Exploring English: Language and Culture

This course for learners of English looks at British culture and examines English in use to help you improve your language skills.

About the course

This course is for people who are learning English and who are interested in finding out more about British culture and improving their English language skills.

The course will use short videos to present six different topics, including English as a global language, the environment, entrepreneurship and literature. Filmed in Great Britain, these videos will help you to develop your listening skills as you watch authentic examples of people speaking English.

The course does not follow a language syllabus but takes authentic English in context as its starting point. Short quizzes and discussions will help you measure your understanding and practise your English throughout the course. At the end of each topic you will be asked to describe your own feelings and experiences about that topic in a short piece of writing.

The course draws on the British Council’s expertise in online learning and will give you the opportunity to purchase a Statement of Participation.

Requirements:

What level of English language do I need in order to understand the course?
This course is aimed at non-native English speakers who have studied English to around intermediate level (approximately B1 on the CEFR).

Is the whole course really free?
Yes, it is free to take part in the whole course.

Is the course live or recorded? I am not based in the UK - will time difference be a problem?
You will be able to access every step of the course whenever suits you. The videos are recorded (not live) and will be available to watch at any time of day, wherever you live.

How do I get a certificate after the course?
If you complete more than 50% of the steps in the course, you will be eligible to purchase a Statement of Participation.

More Q&As

Do I need a web camera in order to communicate within the course?

You do not need a web cam as there is no ‘live’ video discussion.

When are the classes going to be held?
The course is delivered fully online. Each activity is a series of steps which you can study at your own speed. You should allow roughly two hours to study each topic of the course.

Is the course equivalent to IELTS?
The Exploring English course is NOT an IELTS equivalent and there is no formal test at the end of the course.

Will online discussions during the course take place using written comments or face to face chat?
Discussions take the form of written comments on pages of the course, not face-to-face. Learners will be able to post comments and ask questions on most steps of the course.

How old do I have to be to join the course?
You must be at least 13 years old to create a profile on FutureLearn. Parents may register using their own name and then supervise a child throughout the course using this profile.

Can English teachers join the course?
Teachers are welcome to join the course and participate in discussions with learners.

Will there be any opportunities to speak with native British people?
The British Council tutors on the course will be British native speakers and some of the learners on the course may also be native speakers. But you should take the opportunity to talk to English speakers from all over the world.