Social Sciences incorporating ICS
English National 5
Campus Sighthill Campus
Qualification SCQF Level 5
Study mode Evening
Start date
Aug 2025
Course enquiry form
Course overview
National 5 English will build your ability to understand, discuss and analyse literature such as poetry, drama, short stories and novels.
Through this, you will develop the ability to read, understand and appreciate the impact of detailed language in academic, journalistic and creative contexts.
Speaking and listening skills will be practised through individual presentations and group discussions. Skills in research and planning will be developed through independent study guided by your lecturer.
National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher qualifications, accredited by the SQA, are typically studied at high school and college. These qualifications act as pathways to further study, including university entry. Edinburgh College offers a selection of subjects at National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher levels as part-time courses. You may choose to study up to two subjects.
For evening classes, you will attend college once a week for a 3-hour class.
Course Fees: £400 per subject. Fees will be confirmed when an application has been processed.
Applications will open in April 2024.
What you will learn
- Communication skills in reading, writing, talking and listening
- Understanding, critical analysis and evaluation of detailed literary texts
- The production of detailed writing
- Knowledge and understanding of complex language
How the course is assessed
- For the course assessment, you will provide evidence of your reading and writing skills and your ability to understand and use English.
- The course assessment will take the form of a portfolio through which you will demonstrate your writing skills and an examination paper through which you will demonstrate your reading and writing skills.
Number of days per week
- One 3-hour class on Thursday, 4.30 PM to 7.30 PM at Sighthill Campus
Entry requirements
- Achieved a pass at National 4 level in English (or equivalent).
Applicants must demonstrate the ability to work at an appropriate level by having already achieved a pass at A or B in the level below which they are applying.
- National 5 (SCQF 5) subjects - pass at National 4 (with added value unit), Intermediate one at A or B, or Standard Grade 3 or 4 in the subject.
- Higher (SCQF 6) subjects - A or B pass at National 5 or A or B at Intermediate 2 in the subject.
- Advanced Higher (SCQF 7) subjects - A or B pass at Higher
- For entry into social science subjects such as Psychology, Sociology, Philosophy, History and Politics, previous study of the subject is not required. However, National 5 English is needed, plus another social subject at SCQF level 5
These courses are challenging and require the ability to study independently. Applicants should identify the reason for studying their chosen subject in their course application.
Information on Tests / Auditions / Interview Requirements
- You may be invited to sit for a diagnostic test to ascertain your suitability for the course.
English Proficiency Requirements
IELTS 5.5Progression and Articulation Routes
- Higher level courses with National 5 English and other relevant qualifications.
- Achieving a pass at National 5 English, A or B, may lead to studying Higher English.
Study Options
| Campus | Study mode | Start date |
|---|---|---|
| Sighthill Campus | Evening | 28/08/25 |
