General English

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. 

General English is part of English Language Programs (CRICOS Course Code 062713J) 

 

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

Lower Elementary

 IELTS 3.5 or equivalent
  • Communicates at a basic level in everyday situations
  • Respond to simple questions and directions
  • Understands English when spoken to slowly and clearly

Elementary

 IELTS 4.0 or equivalent
Lower 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%)
  • Communicates facts and opinions
  • Can participate in conversations with native speakers
  • Understands most questions and statements at normal speaking speed
  • Uses English to shop, order food in restaurants and ask for directions
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%)
  • Communiates fairly fluently in familiar situations
  • Uses a range of vocabulary and is able to find alternative forms of expression
  • Can describe more complex ideas
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%)
  • Communicates effectively in most social situations
  • Uses English with growing accuracy and fluency, including reading and writing
  • Understands a wide range of idioms
  • Maintains extended conversations with native speakers
  • Can maintain conversations on a range of familiar topics
  • Discusses and argues in a culturally acceptable way
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%)
  • Speaks and understands Enlgish with ease
  • Reads and writes with a high degree of proficiency
  • Conducts business competently in English

 

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

Lower 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
10:30

 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
12:45

 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.

2019 Session Start Dates*
21 January, 25 February, 1 April, 6 May, 11 June,  15 July, 19 August, 23 September, 28 October, 2 December.

*These are main start dates however students may begin their course on other Mondays.