Language placements

Language placement guidelines for prospective students of Chinese

The Language Placement Questionnaire is a series of questions designed to ensure students who wish to enrol in Chinese courses are placed in classes that are most appropriate to their level of language knowledge.

Please read the below information carefully before commencing the questionnaire. You'll only be able to submit one questionnaire. If you're applying for more than one course, please list your preferences in the last question of the questionnaire. 

Begin online placement questionnaire

Why do I need to complete the Placement Questionnaire?

Our experience shows students lose interest and may discontinue/fail a course when the course is too easy or difficult. Therefore, it is important students are placed in courses most appropriate to their level of language knowledge. The information collected from the questionnaire will enable us to make course recommendations that best suit your learning needs and language knowledge.

When should I submit the questionnaire?

Received questionnaires are processed in order of receipt. As some classes fill up very quickly, it's in your best interest to submit the questionnaire as soon as possible.

How do I know which Chinese language courses are appropriate for my level of knowledge?

Listed below are criteria for four different entry-levels in Chinese language courses. You can indicate your preference for a course but must back up your preference with solid reasons/evidence:

ARTS1450 Chinese 1 for Non-Background Speakers

• If you're a non-background speaker of Chinese and know (read and write) zero or less than 50 Chinese characters.
• There is NO Language Placement required for this entry-level course.

ARTS1452 Chinese 1 for Background Speakers

• If you're a background speaker of Chinese and know (read and write) zero or less than 50 Chinese characters.
• There is NO Language Placement required for this entry level course.

ARTS1451 Chinese 2 for Non-Background Speakers

• If you're a non-background speaker of Chinese and know (read and write) about 400 to 500 Chinese characters.
• If you're a non-background speaker of Chinese and have passed HSC Chinese Beginners test but no higher level Chinese test.

ARTS1453 Chinese 2 for Background Speakers

• If you're a background speaker of Chinese and know (read and write) about 500 Chinese characters.
• If you're a background speaker of Chinese and have passed HSC Chinese Beginners test but no higher level Chinese test.

ARTS2450 Chinese 3 for Non-Background Speakers

• If you're a non-background speaker and your level of Chinese language is equivalent to the completion of ARTS1451 Chinese 2 for Non-Background Speakers.
• If you're a non-background speaker and have passed HSC Chinese Continuers test but no higher level Chinese test.

ARTS2461 Chinese 3 for Background Speakers

• If you're a background speaker and your level of Chinese language is equivalent to the completion of ARTS1453 Chinese 2 for Background Speakers.
• If you're a background speaker and you've passed HSC Chinese Continuers test but no higher level Chinese test.

ARTS2451 Chinese 4 for Non-Background Speakers

• If your level of Chinese language is equivalent to the completion of ARTS2450 Chinese 3.
• If you've passed HSC Chinese Continuers test but no higher level Chinese test.

ARTS2462 Chinese 4 for Background Speakers

• If you're a background speaker and your level of Chinese language is equivalent to the completion of ARTS1453 Chinese 2 for Background Speakers.
• If you're a background speaker and you've passed HSC Chinese Continuers test but no higher level Chinese test.

ARTS3450 Chinese 5

• If your level of Chinese language is equivalent to the completion of ARTS2451 Chinese 4 for Non-Background Speakers or ARTS2461 Chinese 4 for Background Speakers.
• If you've passed HSC Chinese Extension test but no higher level Chinese test.

ARTS3451 Chinese 6

• If your level of Chinese language is equivalent to the completion of ARTS3450 Chinese 5.
• If you've passed HSC Chinese Extension test but no higher level Chinese test.

ARTS3452 Chinese 7

• If you've completed ARTS3451 Chinese 6 but have not undertaken any further study of Chinese language.
• If you've passed HSC Chinese Heritage Program test.

ARTS3453 Chinese 8

• If your level of Chinese language is equivalent to the completion of ARTS3452 Chinese 7.
• If you've passed HSC Chinese Heritage Program test.

Professional Elective Chinese Courses (i.e. ARTS3460 Chinese English Translation; ARTS3455 Modern and Contemporary Chinese Literature; ARTS3454 Chinese-English Interpreting; ARTS3456 Classical Chinese Literature; ARTS3463 City and Chinese Culture)

• If you've completed ARTS3451 Chinese 6 in the Background Group, you're encouraged to enrol in these Professional Elective Chinese Courses.
• If you've completed ARTS3452 Chinese 7 in the Background Group.
• If you've completed ARTS3453 Chinese 8 in the NON-Background Group.
• If you've passed HSC Chinese Background Class test.
• If you're an international student from a Chinese speaking region, or if you're a native Chinese speaker educated with Chinese language.

What courses are offered in Chinese?

Please check the Online Handbook.

Note: To meet the learning needs of students with different language backgrounds, in our Level 1 and Level 2 Chinese courses, ARTS1451/ARTS2451/ARTS2461 are for non-background speakers and ARTS1453/ARTS2462 are for background speakers. ARTS3450/ARTS3451 is split within the course, with one tutorial for non-background students and one tutorial for background students. 

What is the difference between non-background speakers and background speakers groups?

If you've grown up in a family or environment where Chinese (Mandarin or any dialect, Cantonese for example) is used in daily life AND you can more or less understand spoken Chinese (Mandarin or any dialect, Cantonese for example), even if you can't manage to engage in very basic conversations in Chinese, you're identified as a background speaker.

When will I know which course(s) to enrol to after submitting the placement questionnaire?

An email will be sent to your university email account notifying you your starting course(s). Further enrolment instructions will be included in the email. It's imperative that you check your university email for any email correspondence that the school sent you.

If you don't receive any notification to your university email after seven working days, please email us quoting your name and student number.

Can I enrol to Chinese courses if I am from another faculty or school?

Students who wish to undertake language courses to fulfil elective course requirements should ensure that these courses count towards the requirement of their degree programs with the relevant Program Authority.

What happens if I'm placed in a class that is not appropriate to my language level?

BEFORE the term starts: if you feel that the course that you're placed in is not appropriate for your language level and wish to change to a higher/lower level course, you may email Dr Yingli Sun. You'll then be notified by the School Admin office of the decision.

AFTER the term starts: if you feel that your starting course is not appropriate for your language level after attending the course in the first week and wish to change to a higher/lower level course, you should seek the advice of the course convenor/lecturer of the course you were placed and currently enrolled in immediately. Enrolment variations must be finalised by the end of Friday of Week 1.

Contact

For further general enquiries, please contact:

School of Humanities and Languages
Level 2, Morven Brown Building
Kensington campus, UNSW
Email: hal@unsw.edu.au
Telephone: 9385 1681

For more specific academic advice, please email Dr Yingli Sun.

Language placement guidelines for prospective students of French

Step 1: Read the information below and assess which course is most appropriate for your level of French language knowledge.

Step 2: Complete the online Language Placement Questionnaire by clicking on the tab below.

Step 3: Please allow seven working days for us to process your application. An email notification of your placement results will be sent to your UNSW email. If you do not receive a notification after seven working days, please email the School Office quoting your name and student number.

Note: You'll be contacted by email if a decision can't be made based on the information in the application form. In this case, you may be required to provide further information or attend an interview with a discipline advisor.

Begin online placement questionnaire

Guidelines

Submitted questionnaires are processed in order of receipt. As some classes fill up very quickly, it's in a student’s best interests to submit the Online Application Form as soon as possible.

Students from other schools who wish to undertake language courses to fulfil free electives or general education requirements should ensure that these courses count towards the requirements of their degree programs with the relevant Program Authority.

If you feel that your starting course is not appropriate for your language level after attending first week of classes in the term, please contact the course convenor to discuss the feasibility of changing to a higher/lower-level course. Any changes to enrolment must be approved by the Discipline Advisor and finalised by Friday, Week 1 of the term.

What courses are offered in French

For timetable information, please see the Online Handbook.

Further information

General enquiries: Please contact the School of Humanities & Languages for all general enquiries on online placement in French.

School of Humanities & Languages
Level 2, Morven Brown Building
Kensington campus, UNSW
Email: hal@unsw.edu.au
Telephone: 9385 1681

Academic advice: If your knowledge of French doesn't fall into one of the above categories, or if you aren't sure what level to enrol to, please contact Dr Hugues Peters outlining your experience of studying French before submitting the Online Questionnaire.

Hugues Peters
Level 2, 275 Morven Brown Building
Kensington campus, UNSW
Email: h.peters@unsw.edu.au

Language placement guidelines for prospective students of German

Step 1: Read the information below and assess which course is most appropriate for your level of German language knowledge.

Step 2: Please allow seven working days for us to process your application. An email notification of your placement results will be sent to your university email. If you don't receive a notification after seven working days, please email the School Office quoting your name and student number.

Note: You'll be contacted by email if a decision can't be made based on the information in the application form. In this case, you may be required to provide further information or attend an interview with a discipline advisor.

Begin online placement questionnaire

Guidelines

Submitted applications are processed in order of receipt. As some classes fill up very quickly, it's in a student’s best interests to submit the Online Application Form as soon as possible.

Students from other schools who wish to undertake language courses to fulfil open electives or general education requirements should ensure that these courses count towards the requirements of their degree programs with the relevant Program Authority.

If you feel that your starting course is not appropriate for your language level after attending first week of classes in the term, please contact the course convenor to discuss the feasibility of changing to a higher/lower level course. Any changes to enrolment must be approved by the Course Convenor and finalised by Friday, Week 1 of the term.

What courses are offered in German?

For timetable information, please see the Online Handbook.

ARTS1510 German 1

• If you have no knowledge of German, then please start in ARTS1510 Introductory German A. No language placement is required. 

ARTS1511 German 2

• If you have very basic German (equivalent to A1 in the Common European Framework).

ARTS2510 German 3 / ARTS2511 German 4

• If you've completed HSC German Continuers (or equivalent), or have completed German courses equivalent to A2 in the Common European Framework.

ARTS3510 German 5 / ARTS3511 German 6

• If you've completed HSC German Extension (or equivalent), or achieved outstanding marks in German Continuers, or completed German Continuers or have lived in a German-speaking country for more than three months, or completed German courses equivalent to B1 or B2.1 in the Common European Framework.

Further information

General enquiries: Please contact the School Humanities & Languages for all general enquiries on online placement in German.

School Humanities & Languages
Level 2, Morven Brown Building
Kensington campus, UNSW
Email: hal@unsw.edu.au
Telephone: 9385 1681

Academic advice: If your knowledge of German doesn't fall into one of the above categories, or if you aren't sure what level to enrol to, please contact hal@unsw.edu.au outlining your experience of studying German before submitting the Online Application Form. 

Students wishing to undertake a language placement in Greek should seek advice from the School Office hal@unsw.edu.au

Indonesian is available to UNSW students through cross-institutional study with Sydney University.  Please note, UNSW doesn't offer a language placement test for Indonesian.

View non-award enrolment details

Italian is available to UNSW students through cross-institutional study with Sydney University.  Please note, UNSW doesn't offer a language placement test for Italian.

View non-award enrolment details

Language placement guidelines for prospective students of Japanese

The Placement Questionnaire is a series of questions designed to ensure students who wish to enrol in Japanese courses are placed in classes that are most appropriate to their level of language knowledge.

Please read the below information carefully before commencing the questionnaire. You'll only be able to submit one questionnaire. If you're applying for more than one course, please list your preferences in the last question of the questionnaire. 

If you're an absolute beginner, you don't need to take the language placement. Please only take the questionnaire if you've previously studied Japanese and need to be placed at the appropriate level.

Begin online placement questionnaire

Why do I need to complete the Placement Questionnaire?

Our experience shows students lose interest and may discontinue/fail a course when the course is too easy or difficult. Therefore, it's important students are placed in courses most appropriate to their level of language knowledge. The information collected from the questionnaire will enable us to make course recommendations that best suit your learning needs and language knowledge.

When should I submit the questionnaire?

Received questionnaires are processed in order of receipt. As some classes fill up very quickly, it's in your best interest to submit the questionnaire as soon as possible.

How do I know which Japanese language courses are appropriate for my level of knowledge?

Listed below are the courses for the different entry levels in Japanese language courses. You can indicate your preferences for a course (and must provide reasons for the preference) in the questionnaire if your level of knowledge fits the placement criteria:

ARTS1630 Japanese 1

ARTS1631 Japanese 2

ARTS2630 Japanese 3

ARTS2631 Japanese 4

ARTS3630 Japanese 5

ARTS3631 Japanese 6

ARTS3632 Japanese 7

ARTS3633 Japanese 8

Are there any course prerequisites for the Japanese language courses?

Yes. Listed below are the course prerequisites for the Japanese language courses.

You can also check course descriptions in the Online Handbook                                     

How will I know which course(s) to enrol in after submitting the placement questionnaire?

An email will be sent to your UNSW email account notifying you of your starting course(s). Further instructions about enrolling on your starting course(s) will be included in the email.

If you haven't received any notification to your student email account seven working days after submitting your questionnaire, please email the School Office quoting your student number.

Can I enrol in Japanese courses if I am from another school?

Students who wish to undertake language courses to fulfil elective course requirements should ensure that these courses count towards the requirement of their degree programs with the relevant Program Authority.

What happens if I'm placed in a class that is not appropriate to my language level?

Students can request course enrolment change if they find the course they're placed in is either too difficult or too easy. However, such change is subject to the approval of Course Convenor and must be finalised by Week 1 of the term in which you're enrolling.

The procedures for requesting course enrolment changes are as follows: students must attend the classes (lecture, tutorials and seminars) of the course they are placed in AND the course they wanted to enrol on in Week 1-2. If you still wish to enrol on your original choice after attending all classes of both courses, please consult the Course Coordinator of your original preference.

Note: All requests of course enrolment changes will not be considered after Week 1 unless legitimate reasons are provided.

Can I change to a lower-level language course if the course I am placed in is unsuitable for my class schedule?

No. Students are placed in courses based on their language proficiency/knowledge in Japanese. If the recommended starting course doesn't fit into your class schedule, please seek alternative courses in other areas of study.

Where can I get further information?

For further general enquiries, please contact: 

School of Humanities & Languages
Level 2, Morven Brown Building
Kensington campus, UNSW
Email: hal@unsw.edu.au
Telephone: 9385 1681

For further academic advice, please contact:

Dr Kazue Okamoto
Email: k.okamoto@unsw.edu.au
Phone: +61 (2) 9385 3749

Language placement guidelines for prospective students of Korean

Step 1: Read the information below and assess which course is most appropriate for your level of Korean language knowledge.

Step 2: Complete the online Language Placement Questionnaire by clicking on the tab below.

Step 3: Please allow seven working days for us to process your application. An email notification of your placement results will be sent to your UNSW email. If you don't receive a notification after seven working days, please email the School Office quoting your name and student number.

Note: You'll be contacted by email if a decision can't be made based on the information in the application form. In this case, you may be required to provide further information or attend a placement interview.

Begin online placement questionnaire

Guidelines

Submitted applications are processed in order of receipt. As some classes fill up very quickly, it's in a student’s best interests to submit the Online Application Form as soon as possible.

Students from other schools who wish to undertake language courses to fulfil open electives or general education requirements should ensure that these courses count towards the requirements of their degree programs with the relevant Program Authority.

If you feel that your starting course isn't appropriate for your language level after attending first week of classes in the term, please contact the course convenor to discuss the feasibility of changing to a higher/lower-level course. Any changes to enrolment must be approved by the Placement Convenor and finalised by Friday, Week 1 of the term.

What courses are offered in Korean?

For timetable information, please see the Online Handbook.

ARTS1660 Korean 1

• If you've reached the equivalent level of one term of study in Korean (typically students who have learned Hangkul, the Korean alphabet, but have very limited skills in speaking, listening, reading and writing Korean).

ARTS1661 Korean 2

• If you've reached the equivalent level of one term of study in Korean (typically students who have learned Hangkul, the Korean alphabet, but have very limited skills in speaking, listening, reading and writing Korean).

ARTS2660 Korean 3

• If you've reached the equivalent level of three terms of study in Korean (typically students who have learnt introductory Korean and those who want to continue to learn Korean at a lower Intermediate level).

ARTS2661 Korean 4

• If you've reached the equivalent level of three terms of study in Korean (typically students who have learnt introductory Korean and those who want to continue to learn Korean at a lower intermediate level).

Note: Students from Korean family backgrounds who have knowledge and skills in Korean are normally ineligible to take ARTS1660/ARTS1661 & ARTS2660/ARTS2661.

ARTS3660 Korean 5 & ARTS3661 Korean 6

• If you've reached the equivalent level of two years full-time study or its equivalent through informal learning and want to study Korean at an upper intermediate level.
• Note: A placement application is NOT required for students from Korean family backgrounds with limited skills in both spoken and written Korean. These students may be allowed to enrol in ARTS3660/ARTS3661 on a case-by-case basis subject to the results of an interview with the Placement Coordinator. Please contact Dr Seong-Chul Shin directly to organise an interview.

ARTS3664 Korean Translation & ARTS3665 Korean Interpretation

• If you've completed ARTS3661 or have an equivalent or higher level of proficiency.

Further information

General enquiries: Please contact the School of Humanities & Languages for all general enquiries on online placement in Korean.

School of Humanities & Languages
Level 2, Morven Brown Building
Kensington campus, UNSW
Email: hal@unsw.edu.au
Telephone: 9385 1681

Academic advice: If you're unsure which course to enrol in, you'll need to attend a placement interview with Dr Seong-Chul Shin, Placement Coordinator in Korean.

Dr Seong-Chul Shin
Room 262, Level 2 Morven Brown Building
Kensington Campus, UNSW
Email: s.shin@unsw.edu.au
Telephone: 9385 3724

Language placement guidelines for prospective students of Spanish

Step 1: Read the information below and assess which course is most appropriate for your level of Spanish language knowledge.

Step 2: Please allow seven working days for us to process your application. An email notification of your placement results will be sent to your UNSW email. If you don't receive a notification after seven working days, please email the School Office at hal@unsw.edu.au quoting your student number.

Note: You'll be contacted by email if a decision can't be made on the basis of the information in the application form. In this case, you may be required to provide further information or attend an interview with a placement convenor.

Begin online placement questionnaire

Guidelines

Submitted applications are processed in order of receipt. As some classes fill up very quickly, it's in a student’s best interests to submit the Online Application Form as soon as possible.

Students from other schools who wish to undertake language courses to fulfil open electives or general education requirements should ensure that these courses count towards the requirements of their degree programs with the relevant Program Authority.

If you feel that your starting course is not appropriate for your language level after attending first week of classes in the term, please contact the course convenor to discuss the feasibility of changing to a higher/lower-level course. Any changes to enrolment must be approved by the Discipline Advisor and finalised by Friday, Week 1 of the term.

What courses are offered in Spanish?

For timetable information, please see the Online Handbook.

ARTS1570 Spanish 1

ARTS1571 Spanish 2

ARTS2570 Spanish 3

ARTS2571 Spanish 4

ARTS3570 Spanish 5

ARTS3571 Spanish 6

Further information

General enquiries: Please contact the School of Humanities & Languages for all general enquiries on online placement in Spanish.

School of Humanities & Languages
Level 2, Morven Brown Building
Kensington campus, UNSW
Email: hal@unsw.edu.au
Telephone: 9385 1681

Academic advice: If your knowledge of Spanish doesn't fall into one of the above categories, or if you aren't sure what level to enrol on, please contact hal@unsw.edu.au outlining your experience of studying Spanish before submitting the Online Application Form.