ESOL for Access to Care and Health Professions

Course overview

Applications are now closed, and courses for this year are full.  Applications will open at the end of March 2027 for courses starting in August 2027. Date to be confirmed.

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

This one-year full-time bursary course aims to equip you with the language skills needed to pursue further study in care or health. You will complete the SQA National 5 ESOL syllabus and other units as listed in the box below. You will improve your ability to understand and produce spoken and written English in both everyday and work contexts, and will focus on the vocabulary required to talk about the human body. You will be introduced to the specialisms, professional values, and principles when working in the care 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. 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.

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

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.

During this 36-week course, you will attend college for 17 hours a week. You will work towards achieving the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) National 5 ESOL award. You will also complete core skills units and Edinburgh College (EC) units.

• Language Learning Objectives level 5
• Study Skills Level 5
• Tutorial
• Preparation for citizenship
• Self-directed study
• Care - Safe Beginners
• Anatomy and Physiology – An Introduction
• National 5 ESOL award (Everyday life and Work contexts)
• Work Placement level 4
• Preparation to Work Level 5
• Working with Others level 5

Course Content

• You will focus on developing the language skills you need for life and work in the UK with a particular focus on work in the care/health sector.
• Develop general language skills for speaking, writing, listening and reading. You will work on grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation and improve all your language skills.
• You will also learn about the Scottish care context and develop the terminology for talking about the human body to improve your chances of changing jobs, progressing in your career, or gaining a place on the course you want.
• The syllabus will cover the topics, language points, and exam strategies to help you prepare for the SQA National 5.
• You will do a lot of learning in pairs and groups. You will also be expected 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.

Placement information

• You will undertake a six-day work placement in the care sector to gain essential hands-on experience.

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 February Prelim exam will prepare you for the final ESOL National 5 exam in May.
• There will be a closed-book assessment on the Human body.
• You will also complete evidence in portfolio or presentation form for the Work Placement unit and the values and principles of care.

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

Progression and Articulation Routes

• Level 5/6 options for health (routes to nursing), social care, pharmacy, and dental, depending on existing qualifications and entry requirements. 
• Other college courses, if you achieve the required score in your SQA National 5 ESOL and your other qualifications also meet the criteria. 
• ESOL for Study Level 6.

Career options

• Further training or work in the care sector.