ESOL
ESOL for Access to Childhood Practice
Campus Sighthill Campus
Qualification SCQF Level 5
Study mode Full time
Start date
Aug 2025
Cost
£1008
(see funding options)
Course enquiry form
Course overview
Edinburgh College is one of Scotland's largest year-round providers of English Language courses. All our College-based ESOL courses are accredited by the British Council for the teaching of English.
This course will teach the language skills needed for further study in Childhood Practice. You will complete the SQA National 5 ESOL syllabus, to develop general language skills in reading, listening, speaking, and writing, and work on your grammar, pronunciation, and vocabulary.
You will improve your ability to understand and produce spoken and written English in everyday and work contexts, and will focus on the vocabulary required to talk about childcare. You will be introduced to specialisms, professional values, and principles when working in the childcare sector. You will develop workplace language and employability skills during a 2-week placement.
This course is bursary-funded, so you will not have to pay course fees, and you may be eligible for other bursary funding. You will be expected to buy the course materials as specified by your tutor (approximately £45). Please note that these courses are for applicants whose first language is not English.
The ESOL Course Fees page provides more information about ESOL course costs.
Further information is available on the Course Information Document.
The average class size is 18 – 20, with a maximum of 23. You must be 16 or older to take ESOL courses in college.
Support for students aged 16 and 17
- All 16 and 17-year-olds are given a 24-hour emergency number.
- Information on ‘Keeping yourself safe in Edinburgh’ is provided at induction. A tutorial system is in place for students to discuss progress or any problems with their teacher.
- Students are supervised in class, on class trips/activities, and during work placements.
- Parental consent is required for class trips and work placements. Outside these hours, there is no supervision of 16 and 17-year-olds
- You will do a six-day work placement in the childhood practice sector to gain essential hands-on experience in this workplace.
How the course is assessed
- This is a bursary course, and you are expected to attend 100% of the course
- There will be regular assessment tasks throughout the course to monitor your progress in the areas of ESOL
- The Prelim exam in February will prepare you for the final ESOL National 5 exam in May
- You will also complete evidence in portfolio or presentation form for the Work Placement unit
Number of days per week
- 3 days per week (16 hours)
Entry requirements
- You should have a clear idea of your future study or work plans
- International students (students from outside the UK without settled or pre-settled status, excluding asylum seekers, refugees and Humanitarian Protection Status) will need to check visa requirements. Please go to the International section of the website.
Information on Tests / Auditions / Interview Requirements
- You will be invited to attend a test and interview where your language level and suitability for the course will be checked.
English Proficiency Requirements
SQA ESOL National 4 or equivalentProgression and Articulation Routes
- Progress to mainstream college courses at NC or HNC
- NQ English Plus Higher
Career options
- Further training or work in the Childhood Practice sector.
Study Options
| Campus | Study mode | Start date | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sighthill Campus | Full time | 25/08/25 |
|
