Learn English with MOOCs

In partnership with the FutureLearn, we are producing a number of MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses)  for learners and teachers of English. 

The MOOCs running right now are:

Exploring English: Shakespeare

Starts 27 February 2017, 6 weeks

This free online course will look at the life and works of William Shakespeare and take you on a journey from his birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon to the Globe Theatre in London, where he secured his central place in the canon of English literature.

We will look at five of Shakespeare’s plays, with the help of actors and experts from around the world. They will explain and explore the universal themes Shakespeare addressed in his work.

The plays to be studied are Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, Much Ado About Nothing, The Tempest and Macbeth.

English for the Workplace

Starts 13 March 2017, 4 weeks

This course is for people who are learning English and who are interested in developing English language skills for employability and workplace contexts. It will help job seekers and young professionals with the English they need. 

Each week, we’ll focus on key aspects of English for the workplace. You’ll watch videos and listen to audio recordings of people searching and applying for jobs, preparing for interviews, taking interviews, starting their new job, and working with new colleagues. Our experienced tutor will examine some of the language used and will draw your attention to useful points that will help you improve your English in workplace contexts.

English in Early Childhood: Language Learning and Development

Starts 20 March 2017, 6 weeks

How do very young children best learn English as an additional language while they’re still learning their mother tongue? How and why do children learn best through play? What can parents and practitioners do to enable children to get the most out of a learning experience?

This free online course for parents and practitioners will explore how young children learn English and investigate many more aspects of early childhood learning and development.

This course will be of interest to you if you are: a parent of young children who wishes to support their child learning an additional language; an English teacher or an early childhood practitioner; or someone who is interested in the area of child development and language acquisition.