Program Overview

Australian Language and Culture Studies Program

The Australian Language and Culture Studies (ALCS) program is designed to develop the English language skills necessary for confident and successful university study. This is achieved through the exploration of topics related to Australian society, culture, and language.

Program Overview

The ALCS program is specifically for international Study Abroad and Exchange students who have not met the minimum University English Language entry requirements. It offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the Australian language and culture at an Australian university.

Subjects and Structure

The program consists of three subjects (8 credit points each) offered in both Autumn and Spring sessions. A full-time academic load in the Faculty is considered to be three subjects or 24 credit points in each session.

• Autumn Session:
  • 59712 Australian Language Studies
  • 59713 Australian Media
  • 59714 Australians at Work
• Spring Session:
  • 59709 Australian Conversations
  • 59722 Neighbourhoods and Stories
  • 59711 Natural Australia

Subject Descriptions

• Australian Language Studies: Develop listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills, with material mainly related to Australia's education system.
• Australian Media: Build academic language skills by exploring Indigenous and migrant identity themes in Australian films and television.
• Australians at Work: Improve academic language skills by exploring themes and issues in Australian workplace culture and practices.
• Australian Conversations: Develop listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills, with material mainly related to Australian tertiary education.
• Neighbourhoods and Stories: Research one of Sydney's diverse neighborhoods to enhance academic language skills.
• Natural Australia: Refine academic language skills by exploring issues related to Australia's natural environment.

Why Choose This Course?

• Immerse yourself in learning English and studying the Australian language and culture at an Australian university.
• Learn from the best, as teaching staff specialize in language and literacy education.
• Study in the heart of Sydney, close to transport links, shops, and the entertainment area.
• Gain access to the UTS Library, Wi-Fi, and computing facilities, student union, clubs, and societies from the moment you arrive.
• Keep progressing; if you meet UTS English language entry requirements after completing the ALCS, you can enroll in faculty subjects for your second session.

The Student Experience

The program enables students to have a great experience at UTS, learning English through the study of Australian artists, geography, and wildlife. Classes stimulate understanding and writing skills, and students work in small groups to improve their ability to speak English.

Entry Criteria

This program is for international Study Abroad and Exchange students coming to UTS who have not met the minimum University English Language entry requirements.

Entry Requirements

For entry into the ALCS, students must meet the following English language requirements:

• IELTS: 6.0 and above (all bands)
• TOEFL Internet-Based Test: 60 - 78 overall

Once a session of ALCS is completed, students can take an IELTS or TOEFL test. If the test results meet the UTS minimum English language entry requirements, students may be eligible to enroll in faculty subjects as a Study Abroad or Exchange student for their second session of study.

Why Study in Sydney?

Sydney offers a sunny, coastal lifestyle, a mix of cultures, and friendly people. It's a vibrant, diverse, and tolerant city that welcomes all people, with plenty to do from festivals and cultural events to outdoor activities. UTS is located in the heart of the creative industries and urban dining culture precinct in Sydney, just a five-minute walk from Central Station.