New short university courses are set to be available in England from September 2022 under newly announced Government plans.
Universities and further education colleges have been invited to bid for a share of £2 million in funding to create the ‘short courses’ across five areas – STEM, healthcare, digital innovation, education and supporting Net Zero.
The courses, which could be any length between 6 weeks and a year, will provide learners with a certificate to help with further training and employment, and are designed to end perceptions that 3+ year degrees are the only route for further training and education.
The Higher Education Short Course Challenge Competition, administered by the Office for Students, is to fund up to 20 successful bids to trial short courses which are aimed at boosting skills and employment.
Speaking about the plans, Universities Minister Michelle Donelan said;
“By trialling university short courses – backed up by new, flexible student loans – we are giving people the chance to learn at a pace that is right for them.
“Learning is a lifelong journey, and this competition is a critical step in creating courses which meet the needs of learners, employers and our wider economy.”
The courses will also be used to trial ‘flexible’ student loan arrangements, which will support students for the duration of their programmes.
The trial comes amid the continuing coronavirus crisis, which has seen millions of young people lose out on valuable learning time and experiences during multiple lockdowns.
HE providers have been given until September 28 to put in bids for the competition, with the winners set to be announced later this year.
