English & Languages

Bringing ESOL to life.

Courses

Learn English in a fun, welcoming and supportive environment.

Our English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) courses are designed by language experts to help you feel confident using English in everyday life.

Whether you’re new to Scotland or looking to build on your knowledge of the English language, our friendly tutors will help you improve your speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills.

You’ll also learn essential employability skills and find out more about UK citizenship. By studying ESOL, you’ll open doors to further education at NESCol or employment.

View all full-time English & other language courses

 

As well as a host of full-time courses, we also offer part-time courses in English & other languages where you can study at a location near you with daytime, evening and weekend options.

View all part-time English & other language courses

500,000

people living in Scotland were born outside of the UK¹

person - Jekaterina Rucina- with long white hair and grey shirt

graphic of yellow 3D quotation marks

ESOL gave me self-confidence because I could express my thoughts more clearly. It was a great start and gave me a push to go on and study further and go on to university and follow my passion for law, which I hadn’t planned when I started at College.”

Jekaterina Rucina

Jekaterina studied English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), before progressing into NCGA Business followed by HND Legal Services at NESCol. Jekaterina then studied a Law and Management degree at RGU and now has a career in legal services.

Where you can study

Dedicated, enthusiastic and industry experienced teaching staff guide students through their chosen course. Comprehensive online resources, engaging classroom sessions and innovative practical experiences are used to provide a springboard to future careers. Our nurturing learning environment and supportive approach aims to get the best out of every individual and ensure NESCol students fulfil their potential in employment and life.

Study English in Aberdeen

  • 4,500+ students
  • Fitness Suite
  • 4 Cafés
  • Quiet & social areas

Our Aberdeen City Campus is situated in the heart of Aberdeen city centre, within walking distance of shops, restaurants, bars and cafés.

More on Aberdeen City Campus

Study English in Fraserburgh

  • 950+ students
  • Fitness Suite
  • 2 Cafés
  • Quiet & social areas

The bright and modern Fraserburgh Campus provides a fantastic environment for NESCol students, staff and visitors.

More on Fraserburgh Campus

Study part-time

Part-time courses are offered at locations throughout the region.

View all part-time courses in English and other languages

What our students think

More than 4,100 full-time students responded in our Student Satisfaction and Engagement Survey, covering the 2025-2026 academic year. We are delighted to share some of the feedback we received.

96% would recommend NESCol to others.
"Learning at college has been incredibly fun."
96% feel safe and secure at College.
"I feel very supported in my learning and staff are very helpful."
93% feel College has helped them develop knowledge and skills for the workplace.
"Staff use their industry experience well."

Student stories

Don’t take our word for it!

Find out what our students think about studying at NESCol

Anna Bobrovska

ESOL & HND Legal Services (Law)

Ukrainian lawyer Anna first studied ESOL to improve her English skills before progressing to HND Legal Services. She is now studying at university with plans to rebuild her law career in Scotland.

Krystian Surdel

ESOL & Logistics Operations Modern Apprenticeship

Krystian is from Poland and studied English part-time at College to build his confidence. He has since completed a Modern Apprenticeship with his employer, Aberdeen Laundry Services.

Liubov Kavun

ESOL & HND Travel & Tourism

After relocating from Ukraine, Liubov and her family settled in Aberdeen. She developed her English language skills on an ESOL course before moving on to study both business and travel and tourism courses at NESCol.

Get in touch

Our student advisers can help with any application enquiries.

Contact the team directly by calling 01224 612330, dropping into your local Student Advice Centre, or by emailing studentadvice@nescol.ac.uk. Student advisors are also available on LiveChat when the chat icon appears at the bottom of our website.

¹ Source: Scotland’s Census 2022