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Language Centre Courses

The University of Newcastle Language Centre is an integral part of one of Australia's prestigious universities. The Language Centre's primary aim is to enable international students to develop their language skills for future study, vocation or career purposes.

The Centre's ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students) courses consist of 5 or 10-week sessions.

Initial entry into these courses is determined by a placement test at the time of enrolment at the Language Centre. At the end of each course, students sit for exams to assess if they are ready to progress to the next level.

Elementary English

This course is designed to provide students with the English they need for living and feeling comfortable in an English speaking environment.

Intermediate English

This course develops communication and literacy skills to a level where students can function effectively in an English speaking environment.

Upper Intermediate English

This course develops language skills necessary for participation in a wide range of social and vocational activities. During this course some work on English for Academic Purposes is introduced.

English for Academic Purposes (EAP) 10 week course

This course develops all language skills with an emphasis on skills relevant to tertiary study. The course encompasses most facets of academic requirements including essay and report writing, note-taking, preparation for tutorials, strategies for listening to and understanding lectures, library research instruction and written and oral presentations.

On completion of the EAP Course students sit the University of Newcastle English Language Certificate Test. A Higher Level Pass in this test meets the English Proficiency requirements for admission to the University of Newcastle degree courses. A Lower Level Pass meets the requirements for International Foundation and TAFE (Hunter Region).

A certificate is awarded when the student's course of study is completed.

Other courses (subject to availability)

Advanced English for General Purposes

This advanced general English course is designed for advanced level students who wish to enhance their language skills in areas related to their vocational and personal interests and experience.

English for International Business Communication

This advanced level course is specifically designed for students who wish to improve their English language skills for business purposes.

Study Tours

The Language Centre offers short vacation study tours to groups who wish to combine English language classes with tourist and cultural activities.

Home-stay accommodation is arranged for study tour students who wish to experience Australian culture and family lifestyle, and to develop their English language skills in a typically Australian environment. A unique aspect of the program is that home-stay families are required to deliver students to and from the Language Centre each day.

Activities include visits to local museums, Newcastle's famous surf beaches, dolphin watching at Port Stephens, and a trip to the famous wineries of the Hunter Valley. Day trips can be organised to visit Sydney's world famous landmarks.

Study tours, which are normally of one to six weeks' duration, are individually designed to cater for the specific requirements of each group. Students receive a certificate of completion.

Program costs are available on application. Most tours operate with a minimum of 15 students.

Programs designed for particular groups

We devise programs to suit groups from business or educational institutions. These programs are flexible and combine English classes with professional visits, faculty tutorials or Business English.

An example: Professional Development for International Teachers

This course is designed for EFL teachers and aims to develop English language proficiency and communicative language teaching methods.

English and Internships

The Centre offers job placements for university students and professionals who wish to gain work experience in the field of their choice, in an English speaking environment. Students will undertake an intensive English language program prior to commencing their job placement. Placements will be in the public and private sector in the Newcastle and Sydney area. Participants have the option of working from one to twelve months. In most cases students are not paid a salary. Prior to taking up the internship, participants will take part in an orientation program, which will outline work practices in Australia as well as the expectations of Australian employers.

Course Fees

Tuition fees for students beginning their studies in any of the Language Centre's English courses are $340 per week in 2008. PLEASE NOTE: Fees do not include medical insurance.