English in higher education - English medium

This report is formed of two parts: part one, a literature review and part two, a perspective on research on English-medium (EM) education in higher education (HE).

Part 1: literature review

It is written and researched by a team of leading academics in the field of EM in HE and provides the evidence base for part two. The report examines research on:

  • defining EM
  • the growth and drivers for the growth of EM in HE
  • perceived benefits
  • approaches to implementation
  • challenges and successes of studying through English
  • quality assurance systems and frameworks for EM programmes
  • and support systems for students and content lecturers using EM.

The report highlights practical examples of EM policy and implementation and identifies gaps in EM in HE research.

Part 2: a British Council perspective 

It provides the British Council’s perspective on English-medium education in HE. The perspective is intended to guide, align and communicate the British Council’s approach to English-medium education in HE and provoke and facilitate further discussion about the role of English in HE. 

Watch the six-minute video summary of part one and download part one and part two in pdf format below.

Research and insight

Browse fascinating case studies, research papers, publications and books by researchers and ELT experts from around the world.

See our publications, research and insight