Program Overview

English Language Program for Graduate Students

The General English Program is designed for male and female students admitted to King Abdulaziz University's graduate programs. The program aims to develop basic English listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills by offering two basic language levels: beginner (A1) and pre-intermediate (A2) according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

Program Structure

The course is offered over 84 teaching hours (6 hours per week), divided into 2 three-hour sessions per week. Additionally, there are 28 interactive hours using the Blackboard learning management system (2 hours per week) for interactive activities and assignments.

Level Details

The program offers two levels:

• A1: 14 weeks, 84 teaching hours, 28 Blackboard hours, total of 112 hours
• A2: 14 weeks, 84 teaching hours, 28 Blackboard hours, total of 112 hours

Level Placement

The Cambridge English Placement Test (CEPT) is used to place students in each level based on their English language proficiency. The test results align with the CEFR, measuring listening, reading, and English language skills. Level placement is determined as follows:

• CEPT score 0-20: Level A1
• CEPT score 21-34: Level A2

Program Duration

The program is offered over two semesters, each lasting 14 weeks, with a total of 112 teaching hours. The program starts at the beginning of the first semester of the academic year and continues for two semesters.

Assessment

Students are evaluated based on the following components:

• Weekly assignments
• Progress tests
• Writing assignments
• Speaking skills test
• Midterm exam
• Final exam A minimum score of 60 is required to pass each level.

Attendance Policy

• A maximum of 25% absence from in-class contact hours is allowed. Exceeding this limit may result in the student being barred from taking the final exam and required to retake the level.
• If a student misses an exam and provides a documented excuse, they may be given an opportunity to take a makeup exam.
• If a student fails a level, they must retake the level and pay new tuition fees.

Withdrawal Policy

• Students are not allowed to withdraw from the program once it has started, even if they achieve the required score on the STEP or IELTS exams.
• If a student withdraws from the graduate program entirely, the tuition fee refund policy will be applied as follows:
  • Withdrawal before the start of the semester: full refund
  • Withdrawal during the first week of the semester: 50% refund
  • Withdrawal after the first week of the semester: no refund

Program Administration

The program is administered by:

• A. Hussein Al-Hazmi (for male students)
• D. Nashwa Saati (for female students)