Open and flexible learning

Wherever you live, whatever your age, you can still get back into learning. You may want to improve your confidence or your basic skills; try something new or add to your current qualifications; study for fun or to change your career. Whatever you want to do, there are ways of studying that will suit you.

The key things to think about are:

What do you want to study?
Where do you want to study - at home, at college, in the community?
How do you want to study – at a time that suits you, in the evening, part time or full time?

There are a whole range of people who can help you answer these questions.

learndirect scotland

learndirect scotland offers free advice on thousands of learning opportunities across the country. They can help you find the right course; give you information about the different ways in which you can learn; and tell you about funding and childcare options.

Local Councils

Many local authorities offer a range of courses in local community venues. These courses can be interest-based or job-related, formal or informal. Contact your local council for more information.

Learning in Gaelic

The Comunn na Gaidhlig website contains a range of information, news and useful links about learning in the Gaelic language.

Local Colleges

Colleges not only offer a wide range of courses, but also lots of different ways of studying – full-time, part-time; evening; flexible and distance learning. Contact details for Further Education colleges.

Access Courses

Are aimed at adults who want to update their qualifications and study skills in preparation for an HND or degree. Most of these courses are run by colleges and universities through the Scottish Wider Access Courses (SWAP). If you complete an Access programme successfully, you are guaranteed an interview for a place on a university or college course.

Newbattle Abbey College

Newbattle Abbey College, Scotland’s only adult residential college, offers a one-year, full-time Access programme and grants are normally available for this.

The Open University (OU)

Open University Scotland offers university-level adult education. Courses range from ‘Openings’ which help you work on your study skills, build up your confidence and get a taste of your chosen subject, through to degree and post-graduate level. Start off by visiting New to OU to find out more about how OU study works.

The Open College of the Arts

The Open College of the Arts offers a wide range of courses in Art and Design, Music and Creative Writing.

National Extension College

The National Extension College offers a range of courses from GCSEs to professional qualifications in Care, Childcare and Management tailored to the learners needs.

TV Programmes

BBC Learning provides educational programmes on a wide range of topics. These programmes can be a good way of getting back in to learning if you don’t feel confident about going to college or a learning centre straight away.