Structure of the Intensive English Program
The IEP teaches practical English skills for general, academic, and professional purposes. Based on the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR), the seven levels of the IEP range from upper elementary to advanced. Levels 1-3 concentrate on General English, while Levels 4-7 focus on English for Academic Purposes (EAP).
Levels 1-3
In Levels 1-3, students concentrate on developing fundamental English skills in an interactive classroom setting. Coursework emphasizes skills necessary for effective oral and written communication. Instruction covers all areas of language development: vocabulary, basic language structures, and the essentials of reading, writing, listening and speaking, and grammar.
Levels 4-7
In Levels 4-7, students continue to develop fluency and accuracy. Coursework focuses on both comprehensive skills and English for Academic Purposes (EAP). This includes writing essays and research papers as well as developing critical reading, listening, and note-taking skills.
Upon successful completion of Level 5, IEP students may take the Cambridge B2 First exam at NPU free of charge. The Cambridge B2 First is one of several English language exams which can be used for admission to NPU degree programs. Admission to all NPU degree programs requires a minimum score of 168 on the Cambridge B2 First exam, or its equivalent on another exam. A complete list of minimum scores can be found in the online NPU catalog, under the Admissions section of each degree program.
Each level has 4 courses (Listening & Speaking, Reading, Writing, and Grammar), and each course consists of 5 hours of classroom instruction per week, making a total of 20 hours per week for full-time study.
IEP Level Achievement Scale
| Level 7 Advanced | CEFR C1 | IELTS band 7.0 | TOEFL 94-101 | IEP710 Listening & Speaking IEP720 Reading IEP730 Writing IEP740 Grammar |
Level 7 Student Learning Outcomes |
| Level 6 Pre-Advanced | CEFR B2 | IELTS band 6.5 | TOEFL 79-93 | IEP610 Listening & Speaking IEP620 Reading IEP630 Writing IEP640 Grammar |
Level 6 Student Learning Outcomes |
| Level 5 High Intermediate | CEFR B2 | IELTS band 6.0 | TOEFL 60-78 | IEP510 Listening & Speaking IEP520 Reading IEP530 Writing IEP540 Grammar |
Level 5 Student Learning Outcomes |
| Level 4 Intermediate | CEFR B2 | IELTS band 5.5 | TOEFL 46-59 | IEP410 Listening & Speaking IEP420 Reading IEP430 Writing IEP440 Grammar |
Level 4 Student Learning Outcomes |
| Level 3 Low Intermediate | CEFR B1 | IELTS band 5.0 | TOEFL 35-45 | IEP310 Listening & Speaking IEP320 Reading IEP330 Writing IEP340 Grammar |
Level 3 Student Learning Outcomes |
| Level 2 Entry Intermediate | CEFR B1 | IELTS band 4.5 | TOEFL 32-34 | IEP210 Listening & Speaking IEP220 Reading IEP230 Writing IEP240 Grammar |
Level 2 Student Learning Outcomes |
| Level 1 Upper Elementary | CEFR A2 | IELTS band 4.0 | TOEFL 31 | IEP110 Listening & Speaking IEP120 Reading IEP130 Writing IEP140 Grammar |
Level 1 Student Learning Outcomes |