Learn Flexibly with Us
With our wide range of flexible learning courses, you or your organisation's staff can gain fully accredited level 2 and level 3 qualifications in many different subjects learning at a distance from the comfort of your own home or workplace.
Courses are fully funded, meaning they're FREE* to any student who completes the course - check the eligibility criteria at the bottom of this page.
View our Flexible Learning courses here.
Find out more at our online webinar, book here.
Benefits of flexible learning:
- Flexibility to complete the course in your own time so you can work around commitments, your home life and work life.
- Gain valuable transferable skills such as planning, research and self-motivation
- Fast-track to advancing your career while you continue working.
Everything is done remotely at a distance by post, email, online, telephone or Teams. You will be allocated your own tutor who will contact you to arrange an induction and discuss course expectations, there will also be workshops available for you to attend if you want to and your tutor will provide support, guidance and feedback.
Everything You Need to Know About Our Flexible Learning Courses
Background
Flexible learning courses are short courses to keep you up-to-date with current working practices, legislation and to reduce any skill gaps. The courses are suitable for individuals, all employers, the voluntary sector and charities.
Length of Course
Each flexible learning course has its own maximum length of course duration, based on the course content and the number of workbooks to complete, but the vast majority of people complete them well before their target dates.
How is the Course Assessed?
Courses can be completed in two ways:
- Online, using our eLearning website
- Paper-based, using assessment and workbooks
You will initially be required to complete approximately five questions within 20 days of your start date.
These questions are taken from your first full assessment and are designed as a supportive measure to ensure you are meeting the assessment criteria from the outset.
Your course pack includes the required assessments, workbooks, and freepost envelopes to return your completed assessments.
Your first full assessment is due within 6 weeks of your start date.
Once you send your first assessment, you should continue working onto the next workbook while it is being marked.
There is only a small number of courses that are online only and you should allow at least 6–7 hours per week to work towards your target completion dates.
Can I Apply and Study More Than One Course?
You can only apply for, and study one flexible learning course at a time. However, as soon as you have successfully completed a course you can sign up for another one.
Can I Complete More than One Level 3 Course?
You can only complete one flexible learning level 3 course, so please select the course that will benefit you the most.
Contact Us
For more details, please call the Flexible Learning Team on 0191 518 8390 or call the Student Services Team on 0191 518 8222.
*Subject to eligibility. Flexible Learning courses are FREE upon successful completion and achievement.
*Important Notes on Eligibility to Study for FREE
Our courses are a level 2 / level 3 NCFE / CACHE qualification and are FREE to everyone, you can be employed or unemployed, you just need to meet the following eligibility requirements below:
Home Address
We are funded to provide Flexible Learning courses to residents living in the North East Combined Authority (NECA), the seven local authority areas of County Durham, Gateshead, Newcastle, North Tyneside, Northumberland, South Tyneside and Sunderland.
We are NOT funded by the Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA), the five local authority areas of Darlington, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Redcar & Cleveland and Stockton-on-Tees.
General Eligibility
- Aged 19 or over during the academic year (starting 31st August 2025) in which you wish to study.
- Lived in the UK/EU/EEA continuously for 3 years or more.
- Not completed the same course before.
- Not completing another flexible learning course with us or any other training provider.
- You have a good level of English to understand, engage and meet the course requirements.
Specific Level 2 Eligibility
- 19-23 eligible to use free first full level 2 legal entitlement.
- 19+ free to all learners (full or co-funded at provider level based on earnings threshold of £30,000).
Specific Level 3 Eligibility
- 19-23 eligible to use free first full level 3 legal entitlement.
- 19+ Free Course for Jobs (FCFJ) who meet the earnings threshold of below £30,000.
If you do not live in the North East Combined Authority area, please contact us, we can still offer our level 2 and level 3 courses on a commercial / full cost basis
If you are in doubt about any of the eligibility criteria please contact Student Services and we will investigate your eligibility - 0191 518 8222.
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