The English Program

The English Program : Academic Excellence and Student Development

The English Program at CIF serves as the central academic framework for English language education across the university. It is responsible for setting standards, defining progression requirements, and ensuring the alignment of teaching, assessment, and student development with institutional goals and requirements of the UK partner Universities.

The program provides an integrated and structured learning system that combines academic instruction with skills development. This system is delivered through qualified teaching staff and supported by the Academic Skills Center (ASC), ensuring consistent academic quality and continuous student progression.

The program goes beyond facilitating progression to Year 2; it is designed to strengthen students’ academic literacy, critical thinking, and communication skills, which are essential for long-term academic and professional success.

Academic Structure of the English Program

The English Program operates as the overarching academic framework that governs English language instruction across CIF. It includes:

  • The Academic English Module, which defines and applies mandatory academic requirements and progression standards
  • The Academic Skills Center (ASC), which provides supplementary and developmental academic support
  • The English teaching teams (departmental delivery units), which implement the program curriculum through classroom instruction and assessment

This structure ensures full alignment between institutional policy, academic standards, and classroom delivery.

The Academic English Module

All first-year students are required to complete a zero-credit, 130-hour Academic English Module, delivered over two academic trimesters.

This module requirement is:

  • A university-wide academic requirement, mandated by the University President
  • An institutional progression requirement for students who have not yet met the required English proficiency standard

Progression to year 2:

Progression to Year 2 requires students to achieve an overall English proficiency level equivalent to IELTS 6.0, with a minimum of 6.0 in each skill (Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing). This standard applies across all forms of assessment, including coursework and final examinations.

Please note that successful completion of the CIF English placement test does not exempt students from completing and passing this module.

The Academic Skills Center ( ASC )

The Academic Skills Center (ASC) is a university-wide academic support hub that provides continuous, student-centered development opportunities. It functions as an integral support unit within the English Program and works in alignment with the Academic English Module to enhance student learning outcomes.

ASC services are designed to both complement formal instruction and provide independent skill-building opportunities for students at all levels.

ASC Workshops and Services

1. Language and Academic Skills Development
  • General English and Aptis Test Preparation
  • Paraphrasing and Summarizing
  • Grammar and Vocabulary Development
  • Pronunciation and Phonetics
  • Academic Writing and Proofreading
  • Academic Integrity: Plagiarism and Collusion
  • Research Skills: Finding and Evaluating Academic Sources
2. Academic and Professional Skills
  • Presentation and Public Speaking Skills
  • Effective PowerPoint Design
  • Microsoft Word for Academic Use
  • Seminar and Discussion Skills
  • Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving
  • Time Management and Study Strategies
3. Discipline-Specific and Advanced Skills
  • Responsible Use of AI Tools in Academia
  • Data Collection and Data Analysis
  • Poster Design and Academic Presentation
  • Technical and Report Writing
4. One-to-One Academic Support

Students may book personalized sessions throughout the year for targeted academic guidance tailored to their individual needs.

Certification

The ASC provides official certificates of attendance and proficiency upon request.

Students enrolled in the Academic English Module also receive internal certification upon successful completion.