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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