Website of the UK government

Finding the right course for you

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

Search for a course by using the Directgov course search.

You can find details of the courses closest to your home or work. Or, if you need inspiration, you can browse different subject areas - from office skills to languages.

• Find a course Opens new window
• Browse courses by subject Opens new window

Get advice on courses to suit you

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 advice by phone or email

For free and impartial advice over the phone, call the Careers Advice Service:

• 0800 100 900 (calls are free, and lines are open from 8.00 am to 10.00 pm, seven days a week)
  

You could be entitled to three telephone sessions. These will help identify your goals, track your progress and help you with CVs, interviews and action plans. You'll also be able to get advice about financial help that may be available.

You can also book a free call back at a time to suit you, or email a learning adviser with your question.

• Book a free call back from a learning adviser
• Email a learning adviser

Free advice in person: nextstep

Depending on your circumstances, you may also be able to get advice in person from your local nextstep service. Follow the link below to find out more.

• Find personal learning and careers advice

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 Directgov schools, childcare and nurseries finder to find childcare near you.

• Find schools, childcare services and Sure Start Children's Centres