The Bachelor of Education in Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) and the Bachelor of Arts in English for Work Skills are four-year courses designed to meet the demand from commercial, public and voluntary sectors requiring professionals with advanced skills in English. Both degrees are professionally recognized and vocationally focused, and offer practical learning experiences for all students. Career opportunities for graduates of both courses include teaching, translating and interpreting, tourism, hospitality and business administration, particularly where English proficiency is required.

The B.Ed. and B.A. are both studied over a four-year period. All students take part in the university’s Foundation Year program, acquiring the general knowledge and basic ethical principles necessary for further university study. Students in both degrees complete common courses throughout Years II and III, before specializing in their specific area of English studies and skills in Year IV.

The B.Ed. (TEFL) develops students’ professional skills in teaching English at a secondary school level. Apart from coursework, a practicum (teaching practice period) and ongoing individual learning are important aspects of the course.

The B.A. (English for Work Skills) course enhances students’ English knowledge and ability for employment in a variety of administrative and developmental roles requring high-level English skills. In their final year, students choose one of the following majors: English for International Business; Translation and Interpreting; or Hospitality and Tourism, allowing them to tailor their language skills towards their chosen profession. Alternatively, B.A students may choose to transfer to the fee-paying B.Ed. (TEFL) degree in Year Four.

Short Courses

The Department of English offers several short courses, including a two-month to 1-year English preparatory class, which maximizes students’ chance of obtaining a place in a degree program at the Department’s Entrance Examination. The Department also offers pre-departure English and cultural courses for people preparing to study overseas, as well as special programs tailored to the specific needs of individual organizations.