Exploring the English Language Needs of Undergraduate Students in Mozambique

Needs Analysis is the backbone of curriculum design, a crucial aspect to consider when developing any language programme. This research aimed to identify the English language needs of undergraduate students in Mozambican universities. The study, which focused on a learning-centred approach, investigated the students’ English language needs from their perspectives and those of lecturers and employers. It employed a comprehensive mixed-methods approach involving the participation of students, English language lecturers, and employers. Questionnaires were used to collect data from 27 students, and semi-structured interviews were conducted to gather data from five lecturers and one employer, allowing for a deeper understanding of their perspectives and experiences. The findings revealed that most students have low English language proficiency despite English being the language of instruction, and these have practical implications for curriculum design. The results underscore the pressing need for English language programmes to prioritise content and activities that are strictly related to the students’ field of study and aimed at developing professional communication skills, focusing on speaking, reading, and writing. Given the students’ limited English use outside class, the study suggests an integrated approach of General English (GE) and English for Specific Purposes (ESP) instead of English for Academic Purposes (EAP).