NQ ESOL for Study Level 6

Course overview

Applications will open on 8 April 2026.

Edinburgh College is one of the largest year-round providers of English Language courses in Scotland. All College-based ESOL classes are accredited by the British Council for the teaching of English in the UK.

This course is designed to improve your English language skills to gain entry to university/further study or to register as a doctor or nurse in the UK. The course aims to help you improve by one IELTS band level over an academic year. During this course, you will develop your reading, writing, listening, speaking and independent study skills in an academic context. You will complete the SQA Higher ESOL qualification and preparation for the IELTS test as part of your course. Upon completion of this course, you will be fully prepared to sit the IELTS exam.  
 
This course includes taught classes, directed self-study and personal tutorial time. This course is bursary-funded, so you will not have to pay course fees and may be eligible for other bursary funding. You will be expected to buy the course materials as specified by your tutor (approximately £70). The IELTS exam fee (approximately £135) is not included in the course cost.  

More information about ESOL course costs is available on the ESOL Course Fees page.

Please note that these courses are for applicants whose first language is not English. 

NQ ESOL for Study Level 6 course information

The average class size is 18 – 20 with a maximum of 23. You must be aged 16 or older to study 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.

Course Content

You will focus on developing the language skills you need in academic English, across a number of main language areas, and you will develop general language skills for speaking, writing, listening and reading. You will also work on grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation. You will buy a course book with an optional workbook for self-study, and there will also be online learning materials. The syllabus will cover the topics, language points, and exam strategies to help you prepare for the SQA Higher ESOL exam.

You will do a lot of learning in pairs and groups. You will also be expected to demonstrate your ability to learn independently through self-directed tasks.

Tutorials

Your main teacher will also be your class tutor. You will speak to your tutor individually to agree an individual learning plan (ILP) for you, and at regular times in the course to discuss your progress.

English skills in reading, writing, listening and speaking in an academic and general context

• Academic study and presentation skills
• Preparation for the IELTS exam
• SQA Higher ESOL (study context)

How the course is assessed

There will be regular assessment tasks throughout the course to monitor your progress, including the Higher coursework assessments, which test Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking.  The Prelim exam in February will prepare you for the final exam in May.  

• You will be assessed through SQA Higher assessments 
• There is an option to sit your IELTS exam for an added fee 

Number of days per week

• 3 days per week (16 hours)

Entry requirements

• You should have a level of English equivalent to IELTS 5.5, SQA National 5 grade B or above or Cambridge First Certificate at grade B or above 
• You should have plans to study at a university or to register with the General Medical Council 
• 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

• A place on the course is dependent on an interview and language level test

English Proficiency Requirements

Progression and Articulation Routes

Students from this course can progress to: 

• Other college courses or university if you achieve the required score in your SQA Higher ESOL/IELTS, and your other qualifications also meet the criteria. 
• Employment 

Career options

• You can gain medical registration in the UK if you are a trained medical professional.