Features of Academic Writing

Module overview

This 3-session module introduces the main features of academic writing, including formal register, text coherence and cohesion, and hedging. Students will practise recognising and using these features in order to produce clear and well-structured academic texts.

Dates
25 February, 4 and 11 March 2026

Time
Wednesday 12:15pm to 1:45pm

Venue
Av. du 1er-Mars 26
Room : D71

Level
B2-C1

Module workload

The module consists in 4.5 hours of in-class instruction and around 8 hours of independent study. When students take it alongside other modules, they can obtain the equivalent of 3 ECTS credits in Academic English, which may be recognized by certain study programmes or faculties.

Teacher
Suzana Zink

Undergraduate and graduate students with an intermediate to advanced level of English (B1+-C1) who need to produce written assignments or other forms of academic work (such as dissertations and theses) in English.

There are no specific entry requirements other than the student’s level of English. The module is intended for students with a proficiency level of at least low B2 (intermediate/upper-intermediate).

Before the start of the module, students will be required to take a placement test at the EMA.

The module will enable students to:
• gain a better understanding of the difference between general and academic English;
• recognise some of the most salient features of academic writing;
• practise using a formal/academic register.

The module is divided into three sessions:

  1. Features of academic writing
  1. Formal register
  2. Hedging

To receive a certificate for the module, students are expected to:

  • attend all three sessions;
  • do the required coursework;
  • submit one written assignment.

Module materials will be distributed in class and made available on the Moodle module page.

Registration : 2 – 24 February 2026

Registration

Price

Students/doctoral students UniNE; PATB
CHF 80.-

Academic staff UniNE
CHF 110.-

Alumni, SAN
CHF 110.-

Students other institutions (EPFL, HE-Arc, etc.)
CHF 110.-

Staff other institutions
CHF 160.-

Contact

Secrétariat du Centre de langues
Tél. +41 32 718 11 06
secretariat.cdl@unine.ch