Course types

Courses for the unemployed or those on low incomes

These free courses can be your first step back into education or retraining and will give you a flavour of your chosen field. Subjects range from adult social care, business administration, counselling and accounting.

Online courses

In the current climate many people are finding time to study safely in the comfort of their own home. There is a whole host of topics you can study online, many of these are free or at a low cost.

Health, wellbeing, confidence and motivation courses

You may feel that you lack confidence after years away from study so there are a wide range of free courses available to boost your confidence, mental health or self-esteem.

Maths & English

Basic level maths and English is a necessity for most job roles. If the lack of these qualifications is holding you back, you can study functional maths and English or GCSEs for free.

English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)

For adults who want to improve their English language skills and gain a nationally-recognised qualification, many providers offer ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages).

Professional courses

There are a wide range of courses available if you want to upskill or retrain as an accountant, HR manager, web designer, childcare worker, carer, counsellor, teacher or many other professions.

Digital skills

Having basic digital skills is a key requirement for most employers or job roles. If you feel your digital skills are holding you back why not access some free or low cost training.

Vocational courses

Fancy retraining as a hairdresser, electrician or other hands-on occupation? There are a whole range of courses you can do part-time that will springboard you into a new career.

Apprenticeships

Traditionally apprenticeships were for school leavers but there is now no upper age limit. Apprenticeships are a great way to earn while you learn to get into a new role or career. You usually spend four days a week at work and one at college (or distance learning at the moment).

Access to degree courses

Access courses are designed for people who have been out of education for some time but wish to retrain into a profession that is reliant on a degree-level education. Completing an Access course will ensure that you are confident and well prepared to go and study a degree. These qualifications are widely recognised by universities and are a full level 3 qualification which is comparable with A-levels or BTEC Extended Diplomas. Subjects include midwifery, teaching, counselling, art & design and many more.

Degree courses

You may wish to study for a degree locally as this allows you to juggle outside commitments whilst studying for the career of your dreams. There are over 150 universities in the UK and you can still apply through clearing for September.

Hobby or interest courses

Fancy trying a new hobby or interest? There are hundreds of short courses to choose from at local adult community colleges. Courses include arts and crafts, languages, yoga, performing arts, photography and much more!