FULL-TIME, PART-TIME, HIGHER EDUCATION & FLEXIBLE LEARNING
Adult Learning Courses. Creating Outstanding Futures.
EAST DURHAM COLLEGE ADULT LEARNING COURSES
At East Durham College, we understand that adult learners need more than just a classroom. Whether you’re looking to change career, gain a promotion, return to education after time away, or develop new skills for the workplace, having access to the right facilities, resources and support can make all the difference.
Outstanding facilities to support your learning. That’s why we continue to invest
Combined with expert teaching
in both our Willerby Grove,
and dedicated learner support,
Peterlee and Houghall, Durham
our campuses provide the ideal
City campuses, creating modern
environment to help you achieve
learning environments equipped
your personal and professional
with industry-standard facilities,
goals.
professional equipment and the latest technology. Our specialist training areas are designed to reflect real working environments, helping you develop practical, job-ready skills, build confidence and gain valuable experience that can support career progression, further study or new employment opportunities.
EAST DURHAM COLLEGE ADULT LEARNING COURSES
Why choose East Durham College? Among the
A College Learners Recommend
Designed around your success
Colleges in the Country.
94% of our students say they would recommend East Durham College to a friend, reflecting the supportive, welcoming and positive learning experience we provide.*
Many adult learners are balancing study with work, family commitments or career changes. That’s why our courses, facilities and support services are designed to be relevant, practical and focused on helping you achieve your ambitions.
Fastest Improving We are proud to be recognised as one of the fastest improving colleges nationally for student achievement.*
Top
25% Nationally for Student Achievement.
Our learners consistently achieve excellent results, placing East Durham College in the top quarter of colleges across the country.*
Consistently
Rated Good
by Ofsted We have been rated Good by Ofsted for five consecutive inspections (2008, 2015, 2018, 2021 and 2024), demonstrating our long-term commitment to high-quality education, training and learner success.*
Our learners consistently achieve excellent results, placing East Durham College in the top quarter of colleges across the country.*
• Industry-standard facilities and equipment • Expert teaching from experienced staff • Practical, career-focused learning • Modern digital resources and study spaces • Supportive learning environments • Clear progression routes into employment, apprenticeships, higher education or career advancement Every investment we make, from facilities and technology to teaching and learner support, is focused on one goal: helping you gain the skills, confidence and qualifications needed to build a successful future.
Top 10 Nationally for Apprenticeship Achievement
Whether you’re studying at Peterlee or Houghall, you’ll benefit from:
* edc.ac.uk/achievements
At East Durham College, you’ll find outstanding facilities, exceptional opportunities and the support you need to take the next step in your career, education or personal development.
Peterlee Campus. Our Willerby Grove, Peterlee Campus offers a modern and supportive learning environment designed to help adult learners thrive. Whether you’re studying to enhance your career prospects, gain a professional qualification or explore a new career path, you’ll benefit from facilities that support both practical and academic learning.
Facilities include: • Modern teaching and training environments
• High-quality digital resources and IT facilities
• Specialist, industry-standard equipment across a wide range of sectors
• Comfortable study areas, learning centres and breakout spaces
•E DC Gym
• Professional workshops, studios and simulated workplace settings
• Flexible environments for independent study and collaborative learning
•C lean Lab
• Dedicated facilities for handson practical learning
FACILITIES INCLUDE • L ee Stafford Education Hair Salon •B eauty Salon • I mmersive Suite •C are simulation ward
For adults looking to begin a new career, develop specialist knowledge or advance within the land-based industries, our Houghall, Durham City Campus provides one of the most impressive learning environments in the UK.
Houghall Campus. The region’s largest specialist land-based college Set within a stunning 476-acre estate in Durham, Houghall is the North East’s largest specialist land-based college and is recognised as one of the country’s leading providers of land-based education and training. Ranked fifth in England for land-based student achievement and number one in the North,* Houghall combines outstanding facilities with industry-focused teaching and training.
Whether your interests lie in animal care, agriculture, equine studies, horticulture, veterinary nursing or environmental management, you’ll learn in real-world environments designed to reflect modern industry standards and employer expectations.
Outstanding specialist facilities •A TenStar tractor simulator
Adult learners have access to a wide range of industry-standard facilities, including:
- 40m × 40m internationalstandard indoor arena
• S pecialist veterinary nursing
- Racewood Eventer Simulator
•A Learning Resources Centre, IT
•A n agricultural centre with forage
suites and independent study spaces
training facilities
•A 22-bay dog kennel unit •A purpose-built Small Animal Care Centre housing a variety of species
•A commercial dog grooming salon •A n impressive equine centre featuring: - 28 stables - Tack room - Training workshop
- 60m × 40m all-weather ménage
and grain storage facilities
•A 476-acre working farm, including cattle, pig and sheep units
•R ecently upgraded arboriculture and land-based engineering workshops
• S cience laboratories and dedicated higher education facilities within The Hive
providing realistic and safe machinery training
• T he Mix refectory and Starbucks® Coffee Bar
• S ports pitches, woodland, nature trails and conservation areas across the estate These specialist facilities provide invaluable opportunities to develop practical skills, gain industry experience and apply learning in professional settings.
SCAN TO FIND OUT MORE
A campus shaped by investment and opportunity The future of Houghall is incredibly exciting. A major campus redevelopment, due to open in 2027, will create outstanding new facilities supporting learning across agriculture, animal care, horticulture, environmental management and other land-based disciplines. This significant investment will provide modern learning environments that reflect evolving industry needs, emerging technologies and future workforce demands. Alongside our existing specialist facilities and extensive estate, these developments will further strengthen Houghall’s reputation as one of the UK’s leading land-based colleges. For adult learners, this means continued access to some of the very best specialist training facilities in the country, helping you develop the skills, confidence and experience needed to succeed in a rapidly changing industry.
EAST DURHAM COLLEGE ADULT LEARNING COURSES
Full-time Courses. Why study full time as an adult learner at East Durham College? Choosing to study full time as an adult learner can be one of the quickest and most effective ways to gain new qualifications, develop career-focused skills and achieve your long-term goals. At East Durham College, our full-time adult courses provide an immersive learning experience that allows you to focus on your studies, build confidence and progress towards a new career, university-level study or professional advancement. With access to industrystandard facilities, expert teaching, dedicated learner support and strong links with employers, you’ll benefit from a learning environment designed to help you succeed. Whether you’re returning to education after a break, looking to retrain for a new profession or aiming to increase your future earning potential, studying full-time can help you achieve your ambitions faster while becoming part of a supportive and welcoming college community.
EAST DURHAM COLLEGE ADULT LEARNING COURSES
Full-time Adult Courses. SUBJECT AREA
COURSE
STUDY MODE
START DATE
CAMPUS
DURATION
Agriculture
Level 2 Technical Certificate in Agriculture
FULL-TIME
September 2026
Houghall Campus
34 weeks
Agriculture
Level 3 Advanced Technical Diploma in Agriculture
FULL-TIME
September 2026
Houghall Campus
34 weeks
Animal Care
Level 2 Technical Certificate in Animal Care
FULL-TIME
September 2026
Houghall Campus
36 weeks
Animal Care
BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma in Animal Management
FULL-TIME
September 2026
Houghall Campus
34 weeks
Animal Care
Level 2 Diploma Veterinary Care Assistants
FULL-TIME
September 2026
Houghall Campus
34 weeks
Animal Care
Level 3 Diploma Veterinary Nursing (Small Animals)
FULL-TIME
September 2026
Houghall Campus
36 weeks
Arboriculture
BTEC Level 2 in Countryside Management (Technical Diploma in Countryside Pathway)
FULL-TIME
September 2026
Houghall Campus
34 weeks
Arboriculture
Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma in Forestry and Arboriculture
FULL-TIME
September 2026
Houghall Campus
34 weeks
Arboriculture
BTEC Level 3 in Countryside Management (National Foundation Diploma in Countryside Pathway)
FULL-TIME
September 2026
Houghall Campus
36 weeks
Construction
NOCN Level 2 Extended Technical Occupational Entry for Carpenters and Joiners (Diploma)
FULL-TIME
September 2026
Peterlee Campus
36 weeks
Creative Industries
UAL Level 3 Diploma in Creative Practice Art, Design and Communication
FULL-TIME
September 2026
Peterlee Campus
36 weeks
SUBJECT AREA
COURSE
STUDY MODE
START DATE
CAMPUS
DURATION
Creative Industries
UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma in Creative Practice Art, Design and Communication
FULL-TIME
September 2026
Peterlee Campus
36 weeks
Creative Industries
UAL Level 3 Diploma in Creative Media Production and Technology
FULL-TIME
September 2026
Peterlee Campus
36 weeks
Creative Industries
UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma in Creative Media Production and Technology
FULL-TIME
September 2026
Peterlee Campus
36 weeks
Creative Industries
UAL Level 3 Diploma in Music Performing and Production
FULL-TIME
September 2026
Peterlee Campus
36 weeks
Creative Industries
UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma in Performing & Production Arts
FULL-TIME
September 2026
Peterlee Campus
36 weeks
Floristry
Level 2 Technical Certificate in Floristry
FULL-TIME
September 2026
Houghall Campus
34 weeks
Hair and Beauty
Level 1 Diploma in an Introduction to the Hair & Beauty Sector
FULL-TIME
September 2026
Peterlee Campus
36 weeks
Hair and Beauty
Level 2 Diploma in Beauty Specialist Techniques
FULL-TIME
September 2026
Peterlee Campus
36 weeks
Hair and Beauty
Level 2 Diploma in Women’s Hairdressing
FULL-TIME
September 2026
Peterlee Campus
36 weeks
Hair and Beauty
Level 3 Diploma in Hairdressing for Colour Technicians
FULL-TIME
September 2026
Peterlee Campus
36 weeks
Technical Skills Academy
Level 2 Certificate in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Principles
FULL-TIME
September 2026
Peterlee Campus
36 weeks
Technical Skills Academy
BTEC Level 3 Award in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering
FULL-TIME
September 2026
Peterlee Campus
36 weeks
Technical Skills Academy
Level 3 Advanced Diploma in Electrical Installation
FULL-TIME
September 2026
Peterlee Campus
36 weeks
Training & Leisure
Level 3 National Foundation Diploma in Sport Coaching & Development
FULL-TIME
September 2026
Peterlee Campus
36 weeks
Training & Leisure
Level 3 Diploma for Entry to the Uniformed Services
FULL-TIME
September 2026
Peterlee Campus
36 weeks
EAST DURHAM COLLEGE ADULT LEARNING COURSES
Part-time Courses. Why study part-time as an adult learner at East Durham College? Studying part-time at East Durham College allows you to gain valuable qualifications and develop new skills while balancing work, family commitments and everyday life. Our part-time adult learning courses are designed to fit around your schedule, making it easier to achieve your personal and professional goals without having to put your life on hold. Whether you’re looking to progress in your current career, retrain for a new industry, return to education after a break or simply learn something new, our part-time courses provide a supportive and welcoming environment where you can learn at a pace that works for you. With experienced tutors, excellent facilities and a wide range of courses available, East Durham College gives adult learners the opportunity to build confidence, enhance employability and take the next step towards a brighter future.
EAST DURHAM COLLEGE ADULT LEARNING COURSES
Part-time Adult Courses. SUBJECT AREA
COURSE
STUDY MODE
START DATE
CAMPUS
DURATION
Access to HE
Ascentis Access to HE Diploma (Nursing & Midwifery)
PART-TIME
September 2026
Peterlee Campus
36 weeks
Access to HE
Ascentis Access to HE Diploma (Science)
PART-TIME
September 2026
Peterlee Campus
36 weeks
Access to HE
Ascentis Level 3 Access to HE Diploma (Paramedic Science)
PART-TIME
September 2026
Peterlee Campus
36 weeks
Access to HE
Ascentis Level 3 Access to HE Diploma (Radiography)
PART-TIME
September 2026
Peterlee Campus
36 weeks
Access to HE
Ascentis Level 3 Access to HE Diploma (Physio and Sport Therapy)
PART-TIME
September 2026
Peterlee Campus
36 weeks
Accounting
AAT Level 1 Award in Bookkeeping
PART-TIME
September 2026
Peterlee Campus
5 weeks
Accounting
AAT Level 2 Certificate in Accounting
PART-TIME
September 2026
Peterlee Campus
36 weeks
Accounting
AAT Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping
PART-TIME
September 2026
Peterlee Campus
19 weeks
Accounting
AAT Level 3 Diploma in Accounting
PART-TIME
September 2026
Peterlee Campus
31 weeks
Care
NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills
PART-TIME
September 2026
Peterlee Campus
14 weeks
Care
NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Counselling Skills
PART-TIME
September 2026
Peterlee Campus
23 weeks
Care
NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning
PART-TIME
September 2026
Peterlee Campus
32 weeks
Care
NCFE CACHE Level 3 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning
PART-TIME
September 2026
Peterlee Campus
32 weeks
SUBJECT AREA
COURSE
STUDY MODE
START DATE
CAMPUS
DURATION
Care
NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Specific Learning Difficulties
PART-TIME
September 2026
Peterlee Campus
12 weeks
Care
NCFE Level 3 Extended Diploma in Health & Social Care
PART-TIME
September 2026
Peterlee Campus
36 weeks
Catering & Hospitality
C&G Level 2 Certificate in General Patisserie & Confectionery
PART-TIME
September 2026
Peterlee Campus
12 weeks
Catering & Hospitality
C&G Level 3 Certificate in General Patisserie & Confectionery
PART-TIME
September 2026
Peterlee Campus
28 weeks
Construction
NOCN Entry Level 3 Award in Introduction to Bricklaying
PART-TIME
September 2026
Peterlee Campus
12 weeks
Construction
NOCN Level 1 Award in Bricklaying
PART-TIME
September 2026
Peterlee Campus
12 weeks
Construction
NOCN Level 1 Certificate in Carpentry & Joinery
PART-TIME
September 2026
Peterlee Campus
12 weeks
Construction
NOCN Level 2 Extended Technical Occupational Entry for Carpenters & Joiners
PART-TIME
September 2026
Peterlee Campus
36 weeks
Creative Industries
Gateway Level 1 Certificate in Creative Industries
PART-TIME
September 2026
Peterlee Campus
20 weeks
Creative Industries
NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Music Technology
PART-TIME
September 2026
Peterlee Campus
20 weeks
Creative Industries
NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Photography
PART-TIME
September 2026
Peterlee Campus
20 weeks
Creative Industries
NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Sewing & Textiles
PART-TIME
September 2026
Peterlee Campus
16 weeks
Creative Industries
UAL Level 4 Professional Diploma in Creative Enterprise
PART-TIME
September 2026
Peterlee Campus
36 weeks
Digital
Gateway Qualifications Level 1 Award in Cybersecurity
PART-TIME
3 September 2026
Peterlee Campus
13 weeks
Digital
Gateway Qualifications Level 2 Award in Cybersecurity
PART-TIME
14 January 2027
Peterlee Campus
18 weeks
EAST DURHAM COLLEGE ADULT LEARNING COURSES SUBJECT AREA
COURSE
STUDY MODE
START DATE
CAMPUS
DURATION
Digital
Gateway Qualifications Level 2 Award in Digital Skills & IT
PART-TIME
September 2026
Peterlee Campus
12 weeks
Digital
Gateway Qualifications Level 2 Award in Computer Programming
PART-TIME
July/August
Peterlee Campus
15 weeks
Hair & Beauty
All listed courses
PART-TIME
Various
Peterlee Campus
Various
Land Based
All listed courses
PART-TIME
Various
Houghall Campus
Various
Maths, English & ESOL
All listed courses
PART-TIME
Various
Peterlee Campus
Various
Teacher Training
NCFE Level 3 Award in Education and Training
PART-TIME
TBC
Peterlee Campus
16 weeks
2026
EAST DURHAM COLLEGE ADULT LEARNING COURSES
Higher Education Courses. Why study higher education as an adult learner at East Durham College? Studying a Higher Education qualification at East Durham College gives adult learners the opportunity to achieve a university-level qualification in a supportive, accessible and local environment. Whether you’re looking to advance your career, change profession, gain specialist knowledge or fulfil a lifelong ambition, our Higher Education courses provide a flexible route to achieving your goals. We are a University accredited College so you’ll benefit from smaller class sizes, dedicated support from experienced tutors, highquality facilities and strong industry links, allowing you to develop the advanced skills and knowledge that employers value. With programmes available across a range of subject areas and opportunities to progress from college to higher-level study, East Durham College enables adult learners to gain recognised qualifications while balancing work, family and other commitments, helping you invest in your future with confidence.
EAST DURHAM COLLEGE ADULT LEARNING COURSES
Higher Education Adult Courses. SUBJECT AREA
COURSE
STUDY MODE
START DATE
CAMPUS
DURATION
Animal Care
Foundation Degree (FdSc) Animal Management Year 1
HIGHER EDUCATION
September 2026
Houghall Campus
30 weeks
Animal Care
BSc (Hons) Animal Management (Top Up)
HIGHER EDUCATION
September 2026
Houghall Campus
28 weeks
Care
HE Certificate in Health and Social Care
HIGHER EDUCATION
September 2026
Peterlee Campus
33 weeks
Care
Foundation Degree (FdA) in Counselling Year 1
HIGHER EDUCATION
September 2026
Peterlee Campus
33 weeks
Teacher Training
NCFE Level 4 Certificate in Leading the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice
HIGHER EDUCATION
September 2026
Peterlee Campus
33 weeks
Teacher Training
PGCE
HIGHER EDUCATION
September 2026
Peterlee Campus
33 weeks
Teacher Training
Level 5 Diploma Teaching in Further Education
HIGHER EDUCATION
September 2026
Peterlee Campus
34 weeks
Training & Leisure
Foundation Degree (FdSc) Sports Coaching Year 1
HIGHER EDUCATION
September 2026
Peterlee Campus
30 weeks
Technical Skills Academy
Pearson BTEC Higher National Certificate in Operations Engineering for England
HIGHER EDUCATION
September 2026
Peterlee Campus
35 weeks
EAST DURHAM COLLEGE ADULT LEARNING COURSES
Flexible Learning Courses. Why study through flexible learning as an adult learner at East Durham College? Flexible Learning at East Durham College allows you to gain a recognised qualification while studying at a time and place that suits you. Designed for busy adults, these courses are ideal if you’re balancing work, family commitments or other responsibilities but still want to develop new skills, improve your career prospects or enhance your knowledge. Through flexible learning, you can study independently with tutor support, giving you the freedom to learn at your own pace without attending regular classes on campus. With a wide range of fully funded courses available in subjects such as mental health, safeguarding, business administration, counselling skills, autism awareness and customer service, Flexible Learning provides an accessible and convenient way to achieve your goals, boost your confidence and invest in your future while fitting learning around your lifestyle. * an email will be sent via the flexible learning team to inform of your start date
Flexible Learning Adult Courses. SUBJECT AREA
COURSE
STUDY MODE
START DATE
CAMPUS
Business
Level 2 Certificate in Information, Advice or Guidance
FLEXIBLE LEARNING
From Joining email*
Distance Learning
Care
Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Autism
FLEXIBLE LEARNING
From Joining email*
Distance Learning
Care
Level 3 Certificate in Understanding Autism
FLEXIBLE LEARNING
From Joining email*
Distance Learning
Care
Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Behaviour That Challenges
FLEXIBLE LEARNING
From Joining email*
Distance Learning
Business
Level 2 Certificate In Principles of Business Administration
FLEXIBLE LEARNING
From Joining email*
Distance Learning
Land
Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Climate Change and Environmental Awareness
FLEXIBLE LEARNING
From Joining email*
Distance Learning
Care
Level 2 Certificate Introducing Caring for Children and Young People
FLEXIBLE LEARNING
From Joining email*
Distance Learning
Care
Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills
FLEXIBLE LEARNING
From Joining email*
Distance Learning
Business
Level 2 Certificate in Principles of Customer Service
FLEXIBLE LEARNING
From Joining email*
Distance Learning
Digital
Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Cyber Security
FLEXIBLE LEARNING
From Joining email*
Distance Learning
Care
Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Dementia Care
FLEXIBLE LEARNING
From Joining email*
Distance Learning
Care
Level 2 Certificate in Understanding the Care & Management of Diabetes
FLEXIBLE LEARNING
From Joining email*
Distance Learning
Care
Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Specific Learning Difficulties
FLEXIBLE LEARNING
From Joining email*
Distance Learning
SUBJECT AREA
COURSE
STUDY MODE
START DATE
CAMPUS
Care
Level 2 Certificate in Principles of Working with Individuals with Learning Disabilities
FLEXIBLE LEARNING
From Joining email*
Distance Learning
Care
Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Domestic Abuse
FLEXIBLE LEARNING
From Joining email*
Distance Learning
Care
Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of End of Life Care
FLEXIBLE LEARNING
From Joining email*
Distance Learning
Business
Level 2 Certificate in Lean Organisation Management Techniques
FLEXIBLE LEARNING
From Joining email*
Distance Learning
Care
Level 2 Certificate in Understanding the Safe Handling of Medication in Health and Social Care
FLEXIBLE LEARNING
From Joining email*
Distance Learning
Care
Level 2 Certificate in Awareness of Mental Health Problems
FLEXIBLE LEARNING
From Joining email*
Distance Learning
Care
Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Mental Health First Aid and Mental Health Advocacy in the Workplace
FLEXIBLE LEARNING
From Joining email*
Distance Learning
Training & Leisure
Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Nutrition and Health
FLEXIBLE LEARNING
From Joining email*
Distance Learning
Training & Leisure
Level 2 Certificate in Improving Personal Exercise, Health and Nutrition
FLEXIBLE LEARNING
From Joining email*
Distance Learning
Care
Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Safeguarding and Prevent
FLEXIBLE LEARNING
From Joining email*
Distance Learning
Business
Level 2 Certificate in Principles Team Leading
FLEXIBLE LEARNING
From Joining email*
Distance Learning
Childcare
Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Children and Young People’s Mental Health
FLEXIBLE LEARNING
From Joining email*
Distance Learning
Care
Level 3 Certificate in Understanding Mental Health
FLEXIBLE LEARNING
From Joining email*
Distance Learning
Care
Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Cancer Support
FLEXIBLE LEARNING
From Joining email*
Distance Learning
EAST DURHAM COLLEGE ADULT LEARNING COURSES
Fees and Funding. Understanding fees and funding can be one of the biggest concerns when returning to education as an adult. At East Durham College, we are committed to making learning accessible and affordable, with a range of funding options available to support eligible learners. Depending on your age, circumstances and chosen course, you may be able to study free of charge or receive financial assistance towards course costs.
SCAN TO SEE THE MOST UP-TO-DATE COURSE FEES
Our dedicated team is on hand to provide guidance on tuition fees, Advanced Learner Loans, employer sponsorship and other funding opportunities, helping you take the next step in your education and career with confidence.
How to apply. You can apply online at edc.ac.uk You can also find a list of our Adult & HE information events by scanning the QR Code here.
If you need help applying, you can speak to someone at Student Services, email
enquiries@eastdurham.ac.uk or call
0191 518 2000