College and University Pathway Course (CUPC)

Overview

The College and University Preparation Course (CUPC) is an intensive advanced level course designed for students who are either on a pathways agreement or wish to study academic English for their own personal reasons.

Designed with feedback from Canadian colleges and universities, the course develops the skills required to succeed in college and university. Students can expect to practice their reading and listening comprehension through college-level materials, learn to speak in a variety of contexts and formats, and write various styles of texts, all while building their academic vocabulary, grammar, and critical thinking skills.
 

More in-depth training: The CUPC program gives students the essential academic skills students need to succeed at the college or university level. Proficiency examinations like IELTS ensure that students meet the language requirements of post-secondary institutions.

Presentation and conversational skills: Other pathway programs focus largely on academic writing while neglecting the speaking skills needed to present ideas or discuss topics in a seminar setting.

Skills colleges and universities want: Our program focuses on practical critical thinking and academic skills that set students up for success at colleges and universities.

Our small class sizes: classes are limited to 14 students, ensuring that each student gets ample attention from their instructor.

Designed in partnership with Canadian colleges and universities: Our course was designed from the ground up based on feedback from several colleges and universities in Canada in order to ensure they provide the skills and training that colleges and universities feel that international students need in order to be successful.

Learning Objectives

• Enhanced proficiency in academic English language skills, including reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
• Ability to comprehend and analyze complex academic texts across various disciplines.
• Improved academic writing skills, including thesis development, organization, coherence, and citation techniques.
• Increased confidence in participating in academic discussions, debates, and presentations.
• Development of critical thinking and analytical skills through engagement with academic content.
• Mastery of vocabulary and grammar structures necessary for academic writing and communication.
• Understanding of different academic writing styles and conventions, such as argumentative essays, research papers, and literature reviews.
• Familiarity with academic research methods and resources, including library databases, citation styles, and proper source evaluation.
• Cultivation of effective study habits and time management skills conducive to academic success.
• Heightened awareness of cultural nuances in academic communication and collaboration, facilitating interaction in diverse academic environments.

Courses

Potential Careers

As a post secondary preparation program, our College and University Preparation Course is the gateway to a range of employment opportunities in roles where English is the primary language of business. As a program designed to prepare students for post secondary within Canadian colleges and universities, students interested in pursuing careers within higher education would benefit greatly from the skills covered in CUPC. 

Admission Requirements

Entrance into the course, regardless of purpose, requires students to have completed Level 5 of our General English program with an overall average of at least 65%. Once this requirement has been met, students will be eligible to join the CUPC program when a new cycle begins.

If students wish for direct entry into CUPC, they will be required to place at Level 6, Advanced level (CEFR B2+), and will have to submit an academic writing sample in addition to our standard placement procedure.

Successful completion of CUPC requires all students to have completed all 12 weeks of the course and final examination with an overall average of at least 70%. Students who do not meet this standard will be given the option to repeat the course.

Fee Details