Unit for Professional English
The Unit for Professional English (UPE) supports the development of academic and professional communication in English across Uppsala University.
Through courses, workshops, consultations and collaborative activities, UPE works primarily with teachers, researchers and doctoral students while contributing to the university's broader international and multilingual environment.
English plays an important role in many areas of university life, from teaching, research and supervision to presentations, meetings, collaborations and professional communication. UPE helps participants develop confidence, clarity and effectiveness in these contexts through practical language activities, discussion, and reflection.
Our activities are designed to support participants in communicating successfully in international academic environments while providing opportunities to reflect on and further develop their communication in professional English.
UPE is part of Uppsala University's Academic Language Proficiency initiative alongside Språkverkstaden and SWAC (Swedish as an Academic Language). Together, these units contribute to a multilingual and international university environment.
What we offer:
Courses
Mastering Academic Writing
Writing effectively in academic English involves a number of different skills, such as writing clearly, using appropriate vocabulary, knowing how to structure a text and using correct grammar. Mastering Academic Writing is designed to help participants develop these skills and apply them to their own academic work.
Format: Online (Zoom)
Dates:
- 15 September
- 29 September
- 13 October
- 27 October
- 17 November
Groups:
- Group 1: 09:15–12:00
- Group 2: 13:15–16:00
Registration deadline: 1 September 2026
Registration
Speaking with Clarity and Confidence in Academic Contexts
An on-campus course at the Department of English, Engelska parken, consisting of seven two-hour sessions for teachers, researchers and doctoral students who would like to strengthen their confidence, clarity and effectiveness in professional spoken English.
The course focuses on communication in a range of academic and professional contexts, including teaching, presentations, meetings, discussions and collaboration. Participants will work with practical strategies for explaining ideas clearly, structuring spoken communication, managing interaction and responding to challenging situations in English.
Location: Department of English, Engelska parken
Dates:
- 8 October
- 15 October
- 22 October
- 5 November
- 12 November
- 19 November
- 26 November
Time: 13:15–15:00
Registration deadline: 14 September 2026
Registration:
Workshops
Speaking with Clarity and Confidence in Academic Contexts
Campus Gotland
This workshop is for lecturers, researchers and doctoral students who would like to feel more confident when presenting or speaking in academic settings, such as lectures, conferences or professional meetings.
Participants work with short segments of their own presentations and explore how to structure a talk clearly, signal key ideas and explain complex concepts in an accessible way. The workshop focuses on practical techniques for managing nerves, organising content and engaging different audiences.
Through structured exercises and supportive feedback, participants develop greater confidence and clarity in spoken academic communication.
Location: Campus Gotland
Date: 20 October 2026
Time: 09:00-12:00
Registration deadline: 30 September 2026
Registration:
Individual Consultations
UPE offers individual consultations for teachers, researchers and doctoral students who would like to discuss a specific communication task in English, such as an article, conference presentation, research proposal, teaching material or other professional communication.
Please note that consultations are not a proofreading or editing service.
Further information about consultation dates and booking procedures will be provided after the consultation request has been received.
Expression of interest:
Collaborations
UPE works with departments, programmes, and other units across Uppsala University to support academic and professional communication in English in a wide range of academic and professional contexts.
Collaborations may include:
- Tailored workshops
- Short courses
- Lectures and seminar sessions
- Departmental development activities
- Support for internationalisation initiatives
Activities are developed collaboratively and tailored to different academic and professional contexts.
Campus Gotland
UPE values its collaboration with colleagues at Campus Gotland and seeks to include on-site activities as part of its university-wide programme whenever possible. Previous activities have included workshops on academic writing, research proposals and professional communication in English.
Interested in collaborating with UPE?
If you would like further information or would like to discuss a possible collaboration, please contact us at: upe@engelska.uu.se
Contact
- Contact the Unit for Professional English
- upe@engelska.uu.se