Online courses

Learn the principles of academic writing and develop your English language skills to help you achieve study success at university or college.

Over five weeks, our expert teachers from the Global Academy at the University of Reading will help you to organise an essay, write in an academic style, and develop the skills you need to write academic English effectively. This course is a perfect introduction to academic writing for international students considering a pre-sessional English language course or a degree at the University of Reading or another English-speaking university.

Who is this course for?

This course is designed for non-English speakers interested in improving their academic writing skills. It is recommended that you have a minimum level of IELTS 4.5 or equivalent to get the most out of this course.

Find out more about A Beginner's Guide to Writing in English for University Study on the FutureLearn website.

Build on your existing knowledge to research, write, and reference essays similar to those you might be expected to write at university. You’ll explore how to develop your ideas, organise them into a clear and logical structure, and reference sources correctly. 

Whether you’re a prospective undergraduate or postgraduate student, or are currently undertaking university-level study, this five-week course will build on your ability to research, write and reference essays and extended writing projects. 

This is the second course in our Guide to Writing in English for University Study programme which has been developed by experts within the Global Academy. The course can either be taken as a follow-on from the Beginner’s Guide to Writing in English for University Study or independently. 

Who is the course for? 

This course is aimed at anyone interested in undertaking academic study in English, but it may be of particular interest to international students. You will require an IELTS English level of 5.5 and above. 

Find out more about An Intermediate Guide to Writing in English for University Study on the FutureLearn website. 

Do you want to make a difference in the world? Find out what 'global citizenship' means and how your actions can create positive change. 

Over approximately six hours of learning, you’ll be guided through a structured reflection process to think deeply about a global issue that affects you. You’ll think critically about the issue with self-awareness, considering the perspectives of those of different cultures and international law, rights, and responsibilities. By the end of the course, you’ll be equipped to advocate and act for a fairer and more inclusive world. 

Who is the course for? 

This two-week course is designed for anyone who wants to understand global citizenship. 

It will be particularly useful for those in higher education who are preparing for a career in a very different world to that of previous generations. 

Find out more about Living in a Connected World: The Challenges and Opportunities of Global Citizenship on the FutureLearn website.