PEP Overview

The Pre-Enrolment English Program (PEP) is a direct entry pathway into further studies at the University of Adelaide for students that have not met the minimum English language entry requirements of their award program.

Entry into the University of Adelaide is dependent upon successful completion of the course components. If you successfully complete the Pre-enrolment English Program (PEP), you will not be required to complete another English test prior to entry into your chosen University program.

The length of your program depends on your English proficiency test score and the entry requirements of your intended program.  The University of Adelaide accepts IELTS, TOEFL Internet Based (TOEFL iBT), TOEFL Paper-Based, Pearson Test of English (Academic) and Certificate of Advanced English (CAE). For English Language Requirements for your intended program, please refer to the Degree Finder.

The PEP is offered in lengths of 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35 weeks.

PEP Extended programs

The PEP Extended 30 and 35 week courses combine General English for Academic Purposes (GEAP) classes, and Pre-enrolment English Program (PEP) classes. Commencing in the GEAP allows students to develop the fundamental linguistic building blocks of grammar and vocabulary for academic level study, before progressing to English classes specifically tailored for students entering an award program.

• PEP Extended 30 week students will complete 5 weeks of GEAP before commencing 25 weeks of PEP classes.
• PEP Extended 35 week students will complete 10 weeks of GEAP before commencing 25 weeks of PEP classes.

PEP course content and methodology

The PEP is a communicative and task-based program that has been designed to support you to achieve the course objectives and learning outcomes and develop broad skills that can be used in your academic and professional experiences. Through active participation, you will learn by:

• undertaking individual and group project work
• investigating the academic culture of the University
• making oral presentations and responding to questions on your ideas
• developing research and academic writing skills 
• reading listening and note taking
• reflecting on, and developing action plans for personal language progress and
• leading and participating in seminars and tutorials.

The goal of the PEP is to assist you to develop your English language, communication and intercultural competency skills to participate fully in the academic culture of the University and, importantly, to promote learner initiative and autonomy.

PEP course outcomes

By the end of the course, students develop:

• A willingness to speak out and participate actively in class and seminars, including group study sessions.
• Skills to succeed in self-directed study.
• An understanding of Australian tertiary academic culture; styles of thinking, learning and presentation of ideas.
• Solid written skills in English, including academic essays.
• Research skills, including referencing.
• Analytical and critical thinking skills and the ability to put forward and support arguments.
• Familiarity with, and confidence in, accessing student facilities and services, including the library.
• Intercultural understanding and a network of friends with whom to share your study experience.

Our expectations

We want our students to get the most out of their learning experience. Students are expected to;

• Fully participate in all class activities (class and group work).
• Complete additional self-study projects in their own time. This study consists of working in project teams, carrying out individual research and accessing self-study resources.
• Become independent learners.
• Observe class protocols, particularly the 'English Speaking Guidelines'.
• Follow task guidelines for assignments.
• Attend at least 90% of classes in order to maintain satisfactory academic progress. Please note: it is a minimum requirement of a Student Visa that students maintain an attendance level of at least 80%.

Required texts

PEP students are required to purchase the following books (physical or digital copies):

• “Academic culture: A student’s guide to studying at university”, 4th Edition, Jean Brick, Maria Herke & Deanna Wong, Macquarie University, Sydney. ISBN 9781352010343 
• Jakeman, V, Paterson, K & Harrison, M 2022, Improve Your Grammar. The Essential Guide to Accurate Writing (3^rd edn.), Bloomsbury Publishing, Australia.

Recommended:

• English - English printed dictionary (seek advice from teachers before purchasing)