Higher Education Short Courses
Higher Education Short Course Trial
The Government is trialling a new programme of flexible, modular courses at levels 4,5 and 6 for adults aged 19+. The trial will include testing out the new Lifelong Loan Entitlement to be launched in 2025 and will include a Higher Education Short Course loan for tuition fees. The trial runs from September 2022 to August 2025 and will be delivered by 22 higher education providers working in partnership with employers and local authorities.
These courses have been set up in response to local skills shortages and are in industry sectors which are forecast to grow including: health; education; social care; digital innovation; sustainable development; creative technical skills; data analytics.
Course features include:
- Focus on developing new technical skills
- Flexible entry requirements
- Goes towards full qualifications
- Emphasis on flexible learning options
- Can be sponsored by an employer as part of continuing professional development
- Modular system worth 30 or 40 credits per course
- Maximum length one year
How to apply for a short course
- See the Office for Students' website for a full list of courses and providers
- Apply directly through individual providers
- Repayable tuition fee loans available for up to 4 different courses
- Cost of courses, up to £2310 for 30 credits and up to £3080 for 40 credit courses
- Apply for a Higher Education Short Course Loan
- Discretionary bursaries available for some courses if you are eligible
Examples of courses available in the South West of England
University Centre Weston six short courses in subjects aligned to healthcare and education
UWE Bristol courses around achieving Zero Carbon and Sustainable Built Environment skills
Further information about the HESC Trial can be found here