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English as a Second Language (ESL)



The Cavendish University Uganda English as a Second Language Course is a short course designed to help students who would want to learn how to communicate in English, improve their Business languages skills, and develop proficiency in the English Language. It is a three level course with each level developed to meet your specific need for the English Language.

Course Information

Course duration12 Weeks. Approximately four (4) hours of study required each week.
Start Date          February 13th, 2023. Enrolment is open all year round.
Study ModeThe course will be run on Day and Weekend Programmes on face to face (contact) and online modes. Study on campus or from anywhere in the world with an internet connection and still get support from our seasoned and passionate Facilitators.
CertificatesA Certificate of Completion will be issued to participants who complete all the course activities including the weekly quizzes, activities and progress assessments in weeks 4, 8 and 12.
PrerequisitesAbsolutely no entry requirements or qualification criteria
TimelinesStudy at your own pace and in your own time and complete within three months of your start date. There will be scheduled classes on campus for those who prefer to study in person.

Learning Objectives

On completion of this course, successful students should be able to:

  • Develop personal presence and greater self-trust confidence in key language items useful in different everyday situations
  • Develop skills to communicate in English to any English-speaking audience
  • Identify with the language associated with everyday situations
  • Have a firm grip of Basic English language use
  • Read texts with fluency, understanding and competence, decoding groups of words/phrases and not just single words
  • Develop a strong writing skill where thinking precedes writing
  • Use of the MLA, APA, Chicago or Harvard citation reference or bibliography format

General Learning Outcomes for Employability

The General objective of the CUU’s Basic English for Beginners is to Identify with the language used in everyday situations and practice how it used in everyday context. The short course will provide information on the pronunciation of grammar items; presentations of common errors and how to avoid making them; and include a variety of exercise – from drills to contextualised and personalised practice.

  1. Communication skills:  Write summaries of concepts learned in the course as part of the effort to develop strong writing skills.
  2. Teamwork: Demonstrate teamwork through active collaborative learning including group projects and presentations.
  3. Digital literacy: Design and make PowerPoint presentations of concepts learned to enhance their digital literacy and public speaking skills.
  4. Learning how to learn: Demonstrate use of online resources in learning as part of the process of learning how to learn and becoming lifelong learners.
  5. Analytical skills and ability to apply new knowledge: Demonstrate analytical skills and application of new concepts.
  6. Problem solving: Work individually and in groups to practice problem solving.
  7. Critical Thinking: Apply critical thinking skills by asking questions and demanding evidence (5Ws and 1H: what, when, where, who, why, how) in order to become better thinkers.

Programme Structure

Short CourseDescription
ESD101: ESL Beginners A1  The Beginners course is designed for students that have no experience at all in using the English language. It will delve into low English vocabulary and basic grammar covering listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills on topics of personal interests, career, and life experiences. Students will learn English language skills through diverse instructional methodologies that will strengthen reading, writing, listening speaking and critical thinking skills. This short course will help you learn Basic English skills that will give you the confidence to interact and listen in English. It is suitable for beginners, those who lack the very basics of the English language and those who wish to move their English language to another level. After completing this course successfully, you can continue with the second level, ESD102: ESL Elementary A2 – English Grammar and Vocabulary. At the end of the course, you will have built your English skills and developed your ability to speak and interact with any English-speaking audience.
ESD102: ESL Elementary A2  The second level will introduce you to the English Grammar and Vocabulary. The course will provide an enabling environment to communicate, and generally boost competence in usage. Students will practice English through conversation, speaking listening, reading, and writing activities It will give you knowledge about the correct usage of the language, and emphasise reading skills in order to be able to study effectively and to think logically. During this course, students will work on the most important grammar rules and expand their vocabulary. It is suitable for anyone who wants to polish their grammar and expand their vocabulary. It will cover the most important grammatical rules and most common mistakes. It will refresh your knowledge, and introduce you to rules that will govern English language at different levels. After successfully completing this level, you will qualify to take ESD103: ESL Intermediate B1 – Writing for Academic Purposes. At the end of the course you will feel more confident to speak and communicate in English.
ESD103: ESL Intermediate B1  This is a short course that gives the students the skills needed to transition into university level education and courses that necessitate academic writing skills. It will introduce and teach students about working as a team, projects, and presentations to ensure academic and career success, civic participation, and strategies for lifelong learning. The course will allow students to practice writing skills at sentence, paragraph, and extended essay levels with correct grammatical structures. Students will learn skills in listening and speaking so as to be able to communicate effectively, and equip students with enough skills to further their studies at advanced level and to understand the cultures, traditions and general knowledge of native English speakers. This course is intended for students who are planning to join University education or are at the University, but in the bridging course or are in first year first semester. At the end of the course, the student will be able to write an essay with citation, do presentations, raise strong arguments and defend them with evidence, facts etc. you will also learn how to cite and reference your work using the correct standards of APA, MLA, Harvard, Vancouver etc. styles.

Fees Structure

ProgrammeDurationDay (UGX)Weekend (UGX)USD
Short Courses12 weeksFeesFeesFees
ESD101: ESL Beginners A112 weeks600,000600,000165
ESD102: ESL Elementary A212 weeks600,000600,000165
ESD103: ESL Intermediate B112 weeks600,000600,000165

Contact +256 706695369 to Enrol.



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