Types of English Language Courses
The major types of English language programmes available in Scotland are outlined here, and this should give you a good idea of which best suits your needs. In the following pages, you will find descriptions of all the schools, their locations and what they have to offer academically, socially and culturally.
To see which schools offer which kinds of courses, use the English Course Finder which acts as a handy reference guide designed for this purpose, and if you need any further information, you can contact the schools directly, using the contact details provided.
The major programmes available are:
- General and Intensive English
- English Plus
- Young Learners Programmes
- Summer Courses for Adults
- One-to-One
- Business & Executive Courses
- Academic English and University Access Preparation
- English for Specific Purposes
- Courses for Teachers
1. General English and Intensive English
General English courses are designed to help you whether you want to improve your English for work, study or travel. You’ll improve your speaking, listening, reading and writing skills, increase your vocabulary and develop your grammar and language structures.
Classes are usually available from beginner to advanced level, and courses may work towards an English language examination and qualification, such as Cambridge PET, FCE or CAE.
Intensive English courses include more classes each week and may have additional elements / or a specific language focus.
2. English Plus
English Plus courses combine English language study with academic subjects, say for example, art, history or computing – or leisure activities such as golf, flower arranging or Scottish dancing. This is a very lively and interesting way to study English and at the same time learn new skills and develop other areas of interest, and even gain new qualifications.
3. Young Learners Programmes
These courses are aimed specifically at students of under 17 years old. They usually run during summer and Easter holidays, and may be suitable for groups or individuals. Most Young Learner courses will include a social programme of extra activities and events, and these may include trips, visits, sports and cultural events, evening entertainment and so on. So you can have fun, make friends, practise your English and learn a lot more about Scotland and the UK – all at the same time!
4. Summer Courses for Adults
Summer courses offer you the opportunity to develop your English while you’re enjoying all that Scotland has to offer.
A choice of courses is usually available, including general English; English for business; academic English and more, and there is normally a social programme, so you can make trips to places of historical and cultural interest, and attend local events and entertainments – a great chance to learn about and enjoy Scotland and speaking English
5. One-to-One
Private classes may be offered in which you and your teachers focus on your personal language needs and goals. In one-to-one courses, your teacher will usually design lessons around your language level and specific areas of interest.
6. Business & Executive Courses
Business English courses aim to improve your speaking, listening, reading and writing skills, vocabulary and grammar, within the context of British and international business.
These courses are designed for people who are already working and also for those who wish to study business at university or college. Some courses may prepare you for an internationally recognised examination, such as London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) English for Business, and some may have a minimum English language level entry requirement
Executive English courses are usually aimed at those already in business, who wish to develop their English skills in small classes or one-to-one.
7. Academic English and University Access Preparation
An academic English course will prepare you for future study at university or college. It will help you develop key study skills, and usually offer specific preparation for academic examinations, such as IELTS and / or TOEFL.
Academic English may be combined with a university access or foundation programme, where you can prepare for Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers or English A-level qualifications for entry to UK universities.
8. English for Specific Purposes
If you want to study English for professional reasons – for example, if you work in Law or Medicine – then this may be the option for you. These courses are usually intensive and can be delivered either one-to-one or in small groups. Work placements and/or visits may be included.
9. Courses for Teachers
There is a wide range of course options for teachers, both for those wanting to gain a recognised teaching qualification in EFL (TESOL, CELTA, TKT or ICELT), and for in-service teachers who want to improve their English or explore and develop new teaching methodologies – for example developing bilingual teaching experience et cetera.
These courses will usually provide opportunities for observing classes and for teaching practice.