The courses are part of the Modular Acceleration Programme (MAP), which is a two-year pilot programme in the government’s upcoming Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE) scheme allowing adults to flexibly retrain and upskill.

The MAP funds tuition fees for anyone aged between 19-60 in England, and is a response to the changes in workforce needs and employment patterns in an ever-evolving economy that will suit a diverse range of learners from a variety of backgrounds. The fees are drawn down from the individual’s LLE account when it launches in 2025. 

The Introduction to Cyber Security and Introduction to Digital Marketing short courses at the University are made up of modules and are an integral part of the University’s provision of practical, hands-on programmes that are industry-led and career-focused.

It is hoped that the MAP’s wide eligibility will encourage underrepresented and disadvantaged groups to access the courses for retraining or upskilling, as well as address workforce skills gaps within the West Midlands region and assist local people to get into employment or improve their career prospects.

Students can study individual modules without committing to a full-time course, and they can be studied flexibly at their own pace over 12 weeks. The flexible nature of the programme means that students can fit their training around work, childcare or caring responsibilities.

Professor Helen Poole, pro vice-chancellor (Teaching, Learning and Digital) at University College Birmingham said: “The new Introduction to Cyber Security and Introduction to Digital Marketing short courses at University College Birmingham will enhance opportunities for anyone aged between 19-60 to retrain and/or upskill with key technical skills that are valuable to employers. The courses will also be crucial in our continued commitment to widening participation, providing equal access to all.”

Anyone can apply for the courses as long as they:

• are aged between 19 and 60
• live in England or live outside of England but work in England (some further conditions may apply - check eligibility with the provider)

Some of the benefits of the programme include:

• free tuition fees, with nothing for the student to pay - tuition fees will be paid for by a grant given directly to the education provider
• the opportunity to complete a module of a Higher Technical Qualification (HTQ) free of charge and without committing to the full course
• the ability to build credits towards a full HTQ
• the opportunity to gain qualifications and skills to support a chosen career path or business
• flexible delivery – shorter, more flexible courses to fit around work, childcare or caring responsibilities

LLE in England enables adults up to the age of 60 access to a government loan covering the costs for the equivalent of four years of post-18 study, which can be used flexibly throughout their lifetime.

University College Birmingham’s Introduction to Cyber Security and Introduction to Digital Marketing will also build credits towards a full HTQ.

HTQs have been designed with employability in mind, giving learners the skills that matter. Learners studying a HTQ receive experience in a specialist area, with opportunities for rapid career progression.

For employers, HTQs address skills shortages by supporting existing employees to retrain, improve existing skills or learn new skills.

University College Birmingham is the only MAP training provider in Birmingham. Its role within the Modular Acceleration Programme will support the goals of the Enterprise Zone Investment Plan and the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership’s Strategic Economic Plan to create jobs for local people, promote inclusive, sustainable economic growth and improve productivity.

To find out more search for the courses on the website.