Academic English Program

Classes

UTS College’s Academic English (AE) programs meet a broad range of language needs. These programs prepare you for UTS Foundation Studies, UTS College diplomas and graduate certificates, and UTS bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and PhDs. The programs include extensive reading, independent learning, academic and social conversations, blended and flipped learning approaches, HELPS and Learning Assistance Support (LAS) sessions. 
 
Teacher-guided computer lessons using CALL (Assisted Language Learning) activities and materials relevant to in-class lessons support each level of English.The Academic Student Handbook explains the pathways through the different class levels.

Our English programs include special features such as:

  • extensive reading
  • independent learning
  • academic and social conversations
  • blended and flipped learning approaches
  • HELPS and Learning Assistance Support (LAS) sessions.

Find out more about Academic English at UTS College, including what our students say.

Different class levels

Our Academic English programs from AE1 through to AE3 prepare you for entry to UTS Foundation Studies.
AE4 prepares you for diplomas and graduate certificates (standard mode).
AE5 prepares you for graduate certificates (accelerated mode) and bachelor's or master’s degrees.
There’s a focus on developing the core language skills of listening and speaking, reading and writing. You’ll also develop 21st Century skills to prepare you for success at UTS. 

The levels for the Academic English (AE) programs are:

  • AE1 Themes: Our World Lifestyle Events, 200 hours, IELTS on entry: 4.0
  • AE2 Themes: People Society, 200 hours, IELTS on entry: 4.5
  • AE3 Themes: Business Globalised World, 200 hours, IELTS on entry: 5.0
  • AE4 Themes: The Internet Society Cities, 200 hours, IELTS on entry: 5.5
  • AE5 Themes: Leadership in a Globalised World, 200 hours, IELTS on entry 6.0

Testing and placement, how to move up to the next level

You must achieve a pass grade to complete each level. Refer to the Exams and Results information for more details.

There are assessments, including assignments, progress tests and formal examinations at regular intervals throughout your enrolment.

We support you throughout your studies, with Student Success Advisers to help you succeed. If your teachers think you may be at risk of not meeting program requirements, you’ll be offered counselling and assistance to help you make satisfactory progress.

Attendance

If you enrol in one of the Academic English programs, you will need to attend classes five days a week, either in the morning or afternoon. This will be approximately 20 hours a week.

Requirements

You’re required to maintain a class attendance rate of 80% if you’re an international student. The Department of Home Affairs requires UTS College to advise them if your attendance drops below 80% This could affect the status of your visa. Personal reasons aren’t an acceptable excuse for missing classes.

It’s also important to arrive on time. Being late disrupts your studies and your class. Also, if you’re late, you’ll be marked as ‘absent’.

If you need to change classes, you need permission from UTS College.

If you’re not on the class roll, you need to notify the Student Centre at studentcentre@utscollege.edu.au (or visit UTS Building 5, Block C, Level 1 – Ground Floor) immediately.

If you can't attend classes 

If you can’t attend classes due to serious circumstances, for example, because you’re in hospital, have had an accident, been involved in a police matter, or have faced a family crisis, please contact the UTS College Student Centre on: (+61 2) 9218 8666 or email studentcentre@utscollege.edu.au.

If you can’t speak to someone when you call, please leave a message with your name, your student number, a brief description of what has happened, and a phone number for UTS College to contact you. You can also email the Student Centre with the above details.

For emergencies after office hours (outside 8:30 am – 5:00 pm Monday to Friday) please contact UTS Security: (+61 2) 9514 1192 or 1800 249 559

How to submit a medical certificate

The law requires UTS College to have documentary evidence of the circumstances that prevented you form attending classes, if you’re an international student. This might be:

  • a statement from a hospital
  • a police report
  • a report from a doctor
  • or in the case of a death in the family, a death certificate.
 

These documents need to show that your ability to study has been seriously affected, if you need special consideration, and to make sure that your student visa isn’t cancelled.

Student Success Advisers can help you in these situations.

On the first day back after, please email the Student Centre at studentcentre@utscollege.edu.au with your documentation.

Please note, medical certificates must be issued by registered medical providers such as hospitals, doctors, dentists (emergency appointments only), psychiatrists and psychologists. The College doesn’t accept certificates from alternative medical practitioners such as herbal practitioners, acupuncturists, Chinese therapists, massage therapists, iridologists etc. The medical certificate must be the original (or a scanned copy if submitting via email) and must state the provider number. It can’t be backdated. Medical Certificates purchased online aren’t accepted.

English Timetables

UTS College will provide your timetable on your first day.

English language sample timetable
Morning Classes Afternoon Classes
8:30am – 1pm 1:30pm – 6pm
   

Can I make a change to my timetable?

If you need to change your classes during compassionate or compelling reason, please contact English Enrolment via English.Enrolment@utscollege.edu.au.   

Who to contact for help?

General information about: appointments with teachers, program dates, IELTS results, class transfers, general study queries, etc. Student Centre
Ask UTS College
Information about: class assignments and exams, program work and study requirements and end of term results Please see your class teacher