Unit Overview

The unit FSIE002 - English for Academic Success is designed to refine English language proficiency and enhance academic study skills, preparing students for the demands of undergraduate study.

Unit Rationale, Description, and Aim

Proficiency in English is essential for international students to succeed across all areas of study at Australian universities. This unit builds on the skills developed in Essential English at University, supporting students as they progress through their pathway studies and transition into undergraduate programs. The aim of this unit is to equip students with the English proficiency and academic skills necessary to confidently pursue further university studies.

Campus Offerings

The unit is offered at the following campuses:

• Melbourne
• North Sydney

Prerequisites

The prerequisite for this unit is FSIE001 Essential English at University.

Incompatible Units

The following units are incompatible with FSIE002:

• FSAS003 - Academic Communications Skills 3
• FSDE002 Skills for Academic Success
• FSTL003 Tertiary Literacy

Learning Outcomes

To successfully complete this unit, students will be able to:

1. Utilise a range of academic study skills to facilitate and support learning
2. Demonstrate an appropriate level of English language proficiency, across a range of skills and tasks, to commence undergraduate studies
3. Create academic work independently and collaboratively that aligns with the level required for undergraduate commencement

Unit Content

Topics will include:

• Exploring support services available to students
• Developing data collection techniques and recording methods
• Interpreting and displaying data
• Applying strategies for effective collaboration and group work
• Critical use of appropriate processes, tools, and services for university study
• Developing effective self-editing and peer review skills
• Making impactful contributions to classroom discussions
• Constructing shorter and longer pieces of text with a high level of accuracy
• Applying reflective practices that promote heightened learning and improved outcomes

Assessment Strategy and Rationale

A range of assessment procedures are used to enable achievement of the unit learning outcomes and as preparation for comparable assessment tasks in university degrees. Assessment tasks are broken down into easily manageable and understandable key tasks.

Overview of Assessments

1. Assessment 1: Student Support Systems Investigation - Students will investigate and summarise solutions to, and support systems for, common problems faced by students in their first year of university study. (Weighting: 25%)
2. Assessment 2: Writing Task - Students will write about contemporary issues in professional contexts relevant to their intended field of study utilising the academic strategies, conventions, and language taught in the unit. (Weighting: 35%)
3. Assessment 3: Examination - Students will demonstrate their level of academic language proficiency and understanding of the content covered in the unit. (Weighting: 40%)

Learning and Teaching Strategy and Rationale

This unit is delivered primarily through face-to-face workshop sessions, providing students with comprehensive and individualised support. Classroom activities are designed to include explicit and scaffolded tasks, allowing time for assessment preparation and performance.

Representative Texts and References

• Australian Catholic University. (n.d.). Academic Skills Unit.
• Bailey, S. (2015). Academic writing: a handbook for international students (4th ed.). Routledge.
• Brick, J., Herke, M., & Wong, D. (2020). Academic culture: A student's guide to studying at university (4th ed.). Macmillan International Higher Education.

Locations and Credit Points

• Locations: Melbourne, North Sydney
• Credit Points: 10

Year

2026

Australian Catholic University (ACU)

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Overview:

Australian Catholic University (ACU) is a leading Catholic university in Australia, offering a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines. It is known for its strong commitment to faith and values, fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment.

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Services Offered:

ACU provides a comprehensive range of student services, including:

Academic Skills Development:

The Academic Skills Unit offers support in developing essential study skills, academic writing, referencing, maths and numeracy, and exam preparation.

Campus Ministry:

Provides spiritual guidance and support to students.

Career Development Services:

Offers career advice, job search assistance, and internship opportunities.

Connect2Uni:

Provides support and resources for first-year students.

Counselling Services:

Offers confidential counselling and support for students' mental health and wellbeing.

Disability Support:

Provides tailored support for students with disabilities.

Medical Centres:

Offers healthcare services on campus.

Student Advocacy:

Provides support and guidance to students facing academic or personal challenges.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student Services:

Offers dedicated support and resources for Indigenous students.

Student Veterans Support Program:

Provides support and resources for students who have served in the military.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

ACU offers a vibrant and engaging campus experience, with opportunities for students to:

Join clubs and societies:

Participate in a wide range of clubs and societies catering to diverse interests.

Engage in creative and cultural activities:

Participate in various events and activities, including arts, music, and theatre.

Develop leadership skills:

Take advantage of leadership opportunities within clubs, societies, and student associations.

Participate in ACU Sport:

Access gyms, fitness classes, and sports facilities, and join sports clubs and activities.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Strong Catholic values and ethics:

ACU's commitment to faith and values creates a supportive and inclusive learning environment.

Comprehensive student services:

Provides a wide range of support services to help students succeed.

Vibrant campus life:

Offers a diverse range of clubs, activities, and events to enhance the student experience.

Focus on practical skills and real-world application:

Emphasizes the development of practical skills and knowledge relevant to future careers.

Strong reputation and rankings:

ACU is consistently ranked among the top universities in Australia.

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Academic Programs:

ACU offers a wide range of academic programs across its four faculties:

Faculty of Education and Arts:

Offers programs in education, arts, humanities, and social sciences.

Faculty of Health Sciences:

Offers programs in nursing, medicine, psychology, and allied health.

Faculty of Law and Business:

Offers programs in law, business, and economics.

Faculty of Theology and Philosophy:

Offers programs in theology, philosophy, and religious studies.

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Other:

ACU has campuses located in Ballarat, Blacktown, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, North Sydney, Rome, and Strathfield. It also offers a range of online programs through ACU Online.