Participating confidently in Oxford’s academic community
Term-time Written Communication Courses
You can enrol on any of our courses individually without having taken a previous course at the Language Centre. Learners should have reached a minimum English language proficiency of B2 on the Common European Framework of Reference (IELTS 6.5+).
Introduction to Academic Writing
Develop a stronger understanding of how academic texts are organised and how arguments, evidence and sources are communicated effectively. The course also focuses on the language conventions of academic writing, including grammar, vocabulary, stance and authorial positioning.
Writing a Thesis or Dissertation: Scientific and Empirical Research
Develop practical approaches to planning, organising, writing and revising a thesis, dissertation or other longer research text in scientific and empirical disciplines. The course explores how the communicative purpose of different sections of a research text shapes their structure and language, using examples relevant to MPLS, Medical Sciences and empirically oriented Social Sciences.
Writing a Thesis or Dissertation: Theoretical and Interpretive Research
Develop practical approaches to planning, organising, writing and revising a thesis, dissertation or other longer research text in theoretical and interpretive disciplines. The course explores how the communicative purpose of different sections of a research text shapes their structure and language, using examples relevant to Humanities and theoretically or interpretively oriented Social Sciences.
Academic Writing with AI
Learn how to use AI critically, effectively and responsibly throughout the academic writing process, from research and planning to drafting, feedback and revision. The course takes a process-first approach, helping participants use AI to strengthen argument, clarity and style while working within Oxford guidance and disciplinary expectations.
Term-time Spoken Communication Courses
You can enrol on any of our courses individually without having taken a previous course at the Language Centre. Learners should have reached a minimum English language proficiency of B2 on the Common European Framework of Reference.
Academic Spoken Communication
Develop confidence and effectiveness in spoken academic communication, with a focus on participating in seminars and tutorials, expressing ideas clearly, understanding academic speech and communicating with greater ease. This course can be taken independently or as the starting point for a three-term pathway through Academic Spoken Communication.
Academic Spoken Communication
Develop academic spoken communication further through more sustained participation in discussion, responding to and building on others’ ideas, and communicating effectively in academic presentations and other spoken contexts. The course builds on themes introduced in Michaelmas Term but is designed so that students can also join the pathway directly in Hilary Term.
Academic Spoken Communication
Extend and consolidate academic spoken communication for more demanding academic contexts, including presentations, extended discussion and communicating complex ideas clearly and confidently. The course provides progression from the Michaelmas and Hilary Term courses while remaining accessible to students joining Academic Spoken Communication for the first time in Trinity Term.
CACE offers individual tutorials with specialist academic communication tutors for students and researchers seeking focused support with their writing, spoken communication or other specific academic communication needs. Tutorials are tailored to individual priorities and arranged at a mutually convenient time, whether funded privately or by a department or college.
Support for students and researchers
CACE offers open-enrolment courses, individual tutorials and tailored provision for students and researchers across the University. Our provision is available to all, while drawing on particular expertise in supporting international students and those who use English as an additional language. Support includes academic writing, spoken communication, study practices and the responsible use of AI, and can be adapted to particular disciplines, programmes and stages of study. Students and researchers can enrol directly on open courses, while departments and colleges can contact us to discuss funded places, tailored courses or provision embedded within academic programmes.
CACE designs tailored academic communication programmes for universities, research organisations and other partners in the UK and internationally. Programmes may be delivered online or in person and can focus on academic writing, spoken communication, research dissemination, AI literacy or other agreed priorities. We work closely with each partner to ensure that the content reflects participants’ disciplines, professional contexts and communication needs.
Prospective partners are welcome to contact CACE to discuss a tailored programme.
Our teaching is inclusive, evidence-informed and responsive to the contexts in which academic communication takes place. We recognise that effective academic writing and speaking vary across disciplines, programmes, purposes and stages of study.
Courses combine clear guidance with active practice, discussion, reflection and feedback. Wherever possible, participants work with authentic academic tasks and examples relevant to their own study or research. We also support critical and responsible engagement with AI, helping participants retain ownership of their ideas, judgement and academic voice.
Fees vary according to course type and your relationship with the University. Eligible Oxford students who sign in using their University account will see the student rate applied before payment. Please see the table below for current fees.
| CACE Courses 2026–27 | OU Students (including Visiting and Recognised Students) | All Other OU Members (staff, academics, researchers, OU Hospitals staff and OU Press staff) | Full Alumni, Partners of Staff and Students, Retired Staff, Honorary Fellows | General Public |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Term-time course (per term) | £110 | £180 | £230 | £335 |
| Academic Writing with AI (per term) | Free | Free | £230 | £335 |
| Intensive course (Week 9) | £110 | £180 | £230 | £335 |
Contact us
Centre for Academic Communication in English12 Woodstock RoadOxfordOX2 6HT admin@lang.ox.ac.uk