Full curriculum
Discover the 250 different courses we offer to people in prison, from beekeeping to book keeping, plumbing to Portuguese, up to degree level.
PET funds 250 different courses, in levels and subjects not usually available in prison.
Courses range from beekeeping to bookkeeping and include GCSEs, A Levels, degree-level study and vocational qualifications.
Discover 2018’s most popular coursesHere you’ll find some of our most popular courses, and a list of what else is on offer.
Certificate in Understanding Substance Misuse
This course helps to develop increased understanding issues and possible responses and interventions around substance misuse.
This course provides the student with knowledge and understanding that can be used by those who either personally, voluntary or professionally have a special interest in this field.
It is comprised of three units:
- Understanding Drug Use: Facts, Effects, Symptoms and Attitudes
- Understanding Responses to Substance Misuse: Legislation, Harm Reduction and Interventions
- Understanding Alcohol and Drug Use in Young People
Entry requirements: No prior knowledge required
Assignments: Series of tutor-marked assignments
External tutor support: Yes
Prison support requirements: Support learners to send off assignments
What’s next? Understanding Mental Healthcare QCF (Level 3)
Substance Misuse Awareness and Certificate in Counselling Skills (RQF)
This course provides accurate and up-to-date knowledge of substance misuse as well as counselling skills theories.
Prior knowledge required: None
Format: Paper-based
Structure: One unit of Substance misuse plus four units of Counselling related material
- Using counselling skills
- Introduction of counselling skills theories
- Diversity and ethics in the use of counselling skills
- Counselling skills and personal development
- Develop an awareness of substance misuse
Assignments: Level 1 – One written assignment on awareness of substance misuse. Self-assessed activities in a workbook plus tutor marked essay
Level 2 – Four written assignments for counselling marked by a tutor
Exam: None
Prison support requirements: Support learners to post their assignments
Tutor support: Yes
What’s next: TQUK Level 3 Certificate in Understanding Substance Misuse (RQF) from NCC Home Learning (Ofqual number 603/0154/5)
Find out more: https://www.stonebridge.uk.com/course/substance-misuse-awareness-and-counselling-ncfe-dual-qualification-qcf
PRINCE 2 (Project in Controlled Environments) Foundation Level
Prince 2 (an acronym for projects in controlled environments) is a project management methodology that encompasses the high level management, control and organisation of a project. It was developed by the UK Government primarily for IT projects but has since been adapted for use with any project in any sector. It has now become the international standard for Project Management. A pass at Foundation is a prerequisite for taking the Practitioner exam.
Entry Requirements: None
Structure: Four syllabus areas split to 20 modules based on a case study with practical application exercises.
1.Understand key concepts relating to projects and PRINCE2
2.Understand how the PRINCE2 principles underpin the PRINCE2 method
3.Understand the PRINCE2 themes and how they are applied throughout the project
4.Understand the PRINCE2 processes and how they are carried out throughout the project
Assignments: None
Exam: Invigilated one-hour multiple choice question exam
Prison support requirements: Staff registration to invigilate a final exam
Tutor support: Yes
What’s next: PRINCE2 Practitioner Level (PET grant not currently available)
Certificate in Counselling
This is the Institute’s most popular course, having been successfully completed by people from various backgrounds and levels of ability. The syllabus will be particularly attractive if you are a person who wishes to help others and would like to acquire the skills and expertise to be more effective in that role. The course will provide you with a preliminary understanding of the skills and practice of counselling, as well as an appreciation of the personal qualities associated with the collaborative process of helping.
Structure: 1.Introduction to Counselling Theory 2.The Psychodynamic Approach 3.The Behavioural Approach 4.The Person-Centred Approach 5.The Cognitive Approach 6.The Pastoral Approach 7.The Counselling Process 8.Basic Counselling Skills 9.Core Skills of ‘The Skilled Helper’ 10.Professional Practice
Entry Requirements: None
Format: Paper-based
Assignments: Five, marked by tutor
Exam: None
Tutor Support: Yes
Find out more: https://www.instituteofcounselling.org.uk/certificate-in-counselling
APM Project Fundamentals Qualification
The course offers a fundamental awareness of project management: the practice of initiating, planning, executing, controlling, and closing the work of a team to achieve specific goals and meet specific success criteria.
The course consists of ten syllabus areas split into 18 modules, including an introductory module and quizzes.
1 Project management and the operating environment
2 Project life cycle
3 Management structures by which projects operate
4 Project management planning
5 Scope management
6 Scheduling and resource management
7 Risk management and issue management
8 Project quality management
9 Communication
10 Leadership and teamwork
Prior knowledge: None required
Assignment/exam: 60 multiple choice questions exam
Prison support requirements: Exam registration and exam invigilation to organise four weeks prior to exam
Tutor support: Yes
Progress: APM Project Management Qualification (PMQ) Level 6
Find out more: www.cupeinternational.com/elearning-exams/apm-pfq-elearning-exams/
Business Start-up (parts 1 and 2)
This is our most comprehensive course for learners interested in setting up their own business. The course lays out what’s needed to ensure that a business idea is viable and how to prepare to launch a venture - from creating your business plan, to choosing premises and developing strategies.
This course is designed to guide learners through the process of setting up a business, covering everything necessary to ensure that a business idea is viable and how to prepare to launch a venture. From creating a business plan, to choosing premises and developing strategies, this course will cover all the information needed to prepare for the world of business. It will be necessary to complete activities and assignments to keep track of learners’ progress.
Find out more: www.nec.ac.uk/courses/business-start
Creative Writing – NEC
For those who enjoy writing and are interested in learning more about its technical side, this course gives the underlying knowledge to improve techniques and boost your confidence in writing.
This course looks at writing in different styles, covering all the skills and techniques used in fiction writing. As well as taking a close look at methods used in fiction, students will have a go at writing non-fiction material, such as for magazine articles. It’s a broad and wide-reaching course that will test writing skills and challenge students to write in new ways.
Units: Autobiography, Short stories, Novels, Younger readers, Genre, Play writing, Poetry, Non-fiction, Articles, Reviews
Entry requirements: Level 2 English
Course format: Paper-based. No set texts or resources necessary
Assignment: Eleven tutor-market assignments
External tutor: Yes
Prison support requirements: Support to submit assignments
What’s next? AS English Language or Literature, OU Access course Y031 Starting with Arts and Languages
Gym Instructing – Passport to Level 2 Certificate
This Level 2 certificate is the health and fitness industry’s most popular entry-level qualification and is the first step towards becoming a personal trainer.
Gyms, leisure centres and health clubs are vibrant and fast-paced places to work, and they require motivated and knowledgeable professionals to teach exercise to their members. The course also forms the first stage of achieving the highly desirable personal trainer status. Being a gym instructor is an incredibly varied role that could have you doing anything from performing inductions for members, maintaining exercise equipment, giving diet advice, and planning sessions.
Prior knowledge or practical requirement: Level 2 English and Maths
What’s next: Level 3 Gym Instructing
Find out more: https://www.hfe.co.uk/courses/level-2-gym-instructor/
IOSH Managing Safely
The IOSH Managing Safely course is widely considered to be the industry standard health and safety training course and qualification for managers, supervisors, and Health and Safety reps. This certificate offers a distinct advantage to anyone seeking a managerial or supervisory position
The course consists of eight modules:
1 Introduction
2 Assessing risks
3 Controlling risks
4 Understanding responsibilities
5 Identifying hazards
6 Investigating incidents
7 Measuring performance
8 Protecting our environment
Prior knowledge: None required
Prison support requirements: Prison workshop placement to organise
What’s next: NEBOSH Level 2
Find out more: http://clwydassociates.co.uk/index.html
NEBOSH Level 2 Health and Safety at Work Qualification
The NEBOSH courses are designed for safety practitioners who wish to take professional qualifications. They provide core health and safety knowledge that is transferable across both the private and the public sector. The qualifications are in great demand across a range of industries.
The course consists of two units:
1.HSW1 (Workplace Safety Foundations)
2.HSW2 (Workplace risk assessment). No need for a qualified assessor to supervise.
Prior knowledge or practical requirement: None needed
Assignment/exam: HSW1 assessed by 1 hour MCQ exam; HSW2 assessed by 1 hour practical assessment carried out in the workplace
Prison support requirements: Suitable placement to complete health and safety audit to organise. Staff order exams and invigilate MCQ exam.
Tutor support: Yes
What’s next: Level 3 at NEBOSH National General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety or NEBOSH National Certificate in Construction Health and Safety
Find out more: http://atmsafety.org.uk/
NEBOSH Level 3 National General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety
ATM Safety offer a number of courses leading to health and safety qualifications accredited by NEBOSH, which is the main awarding body in this field.
The NEBOSH courses are designed for safety practitioners who wish to take professional qualifications. They provide core health and safety knowledge that is transferable across both the private and the public sector. The qualifications are in great demand across a range of industries.
Prior knowledge or practical requirement: GCSE level of English language
Total Qualification Time: 133 hours
Assignment/exam: Two closed book exams on the same day (NGC1 and GC2). GC3 is a workplace practical assessment.
Prison support requirements: Suitable placement to conduct health and safety audit to organise; Staff invigilation of exams essential
Tutor support: Yes
What’s next: Level 6 National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety
Find out more: http://atmsafety.org.uk/
Plumbing Installation Theory
The course starts with the basics of plumbing and covers the theory knowledge needed to gain an NVQ Level 2 in plumbing.
In addition to the supplementary knowledge required for the NVQ, the course also has a module on bathroom design which is one way for mature people to get into the industry, by working on their own account, if they cannot get employment. The course comprises a series of self-study modules, each with a set of multiple-choice questions at the end to test knowledge and understanding and provide evidence of your knowledge of the theory of plumbing installation.
Please note: Whilst this course does not lead to a qualification, it teaches City & Guilds theory and gives learners the foundation to go on to do an accredited practical course.
Required time: 100 hours
Find out more: www.learnplumbing.co.uk/learn_plumbing_installation_theory_course.html
Principles of Customer Service
This course is designed to provide the learner with the knowledge needed to work in a customer focused industry.
Units:
1. The customer service environment
2. Principles of Business
3. Resolving customers’ problems and complaints
4. Understanding customers and customer retention
5. Understanding how to monitor customer service interactions and feedback
6. Understanding equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace
7. Understanding how to manage incidents and collaborate with other departments in a contact centre
Prior requirements: None
Format: Paper-based
Assignment: Seven tutor-marked assignments
External tutor support: Yes
Prison support requirements: Support to submit assignments
What’s next: NCFE Level 3 Principles of Management Certificate
Principles of Management
This course has been developed to provide management knowledge and skills to both individuals employed in this role or who are new to the area.
Units:
- Principles of people management
- Principles of business
- Principles of leadership and management
- Understand how to improve business performance
- Understand equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace
- Understand how to resolve customers’ problems and complaints
- Understand how to monitor customer service interactions and feedback.
Prior requirements: None
Format: Paper-based
Assignments: Seven tutor-market assignments
External tutor’s support: Yes
What’s next?: CMI Level 5 Certificate in Management and Leadership
Sage Computerised Accounting for Business
Getting qualified as an accountant can also set you up for reliable self-employment. This course provides an introduction to computerised accounting software, double-entry bookkeeping and banking procedures. The course will teach a learner how to use Sage Accounts software and guide them to use more advanced functions, such as producing invoices and management accounts.
Modules:
Level 1: 1.Using a computerised accounting application 2.Introduction to book-keeping 3.Working within book-keeping 4.Banking procedures.
Level 2: 1.Banking procedures 2.Principles of recording and processing financial transactions 3.Principles of VAT 4.Professional values and basic business legislation 5.Setting up accounting software to manage accounting information 6.Process routine payments and receipts using a computerised system 7.Maintaining and recording the cash book 8. Maintaining the journal
Prior knowledge or practical requirement: None needed
Format of course material: CD Rom plus Knowledge and Skills Unit workbooks for self-testing
Assignment: Self-assessed tasks; Formative tests (marked by a learner or tutor)
Exam: Summative tests (marked by a tutor)
Prison support requirements: Computer access required and email to Sage Qualification Ltd to request formative and summative tests. Staff invigilation of summative test essential
Tutor support: Yes
What’s next: Level 3 Sage Computerised Accounting for business
Find out more: https://www.sagequalifications.com/
Starting with Science, Technology and Maths (Y033)
Access modules provide the perfect introduction to university-level study. Study materials are designed to help refresh learning skills and build self-confidence, and each student has a personal OU tutor to support them.
This module introduces a range of subjects, including science; engineering and design; environment; mathematics; and computing and IT. There are three blocks. ‘Life’ explores biology, ecology and how humans interact with and change the environment. ‘Water’ investigates how water has shaped our planet and our lives. ‘Home’ introduces students to design, engineering and computing. Throughout each block you’ll develop your understanding of the key mathematical ideas and techniques that underpin the study of science and technology.
Total Qualification Time: 270 hours
Prior knowledge or practical requirement: Level 2 English and Maths
Start date: February and October each year
What’s next: Full Undergraduate Degree
Find out more: www.open.ac.uk/courses/do-it/access
Starting with the Arts and Languages (Y031)
Access modules provide the perfect introduction to university-level study. Study materials are designed to help refresh learning skills and build self-confidence, and each student has a personal OU tutor to support them.
This fascinating introductory module explores a wide range of subjects, including art history, English literature, English language studies, history, modern languages and also touches on the areas of creative writing and religious studies. The different subject areas are linked through the theme of popular protest. The exploration of language will include the study of poems, hip hop and song. Students will also have the opportunity to try out a foreign language at beginners level. In history the module examine the debates surrounding the Chartist and Suffragette movements, and examples of graffiti feature in the exploration of art. This module provides lots of opportunities to develop both study skills and subject knowledge in the arts and languages.
Total Qualification Time: 270 hours
Prior knowledge or practical requirement: Level 2 English and Maths
Start date: February and October each year
What’s next: Full Undergraduate Degree
Find out more: www.open.ac.uk/courses/do-it/access
Understanding people, work and society (Y032)
Access modules provide the perfect introduction to university-level study. Study materials are designed to help refresh learning skills and build self-confidence, and each student has a personal OU tutor to support them.
This module draws from a range of subject areas: children and young people; health; law; management; psychology; and social science. The module is divided into four blocks, each of which deals with a specific theme: individuals; families and relationships; organisations and communities; and society. Within each block, the learner will explore the theme from the perspective of each subject allowing them to develop both subject knowledge and study skills, preparing for further study on a wide variety of OU qualifications.
Total Qualification Time: 270 hours
Prior knowledge or practical requirement: Level 2 English and Maths
Start date: February and October each year
What’s next: Full Undergraduate Degree
Restrictions: Please note the content of Y032 may not be suitable for all students in prison and prison staff should contact PET or the OU to discuss this before applying for Y032.
Find out more: www.open.ac.uk/courses/do-it/access
Advanced Bookkeeping
Advanced Plumbing Theory
Whilst this course does not lead to a qualification, it teaches City & Guilds theory and gives learners the foundation to go on to do an accredited practical course.