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General English and Intensive English

Join our General English course to build your English language and communication skills while enjoying free time to explore Edinburgh. If you want faster progress, you can choose our Intensive English Upgrade, which helps you develop useful skills such as English for Businesspresentation skills, and IELTS preparation. 

General English Course

Our course helps you improve all aspects of your English, including speaking, listening, reading, and writing. You will also learn more about grammar and vocabulary to help you communicate confidently in everyday situations. 

Our experienced teachers will support you in reaching your goals and making progress. They teach in a friendly and engaging way, and students often give them excellent feedback. 

Before your course starts, you will take a placement test so we can put you in the right class for your level. You will also have regular one-to-one meetings with your teacher to discuss your progress and learning goals. 

What You Can Expect: 

  • Improve practical and useful language skills, not just grammar and vocabulary. 
  • Work on projects that help you learn about the local community and develop teamwork skills. 
  • Focus on real-life communication instead of traditional exercises. 
  • Understand your strengths and areas for improvement. 
  • Set personal goals and track your progress. 

How You Will Learn

You will learn in different ways, including whole-class activities, small group work, and pair work. Your teacher will encourage you to take part by sharing your ideas and listening to others. You can also choose topics and projects that interest you. 

Intensive English 

We know that every student has different learning needs. Our Intensive English course lets you choose from a range of modules each month, so you can focus on the skills that are most important to you. 

Please note, that modules may change depending on student interest and availability. 

What You Can Expect

  • Extra 5 hours of lessons each week to help you learn faster. 
  • Practical tasks that use real-world English. 
  • English skills that can help you in your studies or future career. 
  • More confidence in using English in everyday situations. 
  • Improved natural communication in English. 
  • Regular assessments to track your progress. 

Intensive English Course Options

  • IELTS Preparation B1+: Prepare to take an IELTS examination in the future. An overview of the reading and writing components of the exam, the strategies needed for the question types and tasks, and a close look at vocabulary. 
  • Academic Writing for Higher Education B2+: Prepare for further study at college or university level. Develop critical analysis skills and writing structure. 
  • English and UK Culture A1-C1: Learn more about UK and Scottish language and culture, focusing on local customs, dialects and regional slang. 
  • English for Business A2-C1: Learn key phrases, concepts and communication styles to help you with future studies in Business subjects and skills for your future career. 
  • English for Tourism A1-C1: Learn key phrases, concepts and communication styles to help you with future studies in Tourism and Travel subjects and skills for your future career. 
  • Presentation Skills A2-C1: Learn to create successful presentations and gain confidence to speak in front of an audience. 

Example timetable 

Morning classes include a 30-minute break. Afternoon classes include a 15-minute break.

Day 9.00 - 12.30 12.30 - 13.30 from 13.30  Evening
Monday General English Lunch Free time Free time
Tuesday  General English Lunch Intensive English Modules Free time
Wednesday General English Lunch Free time Free time
Thursday General English Lunch Intensive English Modules Free time
Friday General English Lunch Free time Free time
Lecturer helping a group of students studying together.

Apply Now

If you have any questions or need help with your application, please email summerschool@edinburghcollege.ac.uk

Before you come to study with us, there are a few things to ensure you have checked and completed, find out more about our fees and immigration information.

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Access Courses

All access courses are at either Level 5 or Level 6 on the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF).

Access Courses

English Plus

Designed for you to improve your English language skills and get a taste of the College experience.

English Plus

Higher Education Courses

HNC and HND are advanced qualifications equivalent to the first two years of study at university.

Higher Education courses

Summer School

Every summer we welcome individual students and groups for a summer learning experience in Edinburgh.

Summer School

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Social and Cultural Programmes

Make the most of your time in Edinburgh. Explore cultural and historical highlights and get to know your classmates outside the classroom.

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Bespoke Teacher Training Programmes For Groups

Edinburgh College is an established provider of Teacher Development Programmes for groups of professionals from many different countries.

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