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Curtin University
Courses Handbook 2014

This handbook contains information for courses and units at Curtin in 2014.
Information for the previous year's courses and units is available at Courses Handbook 2013.

314977 v.1 Cambridge Preparation Course

Course CRICOS Code: 081753K


Course Overview

This course provides students with an intensive language course at two levels to provide them with the language skills necessary to communicate effectively in both a professional and academic environment. Specifically, it will develop the learner to deal confidently with a range of reading and listening texts; write effectively in a range of genres: letters, reports, reviews etc.; develop a communicative competence for face-to-face interaction and have good control over grammar and vocabulary. The course aims to prepare students to undertake the Cambridge First Exam (FCE) and Cambridge Advanced Exam (CAE). The Cambridge Preparation course is aligned with the ELICOS programs offered by Curtin English. A pass at C level in Cambridge Advanced will provide an alternative pathway to tertiary studies at Curtin University. A graduate of this course can: 1. develop English language and English language skills (reading, writing, speaking and listening) appropriate for undertaking Cambridge First or Cambridge Advanced exams; 2. apply critical thinking and reading skills to a range of texts (written and oral); 3. analyse exam tasks and apply effective exam techniques and strategies; 4. develop writing and speaking skills to communicate effectively in professional and academic environments; 5. become independent learners through reflection and active learning techniques; 6. develop intercultural awareness and community through collaborative learning, and 7. use language effectively for social, academic and professional purposes.


Additional Course Expenses

Students may be expected to purchase a number of essential study materials. A materials fee for core texts is included in course fees, but students may be required to buy a language learners dictionary.



Course Entry and Completion Details

Entry into the Cambridge First requires the successful completion of Curtin English GE5 or for external students a Password entry score of 5 or B1 on the CEFR. Entry into the Cambridge Advanced Stream will require a pass B at Cambridge First Exam (FCE), a Password entry score of 6+, B2 on the CEFR or successful completion of Curtin English EAP 2.


Credit for Recognised Learning

Applications for Credit for Recognised Learning are not considered within this course.



Course Organisation

This course offers preparation for two streams: Cambridge First (upper-intermediate level) and Cambridge Advanced (advanced level).



Duration and Availability

Each of the two levels of the course comprises 250 hours scheduled over 10 weeks.






Further Information

Prospective students should consult with Curtin English at http://english.curtin.edu.au


Course Structure Disclaimer

Curtin University reserves the right to alter the internal composition of any course to ensure learning outcomes retain maximum relevance. Any changes to the internal composition of a course will protect the right of students to complete the course within the normal timeframe and will not result in additional cost to students through a requirement to undertake additional units.




Handbook Disclaimer

The online handbook is the repository of Curtin University of Technology (“Curtin”) course information. While Curtin makes all reasonable endeavors to keep its online courses handbook up-to-date, information within this website is subject to change from time to time. Curtin reserves the right to change the contents and/or the method of assessment, to change or alter tuition fees of any unit of study, to withdraw/any unit of study or program which it offers, to impose limitations on enrolment in any unit or program, and/or to vary arrangements for any program without notification via the website.

For course overviews and enrolment information please visit our future students website.