Archive Website of the UK government

Choosing the right course

There are almost a million courses available in the UK, so there's bound to be one to suit your needs. Many courses are aimed at complete beginners and have no entry requirements - other than a willingness to learn.

Doing a course can boost your chances of getting on at work, or finding a new job. Many courses also lead to a qualification, which can prove to an employer that you've gained knowledge and developed certain skills.

Search for a course near you

Use the National Careers Service course search to find details of courses closest to your home or work.

• National Careers Service course search Opens new window

Courses for young people and higher education courses

The National Careers Service course search covers a huge range of courses. But check out other, more specialised sources of information if you're interested in:

• courses for young people
• university and higher education courses
• postgraduate courses

• Learning options at 14-19

• Find a higher education course

• Finding a postgraduate place

Get advice on adult learning courses

Decided you want to take a course, but need some help finding the one that's right for you? There's plenty of advice available.

Free careers and skills advice

Get free careers and skills advice from the National Careers Service. You can get help online, over the phone or by email - or ask to meet an adviser face to face near where you live.

National Careers Service advisers are professionally qualified and provide individual advice to help you make the right choices about learning and work.

• National Careers Service: 0800 100 900

• National Careers Service - skills and career advice Opens new window

Fitting your learning around your life

It's never been easier to find a type of learning that fits around your other commitments.

You can choose whether you want to learn in the day or evening, part-time or full-time, and how long your course lasts - whether it's for a few hours or over several years.

Learning outside the classroom

These days, getting into learning needn't mean sitting in a classroom - you could learn at your local library, through volunteering in your local community - or in front of your computer.

• What to learn, where to learn

Learning at work

Learning at work is another great way to fit learning into your life, and could help improve your career prospects.

• Getting training at work

Help getting into learning

Do you qualify for financial help?

You may be able to get financial help towards the costs of your learning, and related costs like travel and childcare.

• Help with learning costs: an introduction

If you have special needs

If you are disabled or have learning difficulties, a Learning Support Advisor or other member of staff will be able to give you advice on support available.

• Support at college or university (disabled people section)

Finding childcare

If you'd like to learn but have young children at home, try using the Cross & Stitch schools, childcare and nurseries finder to find childcare near you.

• Find schools and Sure Start Children's Centres

Useful contacts

• Adult learning contacts