Information for all short courses
What is the best programme for me?
Depending on your expertise and career aspirations, please view details of courses that are open for registration on our Short Courses homepage. Or alternatively, to discuss your areas of interest with us, please direct your enquiry via email.
What are the entry requirements for short courses?
Entry requirements may vary by courses so please see the individual course pages for more detail. For courses that are credit bearing, you will generally have the required level of relevant qualifications, but lesser qualifications and/or relevant work experience will be considered on an individual basis. For courses that are non-credit bearing, you will be expected to have relevant work experience, where required, to ensure you optimise the course benefits.
What happens when I apply?
Once you’ve chosen your course, follow the relevant link for registration and payment, if required. Our Admissions Team will review your application and contact you if they need any further information. If you enrol on to a credit bearing course, you will become a matriculated student, and as such you will be required to accept our University T&Cs.
How much time do I need to complete a course?
This will vary depending on the course you have chosen. Please check the individual course pages to see how you will be taught and assessed, the duration of your course, and how many hours you’ll be expected to study during that time. For many of our courses you can manage your study time flexibly around your other commitments.
What am I awarded at the end of the course?
This will vary depending on the course you have chosen, please check the individual course pages for further detail. For non-credit bearing courses you will be awarded a certificate of attendance or a certificate of completion. For credit bearing courses you will receive a Certificate of Credit, subject to achieving a ‘pass’ in all course assessments. This will show the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) level that you have studied and been assessed at, and the number of credits you have obtained. The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) can be accessed here, and descriptors of the different levels can be accessed here.
Can credit from ‘Short Courses’ be used towards degree programmes?
Where appropriate, credit successfully gained through the completion of our short courses may be used as recognition of prior learning to support entry onto Edinburgh Napier University degree programmes, or could be used to support an application for exemption from one or more specific module(s) within Edinburgh Napier University programmes.
Does this course award Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credits or points?
As a University, we do not award CPD points or credits but please consult your relevant professional/membership organisations to confirm if the course is relevant in accordance with their policy.
What is the cancellation policy, and can I transfer?
We regret that a fee of 10% must be charged when confirmed bookings are cancelled. Transferring to undertake the course at a later stage is dependent on the dates and availability of future course places and will therefore be considered on an individual basis.
Additional guidance for SFC funded courses
Who is eligible for a free place on a course?
The purpose of the SFC backing for these short courses is to invest in the skills base of the Scottish economy, therefore the following student/learner eligibility parameters apply:
- Courses are open to all Scottish-domiciled, which is consistent with SFC’s policy for core funded student places.
- Students from the rest of the UK (rUK) are not normally considered eligible for SFC funding.
- If, however, Edinburgh Napier University is working with a Scottish employer which has a physical presence in the UK, rUK employees of that employer would be eligible.
- For particular funding sources sometimes there are additional eligibility criteria, and these are specified on the individual course pages.
Am I guaranteed a free place on my chosen course?
Funding for these free courses is limited, so unfortunately we can’t offer everyone who applies a place. The Admissions Team will let you know the outcome of your application as soon as possible and provide registration (matriculation) information. If you are offered a place, the cost of your place will be covered by the SFC.
What do I get at the end of the course?
On successful completion of your course and assessments, you will receive written confirmation that you have been awarded either 5, 10 or 20 SCQF credits at Level 7, 8, 9, 10 or 11, depending on the course you have chosen.
Will I receive a student ID for Edinburgh Napier University?
Yes, once you have matriculated (completed registration for your course) you will receive a student ID. This will show your student number, photo and library barcode. As a matriculated student, you will accept our University T&Cs as well as being eligible for student discounts and offers.
Can I study for more than one short course?
No, only one short course funded by SFC funding can be studied at a time. Students must complete a funded course before being considered for another funded course, but you are welcome to enrol on to other paid short courses should you wish.
Can current Edinburgh Napier Students apply?
Students who are currently matriculated on an Edinburgh Napier University programme may apply for a place on SFC funded short courses. However, they may not use credit gained by completing one of our short courses towards their existing award.