The Intensive English (IE) Course is a 10-week course which runs four times a year, offering remedial English at five different levels: basic, pre-intermediate, intermediate, upper-intermediate and advanced. A sixth level is also offered for eligible candidates who wish to pursue postgraduate studies at Swinburne. Designed to help students develop fluency and confidence in using the language in any English speaking environment, the IE course attracts local and international students, secondary school leavers, and mature individuals wanting to improve their English communication skills.
At each level, students are instructed in the areas of grammar, listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. Lessons are interactive and dynamic, and classes are kept small so that students are given sufficient individual guidance and attention. They have the opportunity to improve their spoken English through oral presentations, discussions, debates and conversation activities such as role-play and pair work. Students are also taught valuable skills such as to read extensively, use grammatical rules, and to write and edit essays and proofread them.
The IE course aims to teach students the English language in stimulating and exciting ways. These include educational field trips, music performances, film outings, casual competitions, and skits. Students take an active part in the organisation of such events, and are motivated to practise their English in their interaction with their lecturers as well as fellow coursemates, thereby creating an optimal learning environment.
