English skills for studying in Scotland

You can work out how much studying you will need to do to bring your English up to the standard required for studying a degree in a Scottish university. The British Council offers guidance on the level of English for studying at university:

"If, for example, degree course entry requirements state that students must have an English language ability equivalent to IELTS 6.5.

"It is often estimated that an average student studying approximately 15 hours of English per week can increase their English language ability by 0.5 (in IELTS) every 12 weeks. This formula can be used as a rough guide when working out what you can realistically achieve but it does not account for individual learning styles so some students may improve their English much slower or faster than this."

Language foundation courses for university entry

An English language access course could be your route into a degree course in the UK if your English isn’t great. There are several advantages to studying an access course in the UK as opposed to your own country:

• By the time you start your degree course, you'll already be settled in to the country and the area and have adjusted to the new culture; you'll know your way around and have made friends, so you’ll be ready to concentrate on studying.
• It will greatly increase your chances of being accepted on a degree course in Scotland.
• You can visit the universities to help you choose the one you prefer and get to know the difference places before you decide.
• A high standard of English is a requirement for all university courses but is especially important in science, engineering, and humanities subjects. Because you'll be speaking English in your daily life, not just in lessons, you can learn much faster, plus you'll get used to the Scottish dialects.

About foundation courses

They are usually one academic year long (30-34 weeks) and start in September. There are some intensive courses which last for six months which begin in January.

Scotland has its own courses called the International Foundation Programme Scotland (IFPS), which are officially recognised by all Scottish Universities. There are nine, twelve or fifteen month options.

On satisfactory completion of a foundation course you are awarded a certificate which is recognised by Scottish universities. Usually it assessed by essays and coursework, presentations and a final exam.

These colleges offer English foundation courses:

• Stevenson College
  
• Banff and Buchan College of Further Education
  
• Cumbernauld College
  
• University of the West of Scotland
  
• University of Stirling
  
• Regent College
  
• Heriot Watt University
  

If you are considering studying in Scotland you can find full details of the steps you need to take in the British Council document Choosing an Access Course.

Homestay studying

English language homestays offer a tailored approach to teaching and are usually one to one. You can arrange a homestay with a friend if they have a similar level of English. English Language Homestays and Learn 4 Good are two companies which offer this learning method.

Homestays are particularly recommended for young people who are planning to come to Scotland to study at university and don’t speak good English.

Summer holiday programmes

There are many English Language study programmes run through the summer, mainly aimed at visiting teenagers like the one at Wallace College.

A fun way to discover Scotland by guided tour and learn English at the same time with Travel Scotland.