What will I be able to do upon completing the Specialization?

You will be able to attend an English-speaking university with confidence, knowing what to expect and how to meet those expectations.

Is this course really 100% online? Do I need to attend any classes in person?

This course is completely online, so there’s no need to show up to a classroom in person. You can access your lectures, readings and assignments anytime and anywhere via the web or your mobile device.

Can I just enroll in a single course?

Yes! To get started, click the course card that interests you and enroll. You can enroll and complete the course to earn a shareable certificate. When you subscribe to a course that is part of a Specialization, you’re automatically subscribed to the full Specialization. Visit your learner dashboard to track your progress.

Is financial aid available?

Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.

Can I take the course for free?

No, you cannot take this course for free. When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. If you cannot afford the fee, you can apply for financial aid.

Essential English for University Success Specialization

Essential English for University Success Specialization

Excel at any English-Speaking University. Sharpen speaking, writing, and study skills necessary for university success.

Instructor: Marla Yoshida

Included with Coursera Plus

Learn more

3 course series

Get in-depth knowledge of a subject

4.7

(147 reviews)

Beginner level

No prior experience required

1 month at 10 hours a week

Flexible schedule

Earn a career credential

Share your expertise with employers

3 course series

Get in-depth knowledge of a subject

4.7

(147 reviews)

Beginner level

No prior experience required

1 month at 10 hours a week

Flexible schedule

Earn a career credential

Share your expertise with employers

What you'll learn

What’s included

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Taught in English

practice exercises

Advance your subject-matter expertise

Learn in-demand skills from university and industry experts
Master a subject or tool with hands-on projects
Develop a deep understanding of key concepts
Earn a career certificate from University of California, Irvine

Specialization - 3 course series

Speaking Skills for University Success

Course 17 hours4.8 (125 ratings)View course

What you'll learn

As a student in an English-speaking university, you’ll need to speak in many situations, both formal and informal, planned and spontaneous. In this course, you’ll get advice for speaking in many different situations. You’ll learn how to prepare for an academic discussion with classmates and how to lead a discussion effectively. You’ll learn about how to work smoothly in group projects—a popular type of assignment in many university classes—and what to say in small talk with classmates or others. You’ll learn how to give an unplanned, impromptu speech and also how to plan and deliver a formal presentation in class. Speaking in any of these situations can be a bit intimidating, but if you know what to do and practice whenever the opportunity arises, it will become easier, and you can become a more confident and successful speaker.

Skills you'll gain

Communication, Verbal Communication Skills, Public Speaking, Organizational Skills, Collaboration, Time Management, Discussion Facilitation, Active Listening, Social Skills, and Interpersonal Communications

Writing Skills for University Success

Course 27 hours4.5 (65 ratings)View course

What you'll learn

Writing is a vital skill in university classes, whether you’re majoring in history or business management, economics or engineering. In this course, you’ll learn how to write effectively in different academic formats, especially essays and longer research papers. You’ll learn how to choose a topic for a paper, how to find reliable resources for writing it, and how to organize your ideas in a way that communicates clearly and fits the expectations of your professors. You’ll learn about the importance of correctly citing sources in your writing and university norms regarding academic honesty. Communicating clearly in writing is an important key to success both in university work and in your future career. As with any other skill, the more you practice, the more easily and skillfully you’ll be able to do it.

Skills you'll gain

Writing, Research, Editing, Grammar, Ethical Standards And Conduct, and Organizational Skills

Study Skills for University Success

Course 39 hours4.7 (123 ratings)View course

What you'll learn

In this course, you’ll learn about many important skills to support your study, including time management, discovering your own learning styles, and reading more effectively and increasing your vocabulary. You’ll hear some guidelines for studying effectively in online or remote classes, which are becoming more and more popular in university-level education. You’ll also improve your skills in listening to lectures and taking good notes to help you as you study for tests. Finally, you’ll hear about expectations for participating in lecture classes and tips for communicating with professors and making friends with classmates. Being a university student can be a rich, rewarding experience if you have the skills you need to succeed both in your classwork and in getting along with others. This course will help you gain some of those skills.

Skills you'll gain

Learning Strategies, Learning Styles, Time Management, Communication, Interpersonal Communications, Active Listening, Organizational Skills, Blended Learning, Literacy, Student Engagement, Higher Education, and Personal Integrity