the world. Many British English teaching institutions became so popular that they had to expand to accommodate the demand. The benefits of an online education were obvious; students could study around the world, at any time and any place, and at a price that anyone could afford.
How does EAP work?
In an EAP programme, students typically take four years to complete, taking one or two subjects per semester. During that time, they study online with distant or virtual tutors. Each subject has a recommended intake of hours per week and a specified number of hours per week that the tutor must cover. The subjects range from elementary to post-graduate levels, so they can be suitable for all kinds of learners. To maintain quality, most English-taught programmes require at least one face-to-face meeting per year with a personal tutor. This can be a daunting task for international students, as it often requires a lengthy stay in a foreign country. However, with current quarantine and travel restrictions becoming less stringent, more and more students are taking the step abroad. This, in turn, has opened up new doors for English-taught Bachelors that would never have been available to them before.
The Global Rise In Popularity
The demand for EAP courses is rapidly expanding around the world. Some of the most popular institutions with which to study English for Academic Purposes are as follows:
- University of Sydney
- University of California, Berkeley
- University of Sydney
- University of Melbourne
- University of Liverpool
- University of Manchester
- University of Amsterdam
- University of Westminster
The popularity of EAP courses is clear; not only are they affordable, but they also offer students a world of opportunity. Wherever you might be, an EAP course will give you the basics of English necessary to survive in everyday life. Additionally, with most subjects having relevant job opportunities once you complete the course, it’s clear that EAP truly does offer students the opportunity to progress academically. Indeed, with the flexibility of online study and the opportunity to work remotely when you complete your degree, many students see EAP as a stepping stone to a more traditional education. After all, what’s the point of earning a degree if you can’t find a job that requires it?
Where Can I Study?
If you’ve ever considered doing a degree in English, you’ll know that there are a limited number of accredited institutions offering the subject. However, with the number of English-taught degree holders rapidly expanding, it’s important to note that not all of these institutions are created equal. To ensure you make the right choice in your search for an English-taught degree, it’s important to do your research. The number of accredited institutions offering online study has exploded in the last few years, so it’s important to do some research to find out which one is right for you.
When choosing an English-taught degree course, make sure that the institution you’ve selected is a member of a reputable organization such as the British Association of Schools in London. This ensures that you’re fully accredited and that the programme is of an acceptable quality. Additionally, look into what activities the students get involved in, as this can give you an idea of what the curriculum is like. If you’re not sure, contact the association directly to get more information. If you want to get the most out of your English studies, make sure that your chosen institution is reputable, has a good track record, and offers a globally-recognized degree. Don’t just look at the price of the programme, but the quality too.
Why Study English in Australia?
With Brexit, the election of Donald Trump, and the rise of populism across the world, many countries have seen a rise in the number of English-taught degree courses. However, if you’re looking for a place that prides itself on being multicultural, consider studying English in Australia. In fact, one of the most popular schools of English in Australia is taught at the University of Sydney. The school, which was founded in 1880, is one of the oldest in Australia. Indeed, the University of Sydney is the fourth-largest university in the country. What’s more, almost 70% of the population of Sydney were born outside of Australia, making it one of the most multicultural cities in the world. This is also reflected in the university’s student body, with almost 30% of the student body identifying as a non-English speaking background. If you’re looking for a place that’s culturally diverse, consider studying in Australia.
What About Jobs?
Along with studying a degree in English, you’ll have the opportunity to gain work-based learning. Many graduates from English-taught degrees are entering the job market with a wealth of knowledge and experience, having gained both significant academic and professional qualifications. The majority of these jobs are in teaching, with many graduates landing full-time posts in international schools. Additionally, the subjects you learn in English-taught degrees are directly applicable to many different industries, providing you with a skill that will be in demand for years to come.
With many people retrenching and changing jobs more frequently than usual because of the pandemic, the demand for those with English-taught degrees is growing. If you’re looking for a new career, consider studying a degree in English to gain work-based learning that will be applicable to the real world. Not only does it provide you with a skill that is in demand, but it also means you can study at your own pace and can engage with tutors online when necessary. Many employers will be more than willing to help you progress academically, as many of the jobs available are in a completely different field to your degree. With many people retrenching and changing jobs more frequently than usual because of the pandemic, the demand for those with English-taught degrees is growing.
Conclusion
If you’re interested in studying a degree in English, it might be best to consider some of the top-rated and accredited universities that offer the subject. With many people retrenching and changing jobs more frequently than usual because of the pandemic, the demand for those with English-taught degrees is growing. If you’re looking for a new career, consider studying a degree in English to gain work-based learning that is applicable to the real world. Not only does it provide you with a skill that is in demand, but it also means you can study at your own pace and can engage with tutors online when necessary. Many employers will be more than willing to help you progress academically, as many of the jobs available are in a completely different field to your degree. With many people retrenching and changing jobs more frequently than usual because of the pandemic, the demand for those with English-taught degrees is growing.