English for Specific Purposes (ESP)

These courses are designed to help students perform more effectively within very specific functional fields. The courses focus heavily on the vocabulary and skills needed for work. The course structure is a highly-tailored combination of input from the students and research by the teacher.

What are the main differences between general language training and ESP courses?

Area	General Language Courses	ESP Courses
Group composition	Various departments	Same BU/department
Participants	Different experience	Same professional training/experience
Level	All	Above intermediate
Lesson format	Usually 90 minutes	Longer sessions beneficial
Teacher	Minimum RLC requirements	Senior teacher, function-specific experience
Self-study	Optional	Required
Specific preparation – students & teacher	Optional	Required
Preparation, follow-up & marking time	Standard	Circa + 50 - 100%
Feedback	General	Function-focused
Course tasks	Varied	Concrete working tasks

Typical ESP courses

HR – common course components

The recruitment process
Working conditions
Terms of employment
Remuneration
Training and Development
Theories of motivation
Appraisal and career management
The legal environment
Health, safety and welfare

Finance – common course components

Essential financial terms
Key concepts in corporate finance
Accounting principles
Accounts receivable/payable
Balance sheet
Profit and loss accounts
Stock markets and terminology
Financial derivatives

Legal English – common course components

The constitution
Country-specific legal systems
Employment law
Law of tort
The judicial system
International law – human rights
Corporate law

Management themes – common course components

Change management
Knowledge management
Corporate governance
Leadership
Cultural factors in Int. management
Corporate Strategy

The above are just an example of the typical ESP course and the common course components. From our experience it has become clear that each course differs in content and focus, so ‘tailoring’ is essential.

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