English Language Studies for Pastoral Ministry

ELSPM offers an attractive program of learning led and supported by committed and experienced teachers. Participation in a variety of communal activities is encouraged. Small class sizes enable individual needs to be met. Integrated into the ELSPM program is a personalised experience in which students are immersed in an English speaking culture. This experience has been shown to accelerate learning and increase fluency in conversational English.

Students
ELSPM caters for students from the Asia-Pacific church and beyond, particularly from Catholic Dioceses and Religious Orders. We are also open to all mainstream Christian Church groups.

ELSPM is intended for students who are seminarians, religious sisters, pastoral care workers, nurses or teachers in church institutions who have indicated their commitment to Church pastoral ministries.

Certification
ELSPM’s English courses are all accredited through the Australian government and are registered through the National ELICOS Accreditation Scheme (NEAS). ELSPM is also an approved provider for English preparation for Theological studies at the University of Divinity.

English for Academic Purposes
The English Language Studies for Pastoral Ministry (ELSPM) offers a special English Language course for students wanting to enter tertiary/university studies at the University of Divinity (UD) including the Yarra Theological Union (YTU). The course is known as English for Academic Purposes (EAP) and ensures direct entry into courses run by the University of Divinity and YTU. The EAP course is tailored to ensure students can handle formal academic studies in Theology and other allied religious disciplines before they begin to enrol in such courses. The course covers all the tertiary academic skills required for a student’s UD/YTU programme of study. Students need a level of English equivalent to IELTS 5.5 to complete a 20 week programme of EAP.

Students will be introduced to skills of:

• speaking effectively in an academic context through making tutorial presentations and learning how to debate and discuss differing viewpoints and opinions
• planning and developing strategies for assessments, assignments and exams
• being able to use a variety of media and audiovisual material
• writing referenced papers through being able to apply and use independent study skills
• listening effectively and note-taking

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