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The General English Course is our most sought-after program. DCE’s General English Course with TIE Preparation is designed to enhance your English communication skills, empowering you to work or study effectively in English-speaking countries and environments. The course curriculum is carefully aligned with the CEFR objectives, ensuring that learners master the skills required for their proficiency level.
DCE’s General English Course with TIE Preparation focuses on developing the following key skills:
33 Weeks Course Duration
25 Weeks Study Duration
8 Weeks Holidays Duration
IELT (TIE) Awarding Body
Twice a Month Full-time Learners
Every Week Part-time Learners
15 Max Class Size
18+ Age Group
College Timetable
Policies & Procedures
Learners Services
Learners Facilities
International Learners
Handbooks & Downloads
Registration's STEPS
(Monday to Thursday)
Morning
€140
Perweek (Subject To Change)
(Monday to Thursday)
Afternoon
€120
Perweek (Subject To Change)
Medical Expenses Insurance – €100
Course Fee Protection Insurance (PEL) – €100
DCE Digital Certificate of Achievement – €50 (upon course completion and final exam)
Final Exam Fee – €100 (TIE – Test of Interactive English – ielt.ie)
DCE Registration Fee – €300
Placement Testing:
New Learner Induction (details at DCE Induction)
Continuous Assessment:
E-Learning Access: DCE’s interactive learning platform.
DCE Branded Gifts!
Extra Classs: IELTS, Conversation, CV Prep, Job-hunting, Exam Prep (monthly, min. 5 participants).
Work Permissions in Ireland:
Part-time (20 hrs/week) and full-time (40 hrs/week) during June-Sept and 15th Dec-15th Jan
Please Note: 375 hours of direct tuition and recommended minimum 60-80 hours of self-study.
PLEASE NOTE:
Effective procedures are in place to determine learners’ level of competence and/or other needs. New learners are required to take a computerised placement test during their induction. This will be followed by an oral test conducted by a member of the academic team. Learners will be assigned a starting level on the basis of these two placement tests.
After the start of the programme, levels can be changed based on in-class performance and tutor recommendation. Learners are also able to submit level change requests via the online forms available in their DCE login.
For more details please contact the Academic Team: info@dcedu.ie
The Academic Committee selected the following (per level/course offered);
Learners can buy the books from International Books Shop. Each book costs €40-€45 approximately (Subject to change).
It is recommended but not compulsory at this time for learners to purchase a course book (subject to change).
Our General English programmes are delivered using the DCE College online platform/ELMS. The platform is designed to track learner progress and enables learners to follow the lessons from home even if they miss class. Learners must have a functional device to access the online platform. A laptop or tablet is recommended.
CONTINUOUS ASSESSMENT
Learners at DCEDU College are assessed on an on-going basis in order to continuously evaluate and record their progress throughout the duration of their time at the college. DCE College operates a continuous assessment system to accommodate the learning needs of the learners completing long term courses (25 weeks).
Continuous Assessment through Weekly Progress Reports
Throughout your course, your progress is continuously monitored with weekly progress reports, which are accessible every Thursday or Friday via the student portal https://dcedu.ie/ These reports provide feedback on your class performance and highlight areas for improvement. Additionally, your teacher will review your progress with you in a feedback session every Monday to ensure you are on track.
Progress Tests – Weeks 6 and 12
In addition to continuous feedback, formal assessments called Progress Tests are conducted every six weeks (on Weeks 6 and 12 of each 12-week cycle). These tests assess your understanding of the syllabus content from the past six weeks, covering key areas like grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, reading, writing, listening, and speaking. The results are evaluated according to Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) standards.
Your scores in these tests will contribute to your eligibility for advancing to the next level. At the end of your course, you will receive a Certificate of Completion, displaying your overall progress score and final grade classification:
Distinction (80%+),
Merit (65-79%),
Pass (50-64%).
Leaner will need to bring the following to the examination: (i) A pen, (ii) Photo ID (passport/driver’s license), (iii) The completed TIE application form.
Before your examination, ask yourself:
The TIE includes an oral and a written exam.
THE WRITTEN EXAMINATION:
Part 1: Prepared task – the learner must answer a question on either their chosen book or news story. The learner must answer one of two questions.
Part 2: Unprepared task – the learner must answer a question which they have not prepared for. The learner must answer one of two questions.
THE ORAL EXAMINATION (30-40 minutes): Usually 2 (sometimes 3) candidates
Part 1: Candidates introduce themselves.
Part 2: Candidates take turns presenting their investigation. Examiner asks questions and encourages the other candidate to also ask questions.
Part 3: Candidate A presents their news story. The examiner asks questions and encourages candidate B to do the same. Candidate B then presents their book, followed by questions from the examiner and Candidate B.
Part 4: Decision Making Task (DMT): Candidates are given 6 pictures and asked to discuss a question using the images to help them answer. The candidates interact with each other; the examiner does not participate in this part of the exam.