English for Academic Purposes

English for Academic Purposes (EAP) is offered by Griffith College for those students wanting to gain entry to an academic course within the college but who have not yet achieved the required English language level.

EAP is available for all students who have an IELTS 4.0 and above or equivalent. The course runs for 45 weeks in its entirety. It is structured in five-week blocks beginning in September and finishing the following August, with successful students progressing onto to their academic course. In total there are nine five-week blocks. Students will join the course in line with their IELTS score or equivalent. For example, a student with a score of 4.0 will start at the beginning while a student with a higher score will start later in the course depending on their level. Students will be continuously assessed throughout the course.

Learners will be introduced to a range of Academic English language structures and conventions, required to develop their confidence in the use of English for Academic Purposes. Learners are challenged to think autonomously and critically, and to develop their understanding of the materials.

EAP has four principal aims.

1. Prepare international learners for third-level courses conducted through the medium of English.
2. Provide these learners with the necessary independent learning, communication and study skills to help them adapt to studying in a western third-level study environment.
3. Provide learners with the core language competencies of listening, speaking, reading and writing in the English language and the confidence and ability to interact in an English speaking academic community, using appropriate language and form.
4. Ability to work both autonomously and cooperatively.

The course syllabus integrates skills and language work and builds on presentation skills with a focus on academic writing that refers to background reading.

EAP is a new and exciting course which will appeal to those students with the ambition to improve their English level along with acquiring key academic skills. It is a challenging but extremely rewarding experience. We look forward to welcoming new students.

*Students progressing to academic programmes in Griffith College must also submit an external exam as proof of English language proficiency.

Timetable: 2023-2025 Timetable

EAP class: 9am – 1pm, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

Exam preparation class: 2pm – 4pm, Wednesday and Thursday

Guided learning: 2 – 3pm Friday

Entry Requirements 

Students who are interested in completing an Academic Programme with Griffith College will need to meet the English Language Entry Requirements as follows:

• For Postgraduate Programmes in Journalism, the CEFRL Level required is C1. The IELTS Equivalent required is 7.0 or above.
• For Postgraduate Programmes in Law, the CEFRL Level required is B2+. The IELTS Equivalent required is 6.5 or above.
• For all other Postgraduate Programme, the CEFRL Level required is B2+. The IELTS Equivlent required is 6.5 or above. Entry with Language Support is possible for learners at CEFRL Level B2 (IELTS 6.0).
• For Undergrduate Programmes in Law, the CEFRL level required is B2+. The IELTS Equivalent required is 6.5 or above.
• For Undergraduate Programmes in Journalism - Stage 1, the CEFRL Level required is B2+. The IELTS Equivalent required is 6.5 or above. Entry with Language Support is possible for learners at CEFRL Level B2 (IELTS 6.0).
• For Undergraduate Programmes in Journalism - all other stages, the CEFRL Level required is B2+. The IELTS Equivalent required is 6.5 or above.
• For all other Undergraduate Programmes - Stage 1, the CEFRL Level required is B2. The IELTS Equivalent is 6.0 or above. Entry with Language Support is possible for leanrers at CEFRL Level B1+ (IELTS 5.5).
• For all other Undergraduate Programmes - all other Stages, the CEFRL Level required is B2. The IELTS Equivalent is 6.0 or above.

How to Apply 

Apply online or enquire directly 

Please note that not all study modes may be offered at all times; for confirmation, refer to the Intake dates on the Overview tab.

English for Academic Purposes – 20 hours per week

This is our premium English for Academic Purposes programme including 15 hours of academic English, 4 hours exam preparation and 1 hour of guided learning. This programme runs in 5-week blocks and has a total of 45 weeks.

NB: The students’ entry points/start dates will depend on their level of English.

For pricing please view Griffith Institute of Language - Dublin, Cork and Limerick

Academic Progression

Students who successfully complete a Griffith Institute of Language (GIL) English for Academic Purposes Programme may be eligible to enrol onto an Undergraduate or Postgraduate Programme at Griffith College. Please see Griffith College courses and entry requirements for further information.

Career Progression

Competence in the English Language is a requirement in most professions in Ireland, as well as abroad. Successful completion of a Griffith Institute of Language (GIL) English for Academic Purposes Programme will give students an advantage in whatever career path they choose to pursue.