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.
Here you’ll find some of our most popular courses, and a list of what else is on offer.
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
IOSH Managing Safely
IOSH are the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health.
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
What’s next: NEBOSH Level 2
Total Qualification Time: 24 hours
Prior knowledge or practical requirement: None
Find out more: http://clwydassociates.co.uk/index.html
NEBOSH 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.
What’s next: Level 6 National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety
Total Qualification Time: 133 hours
Prior knowledge or practical requirement: GCSE level of English language
Find out more: http://atmsafety.org.uk/
NEBOSH Health and Safety at Work Qualification
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: None needed
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/
Sage Computerised Accounting for Business
Skills in accounting and bookkeeping are invaluable in business and can lead to a lucrative career.
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.
Please note, we cannot fund courses in accounting or bookkeeping for applicants with convictions for fraud or money laundering.
Prior knowledge or practical requirement: None needed
What’s next: Level 3 Sage Computerised Accounting for business
Find out more: https://www.sagequalifications.com/
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
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
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/
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