General English

VU course code: VNGEN | CRICOS: 059112E | Level of study: Short course (non-award)

Duration

1000 hours

Delivery mode

In person

Fees

Location

City Campus

Applications closed

Overview

Improve your overall English skills to become a confident English language communicator.

Our General English course is for students with beginner-to-intermediate levels of English.

You'll develop English language skills in speaking, listening, reading and writing. We'll help prepare you for everyday situations - from travelling and transportation, to accommodation and food.

When you study General English at VU, you will:

see rapid progress in your reading, writing, speaking and listening skills
learn through interactive activities, such as class role plays and presentations
receive written progress report every 5 weeks
have the opportunity to join various programs and clubs
access VU English textbooks and materials
receive a university certificate when you graduate.

After completing this course, you can move into English for Academic Purposes if you're looking to study an Australian TAFE or university course.

: There are 5 levels of study for General English. Each level has different opportunities after you complete the course:
Level 1 (Elementary): You can advance to Level 2
Level 2 (Pre-intermediate): You can advance to Level 3
Level 3 (Intermediate): You can advance to Level 4 or move into our English for Academic Purposes course.
Level 4 (Upper-intermediate): You can advance to Level 5, move into our English for Academic Purposes course or apply for a TAFE degree.*
Level 5 (Advanced 1): You can move into our English for Academic Purposes course or apply for a bachelor degree.*
Before starting your course, we will find the right level for you with a VU English placement test.
* Courses may have additional entry criteria, including a higher English language score. Please read the entry criteria for a course before you apply.
: Achieve your full potential with The Learning Hub, which helps you develop your confidence, academic ability, and study skills.
Benefit from in-person mentoring and study sessions, along with a range of digital learning modules that you can access anytime.
Get help from our online, 24/7 support service to polish your assignments before you submit, and receive guidance on writing, referencing, maths and more.
Read more about The Learning Hub

Entry requirements

Meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee you entry into this course.

Some courses receive more applications than the number of places available. In this situation we will also assess your education, work and other relevant experience.

Entry criteria

Course structure

General English is offered across five levels. Levels are described in terms of language ability in accordance with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and IELTS in order to be consistent with industry standards. The levels of the course are:

Level 1-GE1 (elementary/ CEFR A1/IELTS 3 or equivalent),
Level 2- GE2 (pre intermediate/CEFR A2/IELTS 3.5/4.2 or equivalent)
Level 3-GE3 (Intermediate/ CEFR A2+/B1/IELTS 4/5 or equivalent)
Level 4-GE4 ( Upper Intermediate/CEFR B1 IELTS 5 or equivalent
Level 5-GE5 ( Advanced/CEFR B1+/B2 IELTS 5.5+ or equivalent

Flexible entry and exit arrangements are possible. Students are assessed prior to commencing the course and are placed in a level in accordance with their language ability. Students can progress to a higher level of the course once outcomes at a particular level have been met. Students can also articulate into one of the following level 4 courses once GE 3 outcomes have been met: English for Academic Purposes and English for BULATS .