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Background | Trinity College Foundation Studies | Trinity College Academic English Program (TCAEP)
Trinity College
Background
Trinity College was founded in 1872 and was modelled off the English colleges of Oxford and Cambridge. Affiliated as a college of and within the University of Melbourne, the first Warden, Dr Alexander Leeper, introduced a system of college tutorials to supplement university lectures, thereby establishing Trinity College as a centre of academic excellence.
Following in this tradition, in 1989, Trinity College Foundations Studies (TCFS) was established to provide a preparatory pathway for talented international students seeking entry to the University of Melbourne. Today, approximately 25 per cent of the University of Melbourne's commencing international undergraduate students come through Trinity's Foundation Studies program.
Trinity College Foundation Studies
Trinity College Foundation Studies differs from other preparation programs. We aim to equip students with critical analysis skills, the ability to research and direct their own learning, and the necessary independent thinking skills for university.
The development of these academic skills underpins students' future learning at the University of Melbourne and is also why Trinity College Foundation Studies students are consistently amongst the highest performing students at the University of Melbourne.
For more details about why students choose TCFS and why our students stand out, click below.
Trinity College students study five subjects in total. This includes two compulsory CORE subjects (English and History of Ideas), plus three ELECTIVE subjects.
For more course information, click below.
Core Subjects
TCFS students must undertake two CORE subjects:
English - comprising English Literature, English for Academic Purposes and Drama
History of Ideas
For more information about core subjects, click below.
Elective Subjects
In addition to the two compulsory CORE subjects, TCFS students choose three ELECTIVE subjects.
There are 11 elective subjects available in the TCFS program.
- Accounting
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Economics
- Environment, Development and Design
- Mathematics 1
- Mathematics 2
- Media and Communications
- Physics
- Psychology
- Music (Practical)
Students select their three elective subjects based on the prerequisite subjects required for their intended bachelor degree program. Students should also choose subjects that interest them.
Music is a specialised elective subject and is only available to students aiming for entry into a Bachelor of Music.
For more information about elective subjects, click below.
Progression into the University of Melbourne Table and Calculating Final Score
All graduates of TCFS are guaranteed a place at the University of Melbourne in the course of their choice if they satisfy the required prerequisites and achieve the required scores.
To work out how to calculate a final score, click below.
Intakes
TCFS offers a range of intakes, which start at different times throughout the year. The duration of each program depends on students' academic ability and English level.
There are four types of intakes at TCFS:
Standard intakes | The majority of Trinity College students will commence studies in one of the two yearly Standard intakes, in February and August.
Fast Track intakes | Fast Track intakes offer an intensive study style and have higher entry requirements than Standard intakes.
Note: Music is not available in the Fast Track intake.
Comprehensive intakes | These 40-week intakes allow students from some countries to commence at Trinity College at a different phase of their secondary schooling. They also allow students requiring additional preparation in mathematics to be considered.
Comprehensive Plus intakes | These intakes allow students from some countries to commence at Trinity College at a different phase of their secondary schooling. They also allow students requiring additional preparation in mathematics and English language development to be considered.
Note: Music is not available in the Comprehensive suite of intakes.
For more information on the TCFS intakes, click below.
TCFS Intake Dates
To see key dates for TCFS intakes, click below.
Fees
Fees vary depending on the type and length of the student's chosen program.
For more information about fees, click below.
Scholarships
A limited number of scholarships are available to TCFS students. Scholarships are awarded competitively on the basis of academic merit. Eligible students will be chosen from each Foundation Studies program, and by their geographic region.
To be eligible, students must have excellent high school results, not be an Australian permanent resident, and will need to submit a completed Trinity College Foundation Studies application.
For more information about scholarships, click below.
Trinity College Academic English Program (TCAEP)
The Trinity College Academic English Program helps students who need to improve their level of English before commencing the Comprehensive Plus or Standard intakes of the Trinity College Foundation Studies program.
As well as helping students with their overall level of English, the program provides an introduction to the academic skills required to succeed in Foundation Studies and bachelor programs. The course covers reading, writing, listening and speaking, and also offers activities in English that promote creativity, innovation and problem solving.
Students will not be required to retake the IELTS or other external tests at the conclusion of the TCAEP, provided they meet the required score for direct entry to TCFS.
Levels
There are two levels of the TCAEP, each of 10 weeks' duration:
- Level 1 takes students from overall IELTS 5.0 (or equivalent) to overall IELTS 5.5
- Level 2 takes students from overall IELTS 5.5 (or equivalent) to overall IELTS 6.0
Each level is composed of two five-week modules and tests will be taken by all students every five weeks. At the end of the TCAEP, students must pass a Trinity College test to gain entry to TCFS. Students must also pass a test to move from Level 1 to 2.
For more information about TCAEP, including dates, fees and entry requirements, click below.