Types of Courses Available

There are many courses available for you if you want to learn English or a new skill, or get GCSEs or Higher in Scotland and higher qualifications. These courses are usually the responsibility of the local education authority (LEA) for the area in which they are held. Courses vary in length from weeks to many years and can be full time or part time.

Long courses starting from one year or more usually begins in September at the start of the academic year and the academic year is divided into three terms. Short courses depend on the institution that is providing it for them to start. Courses less than 16 hours a week are called part-time courses and more than 21 hours a week are full-time courses.

.: English courses.

There are different types of English courses; its important to find out what standard of English you will need before choosing your course. The most suitable introductory English courses for refugees are called ESOL classes – English for Speakers of Other Languages. Courses are free or have a very low registration fee.

Before you join, you will need to take a language assessment to find out what level of English class you need to join. Some ESOL classes are for women only and provide childcare, these classes are held in community and training centres and colleges. English language foundation courses are for people who want to improve their English to study other subjects.

If you want to study a subject, for example computing, you may need to find the colleges, which can provide language support (help with English) so that you do not need to take a separate English course. For many vocational and academic courses, you need to have a certain standard of English, which they will use to assess candidates’ suitable for a particular course. For example, the Cambridge proficiency or a certain level of IELTS (International English Language Testing System). There is some private language schools running English courses but their fees are usually high.

.: Adult Education/Courses.

Adult education courses can be suitable for people who have no education, who left school long time ago, or who were unable while at school to gain basic skills such as reading, writing, simple mathematics and study skills. Adult education courses may have different names such as Fresh Start or Second Chance. An Adult education course like this may be the step towards further study; these are also vocational courses, which give practical skills in particular types of work such as bricklaying or car mechanics. These courses may lead to nationally recognized qualification called national vocational qualifications (NVQs).

.: Further education/courses (FE).

FE courses also cover a wide range of subjects and usually lead to examination and qualification. The courses range from part time to full time as well as GCSEs or Higher and advanced level exams (A-level). They offer vocational courses leading to NVQs. Further education aims to help students continue from the level reached on leaving school at 16 years and some courses are for those over 21 years who wish to enter higher education (HE). Although young people can stay at school until they are 18 years, many 16 years old choose to go to a FE college where there is a wider range of courses. Newly arrived refugees aged over 16 may find it easier to get a place at a college rather than at school.

.: Part-time further education/courses (Fees).

People with refugee status or ELR pay home student fees. Many courses are free to people on benefits. People with refugee status can apply for further education; they can access funds to help with the cost of books, childcare and other expenses. People with ELR must have to live in the UK for three years before they can apply for access funds. You can continue to claim job seekers allowance but you must show that you are still looking for work and will give up your studies if you are offered a job.

.: Full-time further education/courses (Fees).

Universities and other HE institutions offer courses leading to degrees, diplomas and other advanced qualifications.