New short courses give students flexible opportunities to learn

This funding is to support the development of the following 30 credit courses as part of the Higher Education Short Course Trial challenge competition:

1. Digital Capabilities (L5)
2. Data Analytics and Machine Learning (L4)
3. Immersive Website Design and Development (L4)
4. Creative Coding (L4)
5. Data Analysis for Business (L4)
6. Enhancing your Digital Presence Skills for Business (L4)

Twenty-two universities and colleges have been awarded a total of £2 million of funding to develop short courses in higher education. These courses are designed to enable flexible learning and to help students develop skills needed by employers and the economy.

The courses will run at universities and colleges across the England and will be offered at levels 4 to 6, covering a wide range of topics, from creative coding to courses which help prepare the UK for a carbon net zero future.

Courses will run in partnership with a range of bodies and organisations. These include chambers of commerce and other business organisations, individual business, local authorities and local NHS organisations. Universities and colleges will work closely with employers to develop the short courses which are valuable to employers while also enabling progression to a full qualification.

Nicola Dandridge, chief executive of the OfS, said:

“I am pleased to announce the successful bidders for these important courses. The courses cover a range of subjects at universities and colleges from all parts of the country. They will help people – including those who might already have significant work experience – learn new skills and retrain for a career change."

Alan Price, Group Chief Operations Officer, Peninsula Group, said:

"Peninsula is delighted to support this initiative alongside our partners at Salford Business School and the University of Salford. We are looking forward to seeing how these courses will help boost skills in the economy, which will, in turn, have a direct impact in the world of work. The future is bright.”

Jo Purves, Pro Vice-Chancellor Academic Development, said:

"Congratulation to colleagues on the success in the OfS challenge competition. Colleagues across our Schools and Professional services worked together, engaging with industry partners,  to develop a submission for six 30 credit short courses, at level 4 & 5, focused around improving digital competency. This work being taken forward under the Higher Technical Skills and Apprenticeship Board will see these courses launched for September 2022 entry."