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Guidance

Higher education short courses: information for learners

Higher education short courses currently available for learners across England.

Updates to this page

From:
Department for Education
Published:
21 March 2022
Last updated:
22 December 2023
Show all updates

  1. 'Courses available in the higher education short courses trial' list updated: 2 courses for Manchester Metropolitan University added to North West.

  2. 'Courses available in the higher education short courses trial' list updated: 4 courses from Staffordshire University added to West Midlands.

  3. 'Courses available in the higher education short courses trial' list updated: Teesside University course details now available through the link to their website.

  4. Updated 'Courses available in the higher education short courses trial'. Added information on funding.

  5. Updated 'Courses in the higher education short courses trial'.

  6. Updated 'Courses in the higher education short courses trial'.

  7. Updated 'Courses in the higher education short courses trial'.

  8. First published.

Applies to England

Documents

Courses available in the higher education short courses trial

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Details

Higher education short courses offer students shorter, more flexible learning. They are:

  • funded – learners are eligible for a tuition fee loan
  • between 8 to 12 weeks long
  • offered in subjects at levels 4 to 6
  • available at 22 universities and colleges across England

How to apply

  1. Choose your course from ‘Higher education short courses available’. Then apply directly through your chosen university’s website or email them.

  2. Wait for your university or college give you an offer letter and confirm that the course is eligible for funding.

  3. Review the eligibility criteria and loan information. Apply for student finance if you’re eligible.

This is a 3-year trial. It’s part of the development of the lifelong learning entitlement which will be launched from 2025.

The lifelong learning entitlement provides funding for 4 years of post-18 education (equivalent to £37,000 in today’s fees). You can use this over your lifetime.

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