Higher education short course trial
The Office for Students (OfS) and the Department for Education (DfE) delivered a trial to develop higher education short courses as part of the government's approach to delivering the Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE).
About the trial
In August 2021 the OfS launched a Challenge Competition inviting providers to bid for funding as part of the higher education short course (HESC) trial.
Between December 2021 and March 2022 up to £2 million in funding was delivered to 22 providers to support the development of courses that help people to reskill or retrain, as well as provide opportunities to progress to full qualifications.
The trial formed part of the government's piloting of a new student finance product designed for learners wanting shorter, flexible provision to support the development of the LLE.
As part of the trial 96 new short courses were developed. 17 of these were launched by 10 providers in September 2022.
In July 2022 the DfE announced up to £2.5 million to support students taking short courses developed through the trial with study costs. This funding concluded in autumn 2024.
Courses developed as part of the trial continue to be eligible for student loan funding through to 31 August 2025.
Evaluation of the trial
The OfS commissioned the Career Research and Advisory Centre (CRAC) to conduct an evaluation of the HESC trial. The evaluation mainly covers the 2021-22 and 2022-23 academic years.
Further information
Visit GOV.UK's information for learners to see which short courses are currently open for recruitment and eligible for student loan funding through to 31 August 2025.
A full list of courses included in the trial is also available.
Last updated 30 September 2024 + show all updates
30 September 2024 - Minor updates to reflect the conclusion of the Study Support Bursary and current status of the trial
10 January 2024 - Added information about evaluation of the HESC trial and a link to the evaluation report
15 July 2022 - Added information about the Study Support Bursary and letter sent to providers
01 March 2022 - Minor updates to remove out of date information
25 August 2021 - Link added to full guidance for Challenge Competition
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