General English
CRICOS Course Code: 0101700
Become confident using English in social and everyday business situations. Our General English course, available in both the day and evening, provides you with intensive development of practical, real-world English.
Learn to communicate accurately and become more confident using English in everyday business and social settings.
Why is the UEC General English program the best choice?
- Key language skills – General English provides intensive development of practical, real-world English. Students will learn to communicate in a spoken and written form, develop strategic listening skills and improve their use of grammar.
- Customise your program – Our electives allow you to customise your course by focusing on subjects that you find interesting or important.
- Study for longer – If you choose to enrol in our daytime classes, you can further personalise your General English experience by attending three additional Flex classes each week.
What will you learn in the General English course?
Our General English program will help you:
- Build your vocabulary
- Develop your grammar
- Speak with accuracy, fluency and confidence
- Improve your reading and comprehension
- Develop your writing skills
- Understand formal and informal English
Minimum entry requirement
You must be able to read and write the English alphabet, introduce yourself and exchange simple information to enter the Elementary Level.
Course levels and learning outcome
Our course levels and outcome of each level are as follows:
Level | Entry Level Requirement | Learning Outcome |
Starter |
IELTS 3.5 or equivalent |
|
Elementary |
IELTS 4.0 or equivalent | |
Pre- Intermediate |
IELTS 4.5 equivalent or the successful completion of the UEC General English Elementary Level (10 weeks with exit score of 60% or after 5 weeks of study with exit score of 85%) |
|
Intermediate |
IELTS 5.0 equivalent or the successful completion of the UEC General English Lower Intermediate Level (10 weeks with exit score of 60% or after 5 weeks of study with exit score of 85%) |
|
Upper Intermediate |
IELTS 5.5 equivalent or the successful completion of the UEC General English Intermediate Level (10 weeks with exit score of 60% or after 5 weeks of study with exit score of 85%) |
|
Advanced |
IELTS 6.0 equivalent or the successful completion of the UEC General English Upper Intermediate Level (10 weeks with exit score of 60% or after 5 weeks of study with exit score of 85%) |
|
Elective Classes
Each session you choose from a variety of classes designed to focus on areas of your choice. These classes provide you with the opportunity to advance your language skills in a variety of specialised areas. Sample classes include:
- Pronunciation – all levels
- Vocabulary – all levels
- IELTS Preparation – Lower Intermediate or above level
- Business English – Intermediate or above level
Optional Flex Classes
Three additional classes are held each week on the day course to enhance communication skills. These flexible classes focus on listening, speaking and pronunciation and allow you to customise your learning program. Classes include:
- Active Listening
- Pronunciation Clinic
- Speaking Fluency Practice
How you will be assessed
We will assess your speaking, writing, reading and listening progress every five weeks. That way, we can continually make sure your classes suit the pace and progress of your leaning.
Assessment method
Student’s progress will be assessed, regularly. Assessments may include: quizzes, speaking test, end of course test (reading, writing, grammar, vocabulary, listening).
Sample weekly timetable
Pre-Intermediate
Day Program: 20 contact hours + 2.5 hours of Optional Flex Classes per week
Evening Program: 20 contact hours per week
Day classes |
Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Evening classes |
8:45 9:30 |
Useful Vocabulary | Help with Pronunciation |
Speak with a friend | Listen Carefully | Useful Vocabulary | 16:30 17:15 |
9:30 10:15 |
Reading Strategy | Language Technology Class |
Reading Comprehension |
Language Technology Class |
Speak with a friend | 17:15 18:00 |
10:15 |
BREAK | 18:00 18:20 |
||||
10:30 11:15 |
Get the Grammar Right | Get the Grammar Right | Useful Vocabulary | Speak with a Friend | Help with Pronunciation |
18:20 19:05 |
11:15 12:00 |
Writing Letters | Speak with a Friend | Writing Diaries | Writing Essays | Listen Carefully | 19:05 19:50 |
12:00 |
LUNCH BREAK (day classes only) | |||||
12:45 13:45 |
Elective Behind the News |
Elective Behind the News |
Elective Behind the News |
Elective Behind the News |
Elective Behind the News |
19:50 20:50 |
14:00 14:50 |
Flex Option Active Listening |
Flex Option Fluency Practice |
Flex Option Pronunciation Clinic |
How do I move up an English level?
To make sure your English classes are challenging and suited to your ability, you are assessed throughout the course. The standard of your classwork and your test results at the end of each 5-week session help determine your next class level. Each level is 10 weeks long, but there is flexibility to move up at the end of every five weeks depending on your individual performance.
Is higher education your goal?
When you begin your studies in General English, after a minimum five weeks of study at Lower Intermediate level you can take the Academic English entry test. Successful completion of the Academic English Program prepares you for higher education in Australia.
2021 Session Dates – start any Mondays
1 February, 8 March, 12 April, 17 May, 21 June, 26 July, 30 August, 5 October*, 8 November and 13 December**
*Tuesday start date due to a public holiday.
**Includes 1 week UEC Christmas holiday.