This online module is aimed at both UK-based and international students who are already studying or are planning to study at university. L185 focuses on the development of academic reading and writing skills but will also help you make progress in academic speaking and listening skills. It will be useful if you wish to improve your existing competence in academic English. If your goal is to raise your IELTS scores to enable you to gain entry into a university of your choice, its approximate entry and exit IELTS scores are between 5.0–5.5 and 6.5–7.0.
What you will study
To succeed at university, you need to be able to read and think about a wide range of study material, make useful notes, and write assignments that answer the question. This module will help you to develop the skills and language to do this. You’ll explore how university study materials are organised and how academic language is used in them.
You’ll work with authentic materials from a range of Open University modules which cover areas of academic study such as science, the arts, humanities, social sciences, business, and health studies. You’ll look at the similarities and differences in language across these subjects, while developing the particular language and skills you need for your chosen areas of study.
The module is made up of 40% reading, 40% writing, 10% listening and 10% speaking. Your interactions with the study materials, your tutor and other students on the module will take place online. You'll complete interactive activities, contribute to forums and participate in online tutorials (learning events) in real time.
Entry requirements
This is an OU level 1 module. OU level 1 modules provide core subject knowledge and study skills needed for both higher education and distance learning, to help you progress to other modules.
There are no academic entrance requirements for this module but a certain level of English is recommended, though not compulsory.
The Skills for OU study website provides further information and support on improving your English skills.
Please note that:
If you live outside the UK and English is not your first language, the module starts at an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) level of approximately 5.0–5.5 / Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) level of B1-B2, or equivalent, in each of the four English language skills (reading, writing, listening and speaking). You can find out more about the different levels at this website.
If you live in the UK and English is your first language, the module starts at a Skills for Life literacy level of approximately Level 1 or equivalent.
If you live in the UK and English is not your first language, the module starts at a Skills for Life ESOL (English for speakers of other languages) level of approximately Level 1 or equivalent.
If you have any doubts about the module's suitability or your level of English, please speak to an adviser.
Teaching and assessment
Support from your tutor
You’ll get help and support from an assigned tutor throughout your module.
They’ll help by:
marking your assignments and offering detailed feedback to help you improve
providing individual guidance, whether that’s for general study skills or specific module content
guiding you to additional learning resources
facilitating online discussions between your fellow students in the dedicated forums.
Online tutorials run throughout the module. While they’re not compulsory, we strongly encourage you to participate. Where possible, we’ll make recordings available.
Assessment
One of the TMAs will require you to use an audio recording tool to record your voice.
What's included
You'll also be provided with a printed resources book, and have access to a module website, which includes:
a week-by-week study planner
course-specific module materials
audio and video content
assessment details and submission section
access to forums where you can communicate with your fellow students
access to online tutorials (learning events).
Computing requirements
Primary device – A desktop or laptop computer with at least 8 GB of RAM and a quad-core processor (2.4 GHz minimum speed). It’s possible to access some materials on a mobile phone, tablet or Chromebook; however, they will not be suitable as your primary device.
Peripheral device – Headphones/earphones with a built-in microphone for online tutorials.
Operating systems – Windows 11 or the latest supported macOS.
Internet access – Broadband or mobile connection.
Browser – Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge are recommended; Mozilla Firefox and Safari may be suitable.
Our OU Study app operates on supported versions of Android and iOS.
Software – Any additional software will be provided or is generally available for free.
If you have a disability
The OU strives to make all aspects of study accessible to everyone, and this Accessibility Statement outlines what studying L185 involves. You should use this information to inform your study preparations and any discussions with us about how we can meet your needs.
To find out more about what kind of support and adjustments might be available, contact us or visit our Disability support website.
Future availability
English for academic purposes online (L185) starts once a year – in October.
This page describes the module that will start in October 2025 when it will start for the last time.