Academic English program

Not necessarily. More than 50 Australian institutions – universities and colleges – recognise Universal English College qualifications for direct entry to their courses, meaning graduates won't need to take IELTS to get entry into those courses. For example, getting a Distinction in the 2nd level of Academic English Program will get you entry into many TAFE certificate and diploma courses; getting a Distinction in the 3rd level of Academic English Program will get you entry into many bachelor degree programs at universities.

The assessment system of the Academic English Program is extensive. As part of the course, you will do writing assessments, including a researched essay on your future field of study, a presentation assessment, a tutorial participation assessment, and reading and listening assessments. Teachers also monitor students' progress in the Academic English Program course by observing them during lesson activities every day.

You can enroll in the Academic English Program for a minimum of 10 weeks and a maximum of 40 weeks. You can start the UEC Academic English Program at the start of each five-week module, so new intakes begin every 5 weeks. Lessons are held five days a week, in the morning on Monday to Friday. There are no weekend or evening lessons.

The course helps students develop the 'academic literacies' needed – note taking, research, writing reference lists and annotated bibliographies, participating in tutorials and lectures, and much more. Students will also develop skills in researching and writing annotated bibliographies and essays, delivering formal academic presentations, listening and reading for academic contexts, critical thinking, research, tutorial participation, academic research as part of essay writing, and becoming a skilled autonomous learner confident using online learning platforms typical of the best Australian universities and colleges.

You will need pens and pencils and note books to take notes in class every day. All your lessons will utilise online resources so you should have your own laptop or tablet to access these resources. You can take the Academic English Program without your own laptop or tablet, but you will find a laptop or tablet makes it much easier and more effective to learn, especially as part of the program is based on online learning modules and you will use the online learning platform to submit some of your assessments. The course also uses a core book that is the basis of the learning activities — you will get a copy of the book to use and keep, and when you change level, you'll get a new book for that level too.