ESOL
ESOL for Access to Construction
Campus Granton Campus
Qualification SCQF Level 4
Study mode Full time
Start date
Aug 2025
Course enquiry form
Course overview
Edinburgh College is one of Scotland's largest year-round providers of English Language courses. The British Council accredits all College-based ESOL classes for the teaching of English.
This course will teach the language skills needed for moving into further study or employment in the construction industry. In ESOL, you will improve your ability to understand and produce spoken and written English in everyday and work contexts and focus on the vocabulary required to discuss construction topics. In Construction, you will have the opportunity to try a variety of trade disciplines. The main focus is on developing good hand tool skills and employability skills. There may also be opportunities for work placements and visits to building sites. You will study towards level 4 SQA units in construction crafts.
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 ESOL course materials as specified by your tutor (approximately £45). Please note that this course is 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 12 – 20 with a maximum of 20. 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.
In ESOL you will develop general language skills in reading, listening, speaking, and writing, and work on your grammar, pronunciation, and vocabulary.
In construction, you will study:
- Introduction to Ground Operations: Preparation, Concrete screed, Slabbing and mono-blocks.
- Carpentry and Joinery: Tools and uses, Different materials and joints, Finishing Skills and Decorative pieces.
- Tiling; Use of tools and Materials, Wall Tiling, Floor tiling and decorative pattern work
- Brickwork: Intro to Brickwork; Half Brick, One Brick and Decorative
- Plaster work, Application, straightening and rendering
How the course is assessed
- This is a bursary course, and you are expected to attend 100% of the course. Attendance will affect your ability to progress.
- There will be regular assessment tasks throughout the course to monitor your progress in the areas of ESOL
- Practical model assessments, along with multiple-choice question papers for each unit in construction
Number of days per week
- 3 days a week, 9 AM - 4 PM
Entry requirements
- You should have a clear idea of your future study or work plans
- No formal qualifications or experience in construction required
- 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
- Level 5 ESOL for Access to Construction
- Employment
Study Options
| Campus | Study mode | Start date |
|---|---|---|
| Granton Campus | Full time | 25/08/25 |
