Embarking on a new educational journey is not just reserved for the fresh-faced graduates or those in their early twenties. The opportunity to upskill and reskill knows no age limit. Allow me to guide you in your search for UK government-funded courses for the over-25s.
The UK government has thought it wise to fund courses for adults. This decision aims to improve the career prospects and satisfy the nation’s economic needs in the long run.
These courses will help you unlock your potential, chase your dreams, and embrace lifelong learning. Whether you seek a career change, want to boost your expertise, or are simply eager to explore new things, these courses provide the perfect opportunity.
Let us get right into it!
If you are a medical professional, or aspiring to be one, check out the 10 Best Free Online Medical Courses with Certificates in UK. Following my research, I came up with a list of 15 government-funded courses in the UK for people under 25, which I consider the best.
UK Government-funded Courses for People Over the Age of 25
Children and Young People’s Mental Health
Here is an overview of the course:
- Course duration: it takes an average of 6–12 weeks to complete (based on 4–5 hours of weekly study).
- Course delivery: it is 100% online.
Children and Young People’s Mental Health is a course funded by HM Government. The course offers you an accredited level 2 qualification.
This course delves into the factors that can impact the mental well-being of a child. It examines the behaviors exhibited by children who require assistance.
During the course, you will acquire the ability to identify signs of distress in children and intervene early to foster their resilience. You receive a certificate when you complete the course and its following assessments.
For more information about the course, see Free Online Children and Young People’s Mental Health Course.
Understanding Autism
Here is an overview of the course:
- Course duration: it will take 6–12 weeks to complete if you study 4–5 hours weekly.
- Course delivery: it is an online course.
People living with autism have peculiar traits and ways of doing things that are different from the rest of us. However, they are not different from the rest of us.
In this online course, you will learn to understand what it means to live with autism. This understanding will help you take care of autistic individuals better.
You will receive a comprehensive overview of autism, including its definition, various theories, and diagnostic methods. You will gain skills and learn strategies for promoting well-being and fulfillment among these individuals.
The UK government funds this course through the Adult Education Budget. You receive a CPD-accredited certificate upon completion of the course.
For more information about the course, see Free Online Understanding Autism Course with Certificate
Mental Health First Aid
Here is an overview of the course:
- Course duration: it takes an average of 6–12 weeks to complete (based on 4–5 hours of weekly study).
- Course delivery: it is a 100% online course.
When you hear of mental first aid, what comes to mind? You can share in the comment section below.
For me, empathetic listening comes to mind. It helps you understand how best to offer professional assistance. What this course teaches is not far from that.
The mental health first aid (MHFA) course empowers you with the assurance, abilities, and certification to assist individuals facing mental health challenges. You will gain the knowledge and skills to provide a mentally supportive surrounding for people with mental health challenges.
You will also learn to craft wellness strategies to safeguard your mental well-being. You receive a certificate accredited at level 2 when you complete the course.
For more information about the course, see Free Online Mental Health First Aid Course with Certificate.
Counselling
Here is an overview of the course:
- Course duration: it takes an average of 6–12 weeks to complete (based on 4–5 hours of study).
- Course delivery: it is a 100% online course.
Counseling is a broad topic with several approaches. In this counseling course, you will grab the various counseling approaches, and recognize the significance of personal growth.
The course will introduce you to counseling theories. You will also learn about the concepts of diversity and ethics and their importance in the use of counseling skills.
By the end of the course, you will develop the confidence to support others in times of crisis or distress. An accredited level 2 certificate is available upon completion of the course.
For more information about the course, see Free Online Counselling Course with Certificate.
Self-harm and Suicide Prevention and Awareness
Here is an overview of the course:
- Course duration: it will take 6–12 weeks to complete if you study 4–5 hours weekly.
- Course delivery: it is an online course.
The Self-harm and Suicide Prevention and Awareness course is a government-funded course that offers you an accredited level 2 qualification. Through online sessions and the use of real-life scenarios, you learn to recognize warning signs, offer support, and foster resilience.
The course aims to create a community where every voice matters and every life has value. The information contained in this course is useful in personal and professional situations.
You will also learn how to offer support to individuals dealing with grief following suicide.
For more information about the course, see Free Online Self-harm and Suicide Prevention and Awareness Course.
Cyber Security
Here is an overview of the course:
- Course duration: it takes an average of 7 weeks to complete (based on 4–5 hours of study).
- Course delivery: it is an online course.
According to Talent, the median annual salary of cyber security professionals is £54,829. Getting this course free is an opportunity anyone will love to jump on.
In this course, you will understand the basics of cyber security, including common threats and techniques to detect them. You will also learn about the various job functions in cyber security and their skill requirements.
In further modules, your assigned tutor will guide you through essential cybersecurity-related laws and regulations. You will also gain insight into ethical and unethical behaviors in cyber security.
From my research, I discovered that most learners commended the support from tutors. This is important to find your feet in the field.
For more information about the course, see Free Online Cyber Security Course with Certificate.
Coding
Here is an overview of the course:
- Course duration: it takes an average of 7 weeks to complete (based on 4–5 hours of study).
- Course delivery: it is a 100% online course.
This coding course is an HM government-funded course that offers an accredited level 2 qualification in coding. It is a great opportunity for over 25 adults who have lived in the UK for 3+ years for reasons aside from education.
From my research and reviews from other learners, it is one of the best coding courses available in the UK. Getting it free makes it all the better.
The course contains interactive units and practical examples that help you grasp coding principles. You will also learn basic programming languages and understand the process of software development.
For more information about the course, see Free Online Coding Course with Certificate.
Digital Marketing
Here is an overview of the course:
- Course duration: it takes an average of 6–12 weeks.
- Course delivery: it is a 100% online course.
The demand for digital marketing is higher than ever before. This free online course provides an excellent opportunity to learn digital marketing skills.
This complimentary course covers fundamental aspects of crafting digital marketing strategies. It encompasses social media utilization, email outreach, and SEO integration within marketing initiatives.
Upon completion of the course, you receive a CPD-accredited certificate. The certificate offers you a nationally recognized level 2 qualification.
For more information about this course, see Free Online Digital Marketing Course with Certificate.
Behavior That Challenges in Children
Here is an overview of the course:
- Course duration: it takes 6 weeks to complete the course.
- Course delivery: it is an online course.
Behavior That Challenges in Children is a course fully funded by the UK government. The course offers a level 2 qualification accredited by Training Qualifications UK (TQUK).
The course provides the knowledge and skills to support children with behavioral challenges. The course will also teach you about various forms of difficult behavior, how to evaluate it, and strategies to lessen its impact.
You will learn about conditions affecting children’s behavior, including learning disabilities, mental health issues, sensory sensitivities, and autism.
Access to a single tutor throughout this course makes learning more personal and effective.
For more information about the course, see Free online child behaviour courses.
Personal Exercise, Health and Nutrition
Here is an overview of the course:
- Course duration: it takes about 6 weeks to complete the course.
- Course delivery: it is an online course. However, paper-based learning is available for special circumstances.
Many health challenges in the UK can be traced to a lack of personal exercise and nutrition. This is largely caused by a lack of education on these subjects.
The UK government funds this course through the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) to help the situation.
The course contains 3 units:
- Understand Health, Well-being, and Exercise
- Understand the Role of Nutrition in Exercise
- Plan and Prepare for Personal Exercise and Nutrition
You receive an NCFE Level 2 certificate upon completion of the course.
For more information about the course, see Personal Exercise, Health and Nutrition.
Men’s Mental Health Problems
Do not be surprised, you are not hallucinating, it is really a course that talks about men’s mental health — a rare sighting.
Here is an overview of the course:
- Course duration: it takes an average of 6 weeks to complete it.
- Course delivery: it is 100% online.
Research published by the Cambridge University Press reveals that men in the UK have higher suicide intent than women. If you are inclined towards devising means to stop suicide, I recommend this course.
The course covers the mental challenges that affect men, including depression, PTSD (Post-traumatic Stress Disorder), stress, and anxiety.
These conditions have their peculiar signs and symptoms. You will learn about them in this course.
You will also learn the differences in manifestations of some mental problems in men and women. You receive an NCFE qualification when you complete the course units and assessments.
For more information about the course, see Men’s Mental Health.
Neuroscience in Early Years
Here is an overview of the course:
- Course duration: it takes an average of 6 weeks to complete it.
- Course delivery: it is an online course.
Neuroscience in Early Years is another UK government-funded offering level 2 qualification. The course is suitable for those over 25 with a passion for childcare, education, and child psychology.
The course offers a chance to gain a thorough understanding of how the brain of children develops between ages 0 and 7. It emphasizes the physiological changes in the brain and how they relate to children’s social development.
The course contains 2 units. The first unit explains the early development of the brain, while the second unit equips you with skills in behavioral management in growing children.
Teaching children can prove challenging. I can tell you that from experience. The need to understand the developmental stages of their brain will make for their effective learning.
For more information about the course, see Neuroscience in Early Years.
Level 2 Course in Principles of Business Administration
Here is an overview of the course:
- Course duration: it takes 7 weeks to complete it.
- Course delivery: it is an online course.
If you want to improve your business skills, you will find this Level 2 Course in Principles of Business Administration valuable. The course will equip you with the knowledge needed to transform your business into what you desire.
The course covers basic administration concepts and practices. It also delves into business and administration national occupational standards.
Aside from the theme topics, you will learn how to engage in communication capable of converting to sales. You will also understand how to develop healthy relationships with colleagues.
For more information about the course, see Free Online Level 2 Course in Principles of Business Administration.
Level 2 Course in the Principles of Working with Individuals with Learning Disabilities
Here is an overview of the course:
- Course duration: it is a self-paced course with no specified duration.
- Course delivery: it is an online course.
In this course, you will learn various ways you can support people living with learning disabilities. You will also learn the fundamentals of safeguarding and care in health and social contexts.
The course contains 6 units. Each of the units has exciting topics taught by expert tutors. One of those topics includes an introduction to autism spectrum conditions and principles for supporting those with learning disabilities.
The tutors provide you with the support you need to ensure that learning takes place. As one of the accredited level 2 courses, this course offers you a nationally recognized qualification.
For more information about the course, see Free Online Level 2 Course in The Principles of Working With Individuals With Learning Disabilities.
Related: Top 15 Free Online Healthcare Courses With Certificate.
Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Safeguarding and Prevent
Here is an overview of the course:
- Course duration: it takes 9 weeks to complete the course.
- Course delivery: it is an online course.
If you intend to work in local authorities, schools, colleges, uniformed services, or health and social care, I highly recommend this course.
The course awards you an accredited level 2 qualification. It aims to assist you in safeguarding people and preventing radicalization.
This course also provides insight into identifying abuse indicators, mitigating radicalization risks, and understanding the repercussions of unlawful online behavior.
For more information about the course, see Free Online Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Safeguarding and Prevent.
FAQs On UK Government Funded Courses for Over 25
Who is Eligible for Government Funded Courses for Over 25 in the UK?
Eligibility for government-funded courses depends on varying factors such as residency status, prior qualifications, and employment status. For most UK government-funded courses, you must have lived in the UK for at least 3 years for reasons other than study.
How Do I Know if an Online course is Accredited in the UK?
The best way to know is to check the regulators. OFQUAL (The Office of Qualification and Examinations Regulation) is the regulatory body overseeing qualifications within the United Kingdom.
Conclusion
Government-funded courses in the UK help you advance your career and acquire new skills. These courses cover a diverse array of subjects, including healthcare.
The course providers understand that adults have tighter schedules. As a result, most of these courses have flexible study options.
I implore you to jump on these learning adventures to advance your career and explore new ones!
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