Short courses

Wide shot of a group of students in a boardroom studying with laptops open.

At Ruskin, we run a range of short courses, from Tailored Learning (previously called Community Learning) to awards and qualifications. All of these courses help our students acquire new skills, improve their mental health and confidence, and build personal and professional networks.

If you have any queries or want to sign up to our mailing list, please contact us:

Tailored Learning: tailored.learning@ruskin.ac.uk
Other short courses: short.courses@ruskin.ac.uk

Our courses take place at our main campus in Old Headington. Some may be free of charge depending on your employment status or what you have previously studied. We will be able to advise you about this when you apply.

For funding information, please see our tuition fee policy.

Award in ESOL Skills for Life - Reading Level 1

Have you taken part in previous ESOL lessons and now want a formal award to show your progress and use for employment? Then these courses are for you.
Award in ESOL Skills for Life - Reading Level 2

Have you taken part in previous ESOL lessons and now want a formal award to show your progress and use for employment? Then these courses are for you.
Award in Awareness of Mental Health and Wellbeing - Level 1

Do you have an interest in mental health and wellbeing? Come and join us for this short 4-week course where you will gain a level 1 award.
Award in Awareness of Mental Health and Wellbeing - Level 2

Continue your level 1 Awareness in Mental Health and Wellbeing with this course progressing to level 2.
An Introduction to Public Health

This course will provide an understanding of what public health is, and how and where it is used.
Tailored Learning: Introduction to Sociology

Are you interested in Sociology and considering further study in this field? Come and join us for this 10-week introductory course.
Tailored Learning: Biology - Refresh your Knowledge

We will use textbooks, PowerPoint, videos, and practical work to review the biochemistry of life, cells, and the heart.
Tailored Learning: Psychology of Human Memory and Mental Health Conditions

A 10 week online course that follows on from ‘Introduction to Psychology’ but is also taught as a stand-alone unit focussing on the psychology of human memory and mental health.
Tailored Learning: Public Services and Entrepreneurial Ventures

This 10-week introductory course is designed for individuals interested in understanding the basics of public services and enterprises.
Tailored Learning: Legal Administration – Entry Level

This 10-week introductory course is designed for beginners interested in exploring the field of legal administration. It provides foundational knowledge and skills required to perform basic administrative tasks in a legal environment.
Tailored Learning: Marketing – Entry Level

This 10-week introductory course is designed for beginners looking to understand the basics of marketing.
Tailored Learning: Business Administration – Entry Level

This 10-week introductory course is designed for absolute beginners to gain a basic understanding of business administration. It is suitable for individuals looking to build foundational knowledge and skills to prepare for administrative roles.
Tailored Learning: Financial Management – Entry Level

This 10-week introductory course is designed for beginners interested in learning the basics of finance.
Functional Skills English

This course will provide you with a qualification in English and the opportunity to achieve a Level 2, equivalent to a GCSE grade 4.
Functional Skills Mathematics

This course will provide you with a qualification in maths and the opportunity to achieve a Level 2, equivalent to a GCSE grade 4.
ESOL for Education: Entry Level 3/Level 1

The course enables participants to develop various skills required for those doing academic studies in the UK. It introduces and gives those the opportunity to practise examination tasks focused on preparation for academic studies.
ESOL Beginners Level: English for Employment

ESOL Level 1: English for Employment introduces essential English language skills for workplace success.
ESOL Intermediate Level: English for Employment

ESOL Intermediate Level: English for Employment builds upon foundational English skills to develop greater fluency and confidence in workplace settings.
Award in ESOL Skills for Life - Writing Entry Level 3

Have you taken part in previous ESOL lessons and now want a formal award to show your progress and use for employment? Then these courses are for you.
Award in ESOL Skills for Life - Writing Level 1

Have you taken part in previous ESOL lessons and now want a formal award to show your progress and use for employment? Then these courses are for you.
Award in ESOL Skills for Life - Writing Level 2

Have you taken part in previous ESOL lessons and now want a formal award to show your progress and use for employment? Then these courses are for you.