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English for Higher Education Study
CRICOS Course Code 076089B
Course Description and Program Outcomes
The English for Higher Education Study (EHES) program is accredited by NEAS Australia and approved as an ELICOS course by ASQA. It is for students who want to maximize their language learning and practices during their preparation for college or university studies. The program aims at providing students with different opportunities, in and out of the classroom, to learn daily language at the lower levels (Levels 1-4) and move to academic English for higher education study (Level 5).
The course focuses equally on all skills, i.e. Reading, listening, writing and speaking, and the lessons are divided among the various skills. The weekly modules of our own curriculum put special emphases on vocabulary, grammar and pronunciations. Many different themes such as ‘Working Life’ and ‘Life Stories’ will also provide opportunities to learn the local culture and society.
Teachers will include various learning activities, inside and outside the classroom, to ensure the highest involvement and interaction of the students. Ultimately, the assignments and assessments will demonstrate the students’ improvement in their English language skills.
The program has five levels and their entry and exit levels are presented in the following table (Table 1). Entry and exit marks are showed in equivalent IELTS* scores.
| Level | Level Name | Entry Level | Exit Level |
| 1 | Beginner (Currently not offered) | Official IELTS* score 3.0 or below UPC English Placement Test (EPT) with a grade below 20% | IELTS equivalent 3.5 UPC Beginner level Pass |
| 2 | Elementary | Official IELTS score 3.5 UPC EPT with a grade from 20% to 30% UPC Beginner level with a Pass grade or higher | IELTS equivalent 4.0 UPC Elementary level Pass |
| 3 | Pre-intermediate | Official IELTS score 4.0 UPC EPT with a grade from 31% to 50% UPC Elementary level with a Pass grade or higher | IELTS equivalent 4.5 UPC Pre-Intermediate level Pass |
| 4 | Intermediate | Official IELTS score 4.5 UPC EPT with a grade from 51% to 60% UPC Pre-Intermediate level with a Pass grade or higher | IELTS equivalent 5.0 UPC Intermediate level Pass |
| 5 | Upper Intermediate (English for Academic Purposes – EAP1) | Official IELTS score 5.0 UPC EPT with a grade over 61% UPC Intermediate level with a Pass grade or higher | IELTS equivalent 5.5 UPC EAP1 with a grade from 50% to 84% |
IELTS equivalent 6.0 UPC EAP1 with a grade of 85% or over. |
* IELTS Trademark
You will be able to perform specific skills after completing each level.
1.Beginner Level (Currently not offered)
- use basic grammar
- write alphabet and simple words
- use key vocabulary
- learn skills to deal with simple social situations
2. Elementary Level
- read short texts and develop vocabulary
- write simple paragraphs
- interact with others: listen, ask questions and communicate personal information and everyday needs
3. Pre-Intermediate Level
- give and receive instructions, ask for clarification
- read moderately difficult texts including instructions and texts with diagrams
- read for relaxation and entertainment
- write paragraphs which cohere
- deal with different genres
- read, understand and extract information from short texts
- understand Australian systems & culture
4. Intermediate Level
- deal with more complex communication for problem solving in everyday life
- listen and comprehend a range of complex situations
- write paragraphs dealing with factual material and expressing opinions
- read, understand and interpret longer texts
5. Upper Intermediate or English for Academic Purposes
- communicate information on the everyday and deal with academic topics abstracts
- read and understand texts of a more academic nature and deal with more complex abstraction
- make classroom presentations
- write short essays and discussion texts
Entry Requirement
Depending on your English proficiency level, you can enter the program at different entry points.
- English proficiency: See Table 1 (Page 1).
- Academic: Completed Year 11 of a 12-year school system.
Resources Requirements
You can access all course learning and assessment materials using our e-Learning system. The course materials fee is $50 per level.
Program Outcomes
On successful completion of each level, you will be issued with a Certificate to show your English proficiency level. On successful completion of Level 5, your English proficiency will be showed as below (Using equivalent IELTS score):
- 5.5 IELTS score (Equivalent) if your grade is between 50% to 84% or
- 6.0 IELTS score (Equivalent) if it is 85% or above.
Your English Certificate will be valid for 2 years
Delivery Mode and Total Volume of Learning
We offer a blended delivery mode of classroom learning and structured self-study. The EHES course has a maximum of 50 studying weeks (10 studying weeks per term or 3 calendar months) for a total of 65 weeks or 15 calendar months.
During the term, you attend classes 15 hours per week and complete another 5 hours as structured self-study (During the current COVID-19 pandemic).
On top of these, you study in your own time up to 15 hours per week then complete exercises and assessments.
Teaching Method
- You progress through EHES levels at your own pace.
- Reading, writing, listening and speaking are based around themes.
- Excursions and study tours introduce Australian culture (Onshore students only).
- Topical newspapers, magazines, websites and entertainment are used as resources.
- Every student will build a folder of learning materials and complete assessment tasks.
Assessment Methods
- Writing tasks, short answer questions and quizzes
- Direct observation in class
- Oral practice, individually and in groups
- Oral and written assessment tasks
- Weekly tests, end of term examinations.
- Your progress is carefully tracked and recorded in individual records
Learning Materials
- Topic handouts and reading guides
- Grammar and vocabulary textbooks
- Internet/computer access
- Reference library
Pathways
Internal pathway – Each student works at their own speed and moves forward when the
assessments are satisfactory.
VET and higher education pathways – All VET colleges and a large number of Australian higher education providers accept UPC English results for entering into their courses.
Training and Other Facilities
UPC campus is fully equipped with required facilities including modern computers with internet access, data projector, printing and photocopying facility, a mini kitchen and common area.
Typical Timetables
During studying periods (Terms) (Onshore students during COVID-19 pandemic period):
- Three days a week (15 hours): Face-to-face study with the teacher.
- Day 4 (5 hours): Structured self-study.
Work Permit during Study Period
You are permitted to have paid employment during your study in Australia: 40 hours per fortnight (Every two weeks) during study term and no hour limit during term breaks or holidays.
Glossary
- ASQA – Australian Skills Quality Authority
- EAP – English for Academic Purposes
- ELICOS – English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students
- NEAS – National English Language Teaching Accreditation Scheme
- Term – There are 10 studying weeks per term (For ELISOS courses) and 4 terms per year.
