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Returning to learning
What if you're already a graduate?
If you don't want a full Masters level qualification, consider a short course - it could make all the difference to your employability, especially if it's in the area of management. Have a look at the business facing sections of your local university websites for short courses and contining professional development.
- Postgraduate study at the University of Brighton
- Business - training and education at the University of Brighton
- Postgraduate studies at University of Sussex
- Solutions to meet your needs at the University of Sussex
What if you haven't got any qualifications?
If you're over 20, you're classed as a mature learner. You may not need formal qualifications to study a university level course because the entry requirements are different. They're often based on work experience. Check entry requirements for individual courses with your local provider, you should find details in online and paper prospectuses. If you're not ready for a full honours degree, try the following ideas.
Open a skills account
If you want to brush up your skills, see what's available at your local college and open a skills account to help you manage your learning and working life. Through your skills account, you'll be able to access advice about finance and careers as well as online questionnaires to help you choose the right course.
Try a short course with the Open University
You don't need special knowledge to do a short Open University Openings course - they are designed for people who haven't got any qualifications or are returning to learning. You don't need to attend college because you study at home in your own time, supported all the way through by your personal tutor who will contact you at regular intervals at times to suit you. Courses cost £115 and there are free places (on a first come, first served basis) for people on benefits or with low incomes.
Apply your experience with the "Working and Learning" course
Working and Learning: Developing Effective Performance at Work will help you build a career whilst developing your learning skills. You study at home or at work using the resources provided. You'll cover a range of work-related topics including self-management, work-life balance and decision making, so you get a stimulating link between university level study and your day-to-day work. The resources are produced by The Open University and LearnDirect and you get support from a tutor and contact with other students. It is part-time over six months and costs £380, starting in May or November.
More time? Do an Access to higher education diploma
These are nationally recognised qualifications for university entry for mature learners without qualifications who want a change of direction. Courses are full or part time over one or two years and you may be able to get financial help.
Some courses are preparation for particular careers, for example, Access to Nursing or Access to Teaching. Study skills are included so that you can feel confident about moving on to higher education afterwards. They're delivered in further education colleges so you can study locally. Access to higher education has details of courses and some interesting case studies.
Do a Foundation degree
Foundation degrees, HNCs and HNDs are all work-related higher level qualifications. Many are designed and delivered in partnership with employers, so if you're working or you've made up your mind what career you want, they're an appropriate route at higher education level. Check the course description to see how much time you need to spend at college - you may find that you can fit study around a full-time job.
Worried about maths, literacy and IT? Brush up your skills
- Open University Openings course “Starting with Maths”
- Learndirect online taster courses
- Move On lets you test your maths and literacy skills online, and helps prepare you for the National Certificate in Adult Numeracy and the National Certificate in Adult Literacy
- The Open University’s OpenLearn project offers free downloadable educational material on a range of subjects. You won't get a formal qualification but you can learn a great deal
- BBC Skillswise uses factsheets, worksheets, quizzes and games
- BBC RaW (reading and writing) can help develop your skills through online activities such as games, quizzes and tests
- The Open University Skills for Study offers a range of study skills materials
