English for speakers of other languages classes and support

Centre for Open Learning, University of Edinburgh

The Centre for Open Learning offers General English courses (ESOL) for adult learners (16+ years). These are delivered in person on Holyrood (Moray House) Campus of the University of Edinburgh.

Please, note, we do not offer literacy courses.

The Academic year is divided into three terms of ten weeks each:

  • Term 1 starts Monday, 28 September 2026
  • Term 2 starts Monday, 18 January 2027
  • Term 3 starts Monday, 12 April 2027

Course programme 

English Beginners for New Scots

These courses for absolute beginners are taught over two terms (Beginners A1.1 and post-Beginners A1.2). They are reserved for New Scots, displaced people in Scotland who have arrived from an area of instability or a zone of conflict and have refugee status, or indefinite leave to remain, are asylum seekers, or under humanitarian protection.  The courses are free of charge.  Learners meet twice a week for 2 hours, either in the morning or early afternoon.

Intermediate and Upper Intermediate

These courses progress from one term to the next (Step 1, 2, …, 6) and are for a mixed audience.  They are open to the general public for a fee, with free places reserved for New Scots.  New Scots will learn and interact with learners from a variety of international backgrounds.  Learners meet once a week for 90 minutes in the evening.

Term 1

  • English Beginners for New Scots A1.1
  • Intermediate Step 1 and Intermediate Step 4
  • Upper Intermediate Step 1 and Upper Intermediate Step 4

Term 2

  • English Beginners for New Scots A1.1
  • English post-Beginners for New Scots A1.2
  • Intermediate Step 2 and Intermediate Step 5
  • Upper Intermediate Step 2 and Upper Intermediate Step 5

Term 3

  • English Beginners for New Scots A1.2
  • Intermediate Step 3 and Intermediate Step 6
  • Upper Intermediate Step 3 and Upper Intermediate Step 6

Registration

Registration is open from 6 weeks to 2 weeks before the start of each term. 
To find out the most suitable course for your current skills before registering, please, complete the self-assessment on the COL website.

For more information and to register, please, visit our website (link to be added ASAP).

For more information and to register, please, visit the COL website.

Contact details

If you have any questions, please, contact