English for Speakers of other Languages (ESOL)
We’ll help you improve your English to allow you to get more out of your daily life.
Aimed at non-native English speakers, our courses can help you be more confident in your use of English as a second language and to communicate better. You will focus on reading, writing listening and speaking to help you achieve your goals in study, work or everyday life. We have ESOL courses ranging from SCQF level 1 to 6 that will provide you with the qualification you may need to progress in employment and education.
Courses
- ESOL | SCQF Level 1 - Full-time
- ESOL | SCQF Level 2 - Full-time
- ESOL | SCQF Level 3-4 - Full-time
- ESOL | SCQF Level 5 - Full-time
- ESOL | SCQF Level 6 - Full-time
Apply here: English for Speakers of Other Languages
Level 5-6 students will prepare for the Qualifications Scotland National 5 ESOL exam (in Level 5) and the Qualifications Scotland Higher ESOL exam (in Level 6). These exams are taken at UHI Inverness in May.
In addition, students in Levels 5 and 6 will prepare for an English language test run by the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Students can choose if they wish to sit this exam. The IELTS exam can be taken at various approved centres throughout Scotland. You will be responsible for booking this directly with the test centre and paying any costs for the exam
Meet the Team
At UHI Inverness, the ESOL team is here to help you build confidence in English for everyday life, work, and study. Our friendly and experienced lecturers support learners from all backgrounds and levels, creating a welcoming and inclusive learning environment. Whether you're just starting or looking to improve your skills, we're here to guide you every step of the way.
The fully qualified lecturers have a combined 145 years of ESOL teaching experience from all over the world including Qatar, France, India, UAE, Spain, Hungary, Japan, England, Italy, South Korea, Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand, West Africa, China, Rwanda, the Comoros and, of course, Scotland.
Rocio Suarez Rubiales, HNC Soft Tissue Therapy
Rocio did not know a single word of English when she moved from Spain to Inverness. This led to her studying English for Speakers of Other Languages and then Sports Studies at UHI Inverness, and four years on she has graduated with an HNC Soft Tissue Therapy and is working as a therapist.
“Thanks to you all at UHI Inverness, I am a new person. I couldn't put into words how grateful I am for the support I have received at UHI Inverness. In my life I have seen nothing like it. Every time I tell my family in Spain, they don't even believe it. It is incredible how this place is exclusively designed for people to grow; I really have no words to express this. Thanks to this university, today I can dedicate myself to what I really want to do. Who would have told me in the past that I was going to be a therapist in Scotland? All this thanks to UHI Inverness and all the student support.
The phrase where learning means more; never has a phrase meant so much to me. For me, UHI Inverness has meant and continues to mean growth, both personally and economically. It gives you the opportunity to be who you are and dedicate yourself to what you really like. It gives you the tools to reach the future you want. For me, UHI Inverness has meant everything in Scotland, and if it hadn't been for the fact that I decided to study here, I would surely have ended up returning to Spain.
Today I work as a therapist and my life has changed for the better professionally and economically. I also owe this to my partner Javier, to whom I owe a lot of learning. If it hadn't been for him, I would have quit many times."