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Summer School Courses

Edinburgh College welcomes students aged 16 and older to enrol in our English Language Summer School courses. Our engaging English Language lessons are taught in small classes, with a maximum of 15 students per class, so that students receive personalised language support in a supportive classroom environment.

Two smiling exchange students working together at a desk in a classroom.

Early Bird Discounts

Early Bird Discounts up to 10% off course fees for Winter Term, Spring Term and Summer School 2025 bookings!

Join our standard General English course to enhance your English language and communication skills and enjoy free time in the afternoon to explore Edinburgh. 

Add our Intensive English Upgrade to progress your English faster and develop transferable skills such as English for Business, presentations skills or IELTS Preparation.

It was a fantastic experience. I met a lot of new friends, with whom I learned new things about English and life. I totally recommend this Summer School to people who want to improve their English and who want to discover the magical city of Edinburgh.
Amadeo, Italy, Summer School 2022

Course options

General English

Our engaging syllabus focuses on all the skills you need to improve your English. Our communicative lessons work on your speaking, listening, reading and writing as well as activating and extending your knowledge of grammar and vocabulary. You will improve your communication skills, functional language and pronunciation. Our aim is to help you feel more confident when using English and to progress through the levels. 

Our team of lecturers are experienced in getting the best out of our students and will help you make the improvements in your English you are looking for. Our teaching team receives consistently excellent feedback and are dedicated to their subject. All of our teachers are enthusiastic, experienced and teach in a friendly and interesting way. 

You will take a placement test before you arrive so we can find the best level to meet your needs. You will have opportunities during your course to give feedback and input on what you would like to do in your monthly one-to-one tutorial. 

What to expect:  

  • Focus on developing practical and functional skills, rather than just learning grammar or vocabulary.  
  • Engage in project-based work that will allow you to explore the local community more and build collaborative and employability skills.  
  • Prioritise meaningful, communicative language over traditional exercises.  
  • Be encouraged to develop an awareness of your own strengths and weaknesses.  
  • Be encouraged to reflect on your own progress and set goals for your improvement. 

How will you learn? 

In lessons you will study together as a class, in small groups or with a partner. Your teacher will expect you to participate in all class activities by giving opinions and ideas and by listening to others. Throughout your course you will have the opportunity to choose projects and topics that are relevant and interesting to you. 

Intensive English 

We recognise that every student’s learning needs are unique to them. We have developed a dynamic curriculum that allows you to choose and change your Intensive English modules each month. With different modules on offer you can put more focus on areas of English you would like to develop or simply what you enjoy!  

Modules are subject to availability and will run according to student demand. 

What to expect:  

  • Fast-track your progress with an additional 5 hours per week of class time.  
  • Engage in practical tasks that relate to or simulate real-world English.  
  • Apply English language skills for specific purposes relating to further study or career ambitions  
  • Build confidence using English in an immersive English-language environment.  
  • Activate and extend knowledge and use of English language and improve natural use of English  
  • Support a skills-based approach through ongoing assessments and tests.

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, with a focus 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 as well as 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 as well as 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 Social Programme Free time
Tuesday  General English Lunch Intensive English Modules Free time
Wednesday General English Lunch Social Programme Free time
Thursday General English Lunch Intensive English Modules Social Programme
Friday General English Lunch Free time Free time
Saturday Social Programme: Full day excursion
Group of international students posing for a photo outside a college campus building.

Book your place for Summer School

If you have any questions or need help booking your place on our Summer School, please email summerschool@edinburghcollege.ac.uk

Book your Summer School place
I really enjoyed this whole journey. I was not only able to improve my English but to grow as a person. After this experience I see life differently, I think I’m more mature and I was able to prove myself that I can be far away from my parents and that I’m ready to become an adult.
Rey, Panama, Summer School 2023

Other Courses you may be interested in

Applications, Fees and Information

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

General and Intensive English

General English will enhance your language and communication skills. Intensive English will help you progress faster.

General English and Intensive English

Higher Education Courses

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

Higher Education courses

Year Round English Language

A range of English Language programmes for students aged 16 and over from elementary to advanced level.

Enquire about Summer School

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