English Language Bridging
In 2012 students can now study either ELB semester, or ELB Intensive 10 weeks.
CRICOS Code 003896G
How does the new ELB work?
The ELB program now has two entry points. For students with IELTS (or equivalent) one band below, and each individual band one below required university entry, the full semester course is available. For students with IELTS (or equivalent) 0.5 band below, and each individual band 0.5 below required university entry, our new 10 week ELB Intensive course is available.
Who does ELB?
The English Language Bridging course (ELB) is an advanced academic English program that prepares students from non-English speaking backgrounds for undergraduate and postgraduate study at Curtin University.
Students choose this course if they:
Want to develop their use of academic English to enable them to work more effectively during their undergraduate or postgraduate degree studies.
Have a conditional offer from Curtin University in regards to their English language requirements, the Letter of Offer will be stated as below:
- Evidence that you satisfy Curtin’s minimum Undergraduate English Language requirement by achieving an overall band score of 6.0 in the IELTS test (Academic Module) with a minimum band of 6.0 in Writing, Speaking, Listening and Reading OR a TOEFL score of 550 (paper-based) or 80 (internet based) - with a minimum score of 20 in each section OR other approved English tests as outlined in the International prospectus
- Evidence that you satisfy Curtin’s minimum Postgraduate English Language requirement by achieving an overall band of 6.5 in the IELTS test (Academic Module) with a minimum band of 6.0 in Writing, Speaking, Listening and Reading OR a TOEFL score of 570 (paper-based) or 92 (internet based) - with a minimum score of 23 in each section and 5.0 in the Test of Written English (TWE) or Essay Rating score OR other approved English tests as outlined in the International prospectus
I think once you’ve completed the course, you’ll wonder how you could have ever attempted University study without it
Akmal Sabarudin, Indonesia
How will ELB help me succeed at University?
ELB helps students to:
- raise their Academic and General level of English language to the required level
- use appropriate academic language style, vocabulary and expressions
- develop their use of complex grammatical constructions and improve their pronunciation
- develop their academic reading and listening strategies
- write academic essays effectively
- listen to authentic lectures and take notes effectively
- communicate effectively in discussions and seminars
- undertake research projects
- give effective academic presentations
- learn about academic procedures, rules and conventions
- get used to Australian university life and culture before their degree starts.
What will I be studying in class?
The 10 week programme is of a higher level than the semester programme and has a slightly different language and academic skills focus. Students take the number of weeks necessary to meet their target exit level. This will be indicated on their offer letter from Curtin University.
ELB semester
For the semester programme, the first part is designed to give students intensive language development in all skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing, as well as initial preparation for future university studies. In the next part students then work intensively on academic language development and specific preparation for university studies. The main focus is on academic English, especially reading and essay writing research-based skills. A series of guided lectures on various topics is set.
NEW ELB Intensive (10 weeks)
For the start of the 10 week programme and following on from the seven weeks of the semester programme, students receive specific academic language and skills training. The main focus is on developing academic task-specific English language. Students experience a wide range of assignment types, and learn to use a wide range of academic English to listen effectively to lectures and communicate in group discussions. Students also complete research projects based on a topic related to their future subject and to give formal presentations.
Classes and timetable
Teaching is intensive with 20 teaching hours per week, and a minimum of 12 hours per week of self study. Students will have classes between 10.00 and 3.00 pm, Monday to Friday.
All classes have a maximum of 18 students. Each class will have two different teachers. Students will also be given self-study work every day and will be given access to computer-based academic English self-study resources.
Assessments
Students will be continually assessed throughout the course through timed written essays, seminar skills, project work and oral presentations.
