In September, the Department of Language Training and Humanitarian Disciplines at SNHUU officially began the new academic semester, fully prepared to carry out its educational and academic activities. Associate Professor Lyudmyla Shevchenko, Head of the Department, together with the teaching and administrative staff, welcomes PhD students, master's students, and all participants joining the new continuing professional education programmes this term.
“Every semester brings its own challenges, but also new opportunities to improve what we do,” said Lyudmyla Shevchenko. “Our priority this year is to ensure that students - whatever programme they are enrolled in - gain real, practical value from their language and humanities training, not just theoretical knowledge.”
In preparation for the new academic year, the department held a general staff meeting to review its development priorities and strategic objectives for the semester ahead. Much of the discussion focused on practical matters, including further improving the quality of teaching, advancing methodological work, and ensuring that students receive the support they need to develop academically and professionally. Staff also discussed ways to strengthen collaboration and coordination within the department.
The meeting also addressed the department’s readiness to launch new educational initiatives. New curricula have been developed for the upcoming educational and professional development cycles and tailored to the needs of PhD students, master's students, and other participants. These programmes are designed to combine theoretical knowledge with practical application while developing professional, academic, and communication competencies.
One of these initiatives is the “English Advanced Course for Medical Professionals”. The course focuses on the specialised language skills that medical professionals need for clear and confident communication in their field.
Another important initiative is the certification programme “Preparation for International English Language Examinations at B2 Level”. The programme responds to Ukraine’s integration into the European educational and research community, the growing academic and professional mobility of specialists, and the need for standardised, internationally recognised confirmation of English-language proficiency for study, employment, and participation in international research and clinical programmes.
The programme has a practical focus. Each examination format is studied separately, using official materials from examination organisations and specialised coursebooks published by leading educational publishers. Participants gain not only a theoretical understanding of examination structures and requirements but also practical experience completing tasks that closely reflect real examination conditions.
The programme is designed for adult learners whose English proficiency is at least B1+/B2 (Upper-Intermediate) according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Participants are preparing to take one of four international examinations: Pearson Test of English General, IELTS General Training, Cambridge B2 First (FCE), or Aptis, British Council.
The department will continue to provide instruction in language training and the humanities. Students will have the opportunity to strengthen their speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills, broaden their professional vocabulary, and develop effective communication strategies. PhD students, in particular, will receive targeted support in developing the language competencies essential for academic writing, research presentations, professional discourse, and engagement with the international academic community.
Humanities courses will give students the opportunity to explore culture, history, ethics, and the social issues shaping the world today. Through lectures, seminars, discussions, and group work, students will be encouraged to think critically, support their opinions with sound reasoning, and approach problems creatively.
The department’s staff remain committed to creating a learning environment based on mutual respect, academic integrity, and genuine collaboration - one in which students at every level feel supported and teachers continue to develop their own professional practice.
The staff meeting underscored the team’s shared commitment to the continued advancement of the Department of Language Training and Humanitarian Disciplines. The department remains dedicated to upholding high educational standards and contributing to the development of competent, confident, and responsible specialists.
The Head of the Department and all staff members extend their best wishes to PhD students, master's students, and programme participants for a successful, productive, and inspiring academic semester.
