English for professionals: C2 Proficiency (Cambridge English: Proficiency, CPE )

What is the course about?

You will refine your English to operate at full professional and academic capacity, while preparing for all four parts of the CPE exam. You will explore demanding and complex topics, engaging with them through reading, writing, speaking, and listening activities.

Materials will include fiction and non-fiction books, academic journals, quality newspapers, technical manuals, and authentic multimedia resources. You will produce a variety of written texts-such as essays, reports, and reviews-tailored to purpose and audience. You will also practise understanding and responding to advanced spoken English from lectures, speeches, and interviews.

Classroom interaction will involve high-level discussions, debates, and problem-solving tasks where you exchange ideas, justify opinions, speculate on outcomes, and negotiate decisions in both academic and workplace contexts

What will we cover?

The course covers all components of the CPE qualification, while strengthening your professional and academic English, including:

· Discussing, reading, and writing about complex topics relevant to postgraduate research and professional work.

· Negotiating, persuading, and influencing effectively at management or leadership level.

· Analysing complex written texts for main ideas, detail, tone, purpose, implication, and structure.

· Recognising and employing subtle distinctions in meaning, idiomatic expressions, and advanced vocabulary.

· Addressing sensitive or controversial issues confidently and diplomatically.

· Producing essays, reports, articles, and reviews that develop ideas coherently, meet reader expectations, and achieve their intended purpose.

· Listening for gist, detail, and speaker attitude in diverse contexts, including academic lectures, business meetings, and media interviews.

· Speaking with clear, confident pronunciation, natural intonation, and appropriate pace.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

By the end of the course, you should be able to:

· Understand what is required to succeed in the CPE exam.

· Perform confidently in all four components of the exam.

· Engage critically with complex subjects in speech and writing, suitable for professional and postgraduate settings.

· Negotiate and persuade effectively in high-level business and academic discussions.

· Analyse written texts for detail, viewpoint, tone, purpose, and structure.

· Use nuanced vocabulary, idioms, and stylistic devices with precision.

· Discuss complex or sensitive topics with confidence and tact.

· Write sophisticated essays, reports, reviews, and articles that are cohesive, purposeful, and audience-appropriate.

· Listen attentively to extract gist, specific detail, and implied meaning from advanced spoken English.

· Speak fluently with accurate pronunciation, effective intonation, and natural delivery.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

This is for L2+ students (C2). It ideal if you are a post-graduate or working as a professional. You will already be a highly competent English language user.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

Teaching takes place in a collaborative, supportive environment. You will be encouraged to take an active role in your learning, working both independently and in groups to practise essential workplace and academic skills such as problem-solving, decision-making, negotiating, and collaborating.

Lessons are structured step-by-step to make challenging tasks achievable and engaging. You will receive individual feedback and guidance to help you progress effectively.

Work outside class is required, including assignments and exam practice. We use Google Classroom for sharing resources, discussions, and additional practice.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

There are no additional course costs. Please bring:

· A notebook and pen.

· A folder to organise your work.

All learning materials will be provided, and you will be given access to Google Classroom for resources, videos, and communication with classmates.

Please note: The CPE exam must be booked directly with one of the 19 Cambridge-approved centres in London. Exam fees are not included in the course fee.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

There are many courses you can do before, during or after this course. These include:

· ESOL - Communication skills for life and work - Level 2 (Reading, Speaking & Listening, Writing) ACCREDITED COURSE

· ESOL: Develop your writing: grammar, vocabulary, expression (advanced) (Term 2 only)

· Grammar in practice: advanced (level 2+) (Term 3)

· Communication skills: developing your writing, speaking and digital skills through creating a radio programme (ESOL Level 1-2) (Terms 2 & 3)

· Develop your writing and language skills (Level 1-Level 2) (Term 3)

· Learn English - discover London, its history, culture and people (Level 1-Level 2)

· Conversation Club

· ESOL pronunciation: stage 1 (level 1-2)

You can also do classes in the English area (for fluent speakers with a good English command.) These include:

· Develop your confidence in writing: grammar, punctuation, expression (level 1-2)

· English Functional Skills (Level 1 & 2) (You will need to do an assessment and screening before enrolling)

· Gateway to English Language GCSE (You will need to do an assessment and screening before enrolling)

· Communication skills for business: how to be clear, concise and impacting when you write (level 2)

· Workplace communication skills: how to be confident in meetings and in groups (Level 1-2)

· Workplace communication with digital skills: English for the office and business (intermediate level 1-level 2)

Your tutor will help you choose the right next course during progression week.

For more information, ask your tutor or contact universal.skills@citylit.ac.uk / 020 7492 2511.