Information for Learners

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What are SQA ESOL Units and Courses?

The Scottish Qualifications Authority has a range of National Qualifications in English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL). There are ESOL Units with no exams at five levels, from complete beginner (Access 2) to advanced (Higher). There are also ESOL Courses with exams at the more advanced levels (Intermediate 2 and Higher).
 
Each Unit and Course includes Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing and will help you:
 
  • gain an English language qualification at a level suitable for you
  • prepare for study and assessment in other subjects
     
  • progress into work
  • learn English using practical tasks
  • progress to college or university
  • with everyday life if you wish to settle in the UK or any English speaking country
 

Click on the level that interests you for more information.

Case Studies

Do you wish to improve your English and find work?
Do you want to improve your English to study at college or university?
Or do you want to improve your English for everyday life?

Read how Sonia from Pakistan, Alice from Hong Kong, Maryam from Iraq, Remzie from Kosovo, Sultan from Somalia and Tsvetomir from Bulgaria studied SQA ESOL and how it helped them with everyday life, move into work and into further study.

What Learners Say About SQA ESOL

ESOL Testimonials

What Tutors and Teachers Say About SQA ESOL

ESOL Testimonials

Information on SQA ESOL and Higher Education Institutions

All Scottish HEIs* accept Higher ESOL as one of a group of unspecified Highers. In addition, where a specific degree course has English as an entry requirement (either at Intermediate 2 or at Higher) it is usually possible to substitute English with SQA ESOL at the same level and grade.

At the moment, the known exceptions to this are:

  • University of Abertay - LLB Law
  • University of Dundee - English/Education/Social Work/Law
  • University of Edinburgh - MA English or Scottish Literature (single or joint honours)
  • University of St. Andrews - English

* information on the Edinburgh College of Art and the Glasgow School of Art is currently unavailable.

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