English Language Policy

1. Purpose

1.1 The English Language Policy (the policy) sets out the framework for English language proficiency requirements and support at UTS. This is in addition to the Admissions and Recognition of Prior Learning Policy, which outlines the English language admissions standards.

2. Scope

2.1 This policy applies to UTS students undertaking courses with English as the language of instruction and assessment, and to UTS staff responsible for those courses.

3. Principles

3.1 UTS recognises the importance of English language proficiency and development, both generally and in discipline specific contexts. Students must be able to successfully engage with their studies, chosen discipline and future work environments.

3.2 All students are expected to improve English language proficiency and discipline-specific language skills during their studies. This is considered a normal part of university education. However, additional training and language requirements may be required from time to time.

4. Policy statements

4.1 UTS admissions requirements in relation to English language are outlined in the Admissions and Recognition of Prior Learning Policy.

4.2 The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education and Students), in conjunction with the faculties, will assess the evidence of students’ English language proficiency and determine specific combinations of strategies or support mechanisms that respond to the identified needs of student cohorts as necessary.

4.3 Students are responsible for the continued development of their own English language proficiency and discipline-specific language requirements. Students are encouraged, and may be required, to take advantage of the support services provided and advertised by the university.

4.4 Learning design for UTS academic programs includes the progressive development of English language skills. UTS provides support for students to develop their English language proficiency and offers university programs and initiatives (for example, UTS HELPS). UTS has also developed contextualised academic language support for students in undergraduate and postgraduate coursework degrees, including the development of specific credit point subjects that can be undertaken during session or intensively in session breaks.

4.5 Students and prospective students will be made aware, through the official subject outline, of any English language development, assessment or training activities that make up part of their subject. Where such training is mandatory, and in addition to a student’s normal course load, the costs will be covered by UTS. Where such training forms part of a student’s normal course load, and is included in the normal course fees, these costs will be made available to students as part of the subject outline and course fee information. For international students, this is a requirement of the National Code of Practice for Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students 2018 (Cwlth).

4.6 Faculties may be exempt from providing course-integrated strategies for English language proficiency, development or support. This exemption must be approved by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education and Students) via an official request, including clear evidence that such strategies will not be of benefit to particular student cohorts.

4.7 The office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education and Students) must notify the Policy Manager of any approved exemptions for inclusion in Appendix 1.

4.8 The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education and Students) reports to Academic Board on the English language development strategies and management used by each faculty, at a timeline determined by Academic Board.

5. Roles and responsibilities

5.1 Policy owner: The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education and Students) is responsible for enforcement of and compliance with this policy, ensuring that its principles and statements are observed. The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education and Students) is also responsible for approval of any associated university-level procedures and for university strategy in relation to English language development and standards. 

5.2 Policy contact: The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education and Students) and associate deans (teaching and learning) are responsible for the implementation of this policy and act as primary points of contact for advice on implementing its provisions.

5.3 Implementation and governance roles: Academic Board is responsible for approving this policy and will assess its effectiveness in line with the board’s duties and powers.

6. Definitions

These definitions apply for this policy and all associated procedures. These are in addition to the definitions outlined in Schedule 1, Student Rules. Definitions in the singular include the plural meaning of the word.

English language proficiency means the ability of students to use the English language to make and communicate meaning appropriately, in spoken and written forms, in the context of their university studies.