HDR English Language Requirements and Post-Entry Language Assessment (PELA) Procedure

Intent

This procedure describes the English Language Requirements (ELR) for applicants for candidature in the Higher Degree by Research (HDR) courses offered by the University and well as the process to evaluate the academic writing abilities of HDR candidates after commencement, to identify potential problems early and put in place effective support measures to avoid later complications.

This procedure addresses HESF Standards 1.1: Admission and 4.2: Research Education.

Scope

This procedure applies to applicants who speak English as an Additional Language (EAL), seeking candidature in the HDR courses offered by the University, to enrolled HDR candidates, and to staff required to carry out the procedure.

Definitions

Terms mentioned in this document and not defined here are defined in the Policy Glossary in the Learning and Teaching domain of the University Policy Library, and in the Higher Degree by Research (HDR) Requirements.

Procedure

1. Evidence of English Proficiency

1.1   EAL applicants for Higher Degrees by Research must demonstrate their English language proficiency by achieving a score at Band 2 level or better in a recognised test as per Appendix 1.1.2   Applicants who have successfully completed at least two years of full-time postgraduate study within the last 2-3 years in which the language of instruction was English may seek a waiver from the requirement to undertake a formal test. To request a waiver, an applicant must indicate this in their application and provide evidence of their English writing skills in a research context, for example a copy of a research dissertation or publications in English.

1.3   HDR candidates who fit one or more of the following criteria are strongly recommended to undertake a Post-Entry Language Assessment (PELA) at the commencement of their candidature:

• Received an IELTS score below 7.0 overall or for any sub-skill (writing, reading, speaking or listening);
• Received a waiver of the English Language Requirements as per clause 1.2
• Transferred from a current Masters by Research (MPhil) to a PhD and would have been required to undertake the PELA upon entry to the MPhil;
• Received a writing score of below 23 for the Internet-based TOEFL (or 5.5 for paper-based TOEFL); or
• Received a score below 65 for a Pearson test.

1.4 PELAs are scheduled several times each year, depending on numbers of incoming EAL candidates who fit the criteria for PELA testing. Candidates who are eligible for the PELA are contacted by email and invited to undertake a PELA. The PELA is conducted via Zoom in order for the HDR candidate to be supervised whilst undertaking the assessment, upholding the integrity of the test.

1.5 No preparation is required by the HDR candidate for a PELA.

1.6 HDR candidates undertaking a PELA are asked to write an academic paragraph in response to a given statement. HDR candidates have five minutes to read the information in the paper and plan their response to the question. They then have 15 minutes to prepare a short response.

1.7 PELAs are marked by the HDR Professional Development Coordinator and a representative from the Centre for Education and Enhancement.

1.8 PELA Assessment Outcomes:

• If a HDR candidate receives a Fail result, they will be required to meet with staff of the Graduate Research School (GRS) and/or the Centre for Education and Enhancement to discuss their compulsory writing support plan. This plan will operate for a period of up to nine months, at the end of which the HDR candidate will be asked to undergo a second PELA to assess their progress in developing their academic writing skills. Depending on the outcome of the second PELA, the HDR candidate will either be deemed to be an independent academic writer without further obligations under PELA or placed on an extended writing support plan.
• If a HDR candidate receives a Borderline Pass result, they will be invited to attend a meeting with staff of the GRS and the Centre for Education and Enhancement to discuss an optional, but highly recommended, writing support plan. This plan will operate for a period of up to nine months, at which time the HDR candidate may opt to undergo a second PELA test to gauge their progress in developing their academic writing skills. Depending upon the outcome of the second test, the HDR candidate may require further assistance and a new plan will be devised.
• If a HDR candidate receives a Pass result, they will not be required to participate in a writing support plan, although they may choose to participate in the writing support plan if they wish.

1.9 Each customised writing support plan specifies activities that must be undertaken by anyone who receives a PELA Fail result, or that are recommended for anyone who receives a PELA Borderline Pass result. A primary element of the writing support plan is weekly attendance at a peer writing workshop conducted by a specialist from the Centre for Education and Enhancement. Other elements of a plan may include compulsory attendance at specified professional development workshops, meetings with staff of the GRS and/or the Centre for Education and Enhancement, and a follow-up PELA at the end of the nine-month period.

Related policy instruments

Higher Degree by Research (HDR) Requirements

Schedules/Appendices

Appendix 1 HDR Candidate English Language Requirements

Administration

NOTE: Printed copies of this procedure are uncontrolled, and currency can only be assured at the time of printing.

Approval Details

Revision History