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Adult Mini Guide

Take your next step

Our courses for adults are for anyone aged 19 and over. They can help you to improve your skills, progress in your career, learn a new hobby or find a new direction. Many courses are free, or you could be eligible for financial support. They start throughout the year so you don't even have to wait until September.

Looking for a course to fit around your home or work life?

What courses can I do?

ESOL

We offer a range of courses for English Speakers of Other Languages (lasting 6-12 weeks) to help you learn or improve your English. Our specialist staff will nurture and support you to achieve a qualification and integrate into your community. We also offer additional courses to help you live and learn in the UK. 

Courses available - Pre-Entry, Entry Level 1-3, Level 1-2 in Speaking and Listening, Writing, and Reading, as well as ESOL Award in Introduction to Culinary Skills. 

Start dates - courses take place daytime 9.30-4.30 Mon-Thurs and 9.30-2.00 Fri, with flexible start dates every term. 

Cost - most adults will be eligible for free study. 

Enquire or apply now - info@sunderlandcollege.ac.uk0300 770 8000 

Essential Skills

We offer a range of short courses (lasting 3 days-3 months) for adults who are unemployed / have been made redundant or are looking to change career / upskill. They will develop your confidence and knowledge and help you gain new employment. Some employability courses even include a guaranteed interview with an employer. 

Courses available - Maths, English, IT, Functional Skills and Business Employability. 

Start dates - courses take place daytime 9.30-3.30, Mon-Fri with immediate start dates. 

Cost - all courses are free for adults aged 19+ in receipt of benefits / earning under the threshold. 

Enquire or apply now - employability@sunderlandcollege.ac.uk0191 511 6478 

Have a Go (Creative Arts)

Taught by our expert industry practitioners, our Have a Go short courses (lasting 10 weeks) will help you to gain a qualification in an area of creative arts and develop beginner to intermediate skills through fun classes. 

Courses available - Level 1 and 2 courses in Floristry, Photography, Ceramics, Music, Interior Design and Sewing. In addition to introductory courses in Dance. 

Start dates - courses usually take place Tues and Thurs evenings from 6pm, with flexible start dates every 10-15 weeks. 

Cost - £100-£250. 

Enrol now - info@sunderlandcollege.ac.uk0300 770 8000 

Courses are subject to availability

Have a Go (IT & Digital)

Taught by our expert industry practitioners, our Have a Go short courses (lasting 10 weeks) will help you to gain a qualification in an area of computing and digital and develop beginner to intermediate skills through fun classes. 

Courses available - Introductory courses in Digital Skills, Programming, Networking, Web Design, Games Design, VR, Cyber Security and Concept Art. 

Start dates - courses usually take place Tues and Thurs evenings from 6pm, with flexible start dates every 10-15 weeks. 

Cost - from £75. 

Enrol now - info@sunderlandcollege.ac.uk0300 770 8000 

Courses are subject to availability

Assessing & Quality Assurance

We offer a range of work-based courses for health care professionals working in a clinical role / hospital, care professionals working within domiciliary care / nursing homes and assessors who work in any business sector. The qualifications will help you to develop in your role or update your industry knowledge. 

Courses available - Level 2 and 3 Healthcare Diplomas for health and social care professionals.

Start dates - courses are delivered in the workplace in line with employers' needs with immediate start dates. 

Cost - from £75. 

Enquire or apply now - info@sunderlandcollege.ac.uk / 0300 770 8000 

Looking for a qualification to progress to university?

Benefits of studying as an adult

Improve mental wellbeing

Learning a new skill, or enhancing an existing one, can improve and maintain your mental wellbeing and keep your mind active.

Develop your self-confidence

Studying will provide you with a sense of achievement and empowerment as you develop confidence in your own skills.

Improve your quality of life

Studying will allow you to become more motivated to improve and learn, and will help you to achieve a sense of self-fulfillment.

Increase your earning potential

Studying will help to expand your skillset, improve your prospects for progression and will give you the competitive edge when applying for a promotion or new job.

Improve your ability to succeed

You may wish to study in order to validate your knowledge and experience and to show what you are capable of, which will increase your ability to succeed.

Develop a support network. Studying will enable you to meet like-minded people, who you can network and collaborate with and share good practice.

Choose the direction of your future

You will gain access to more career and life opportunities so you can be in control and choose the direction your future takes.

Reasons to study as an adult:

  • To get back into education or gain a qualification
  • To learn a new skill or keep your mind active
  • To meet new friends or develop an interest
  • To progress your career or embark on a new one
  • To achieve a lifelong ambition or take on a new challenge

Expert & friendly support