Department of Languages & Intercultural Education

ELICOS

Why study ELICOS?

Flexible entry
Curtin's ELICOS program offers general English studies at a number of different levels. There are nine intakes and orientations per year. Students study in 5 week modules and can enter ELICOS at any level of English.

There are four different levels of English that a student can enter into the course. Each level is offered in every intake and students take a placement test during orientation and are enrolled in the appropriate level class.

Modern teaching methods
All lessons encourage active learning. ELICOS covers reading, writing, speaking and listening together with vocabulary, grammar and pronunciation. Each skill is continually assessed during each five week module. It is strongly recommended that students complete a minimum of 10 weeks at each level.

Classes
Class size ranges from 12 to 18 students with an average number of 16 students. Students have 23 hours of teaching contact and 2 hours of self study per week. All classes have access to networked computer laboratories and television and video facilities.

Further study
ELICOS offers preparation for University entry. ELICOS offers three levels of study for academic English of 10 weeks duration. This includes IELTS and CUTE testing preparation as well as preparation for the English language bridging course. Both the IELTS and the CUTE testing centres are on campus [link to IELTS and CUTE pages]

Professional and/or personal development
The ELICOS program offers two English levels for general / professional English to students who require a high level of speaking and listening as part of their personal or career development.

Excursions
All students are provided with the opportunity to participate in excursions organised at regular intervals to give historical, geographical, social and cultural perspective to their education.

Curtin's English language course has nine intakes per year. Each intake is at the beginning of each module of five weeks duration and students can enter at any one of the nine intakes. The courses range from upper elementary to advanced levels.

Developing English 1-4
Students from beginner to intermediate level are offered broad-based general English courses to develop speaking, listening, reading and writing skills. The courses focus on intensive language practice including vocabulary development and pronunciation. A variety of course books and authentic materials is used to develop overall English competency.

Academic English
These courses are for upper-intermediate students and above who are preparing for formal study in an Australian educational institution. A wide range of materials is used, including text books, cassettes, videos, newspapers, magazines, worksheets and computer software.

General/Professional English
These courses cater to those students who require a high level of oral/aural competence as part of their personal or career development. The courses are offered on demand and are dependent on student numbers.

Electives
All students studying Developing English 3 and above are offered a choice of electives. These can include: IELTS preparation; CUTE preparation; vocabulary and reading; grammar and writing; listening and speaking; English on the web; pronunciation and cultural awareness.