ESOL
IELTS Preparation Level 1
Campus Sighthill Campus
Qualification SCQF Level 5
Study mode Part time
Start date
Aug 2026
Course enquiry form
Course overview
Applications will open on 8 April.
Edinburgh College is one of Scotland's leading providers of year-round English language courses, with all College-based ESOL classes accredited by the British Council for teaching English in the UK.
This course is designed to prepare you for the IELTS exam and help you improve by at least half a band on the IELTS scale. It is ideal if you require an IELTS score of 6 or higher for university admission or General Medical Council registration. The course focuses on enhancing your English language skills and developing strategies for the IELTS exam, covering all aspects of reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
You will need to purchase the course materials as specified by your tutor (approximately £45). The IELTS exam fee (around £160) is not included in the course cost.
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.
What you will learn
Course Content
This will include topics, language points, and exam strategies to help you prepare for the IELTS test. You are required to buy a course book. You will focus on developing the language skills you need for academic English across a range of key language areas and topics.
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. There will be materials (often through links) available for you to use on Moodle.
You will study:
- English skills in reading, writing, listening and speaking in an academic context
- Academic study skills
- Preparation for the IELTS exam
How the course is assessed
- There will be regular assessment tasks throughout the course to monitor your progress, including mock IELTS tests.
- To take the IELTS test, you need to register at a test centre.
- Your tutor can give you advice on when you are ready to take the test and provide a registration form.
Number of days per week
- Two days per week - Tuesday and Thursday (4 hours per week)
- On campus
Entry requirements
- 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 asked to submit a test to check your language level and suitability for the course.
English Proficiency Requirements
IELTS 5.5Progression and Articulation Routes
- Gain your IELTS certificate at an approved centre
- Progress to university/further study. Gain medical registration
Career options
- On successful completion of this course, you will be ready to take the IELTS exam to gain medical registration if you are a practising medical professional.
Study Options
| Campus | Study mode | Start date |
|---|---|---|
| Sighthill Campus | Part time | 25/08/26 |
