NQ ESOL for Work Level 5

Course overview

Applications will open on 8 April 2026.

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 prepare you with the language skills needed for managing your career in Scotland or moving into further college study.  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. You will develop independent language-learning and study skills, as well as workplace language and employability skills, during a 2-week placement. 

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 £45).

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. 

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.

You will focus on developing the language skills you need for life and work in the UK, and you will 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 workplace to improve your chances of changing your job, 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.

• English language skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing
• You will develop grammar at an upper-intermediate level
• You will extend your vocabulary at an upper-intermediate level
• Units in Business, IT (Level 5)
• Careers guidance
• Preparation for work SQA work experience unit (Level 4)
• Work placement

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

• English language skills of speaking, listening, reading, and writing
• You will develop grammar at an upper-intermediate level
• You will extend your vocabulary at an upper-intermediate level
• SQA units in Business, IT and Tourism (Level 5)
• Careers guidance
• Preparation for work SQA work experience unit (Level 4)
• Work placement

Placement information

• You will do a six-day work placement in a field close to your chosen career field in order to gain essential and hands-on experience in your industry. 

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, including National 5 coursework assessments that test reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
• The Prelim exam in February will prepare you for the final exam in May. 
• You will also complete evidence in portfolio or presentation form for the Business Management coursework and the Work Placement unit.

Number of days per week

• 3 days per week (17 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

Students from this course can progress to: 

• Other college courses, if you achieve the required score in your SQA National 5 ESOL and your other qualifications also meet the criteria. 
• Higher ESOL plus work 
• Higher ESOL plus study 
• Work 

Career options

• Self-employment or further training