English SCQF 5 (Online Virtual Classroom) National 5

What is special about this course?

This course offers you the opportunity to develop and extend a wide range of skills, including communication, independent learning, critical literacy, personal, interpersonal and team working, and creative thinking.

Entry requirements

Three passes at National 4 level.

An entrance test must be undertaken if you have not achieved an appropriate English course. You should apply for this course and sit the entrance assignment, if necessary. Entry will be at the discretion of the college. 

This course will develop your ability to:

  • listen and talk, read and write as appropriate to purpose, audience and context
  • understand, analyse and evaluate texts, including Scottish texts, as appropriate to purpose and audience in the contexts of literature, language and media
  • create and produce texts, as appropriate to purpose, audience and context
  • apply knowledge and understanding of language

You will learn how to write effective fiction and non-fiction, producing two pieces of writing for external assessment.  Studied text may include prose, poetry, drama and journalism

How will I study my course?

  • Part Time
  • Evening
  • Online
  • Online Virtual Classroom
  • Wednesday 6pm - 9pm
  • Optional Tutorial 5pm - 5.45pm

You will learn online through timetabled classes delivered by a lecturer in a virtual classroom on Microsoft Teams. You'll use our virtual learning environment to access resources, complete assessments, and chat to your lecturer and classmates. You will have to attend one of our campuses or centres for SQA assessments.

Using your camera and microphone in online learning

To support your online learning and engagement, you will be asked to use your camera and microphone in parts of online sessions, for example, at the start and end of classes, in small groups, and in one-to-one discussions. This helps build confidence, communication skills, and a sense of community. If you're not comfortable using your camera or microphone because of privacy concerns, for example, or if you have no camera, please speak with your lecturer. Alternative arrangements can be made where needed.

How long will my course last?

9 Months

Where can I study my course?

    • Online

Start date

September

Fees

 

SCQF 4 - 6 Scottish Fee 2026/27 RUK and International 

National 4, 5, Highers and Advanced Highers

 £370 £1517

A fee waiver could be available to help with the payment of your course fees depending on your personal circumstances, please check our fee waiver guidance to see if you are eligible, please also see the additional costs associated with this course.  

Fees are payable at the time of enrolment each academic year. Please get in touch with accountsreceivable.nwh@uhi.ac.uk if you have any further questions. 

Additional costs  

This course requires you to attend a UHI North, West and Hebrides campus or centre for your prelim assessment. Travel to one of our UHI North, West and Hebrides centres will be at your own expense.

This course includes a final exam. Your final exam will take place at one of our exam centres (SQA) Alness, Auchtertyre, Fort William, Portree, Stornoway or Thurso. Travel to this centre will be at your own expense.

There is no charge for assessments and exams that take place in UHI North, West and Hebrides centres (Alness, Auchtertyre, Fort William, Portree, Stornoway or Thurso).

It may be possible to sit final exams at one of the other UHI campuses who may charge for the cost of the room hire and staff invigilation. These costs will be at your own expense. This would need to be agreed and organised by you.

 

What can I do on completion of my course?

National 5 English can be used for progression to Higher English or as a starting point for a range of full-time courses at SCQF level 5 and 6.

Is there more information available online?

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Apply for English SCQF 5 (Online Virtual Classroom) National 5

We are no longer accepting applications for 2025/26

I want to start in 2026/27

We are delighted that you are thinking about studying at UHI North, West and Hebrides. UHI North, West and Hebrides operates a fair and open admissions system committed to equality of opportunity and non-discrimination. We consider all applications on merit and on the basis of ability to achieve, without discrimination on grounds of age, disability, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity status, race, religion and/or belief, sex, sexual orientation or socio-economic background. We welcome applications from all prospective students and aim to provide appropriate and efficient services to students with disabilities.