Learning for Locals

The University of Edinburgh is an internationally renowned University across the world but we are also an integral part of our local community, supporting those living within the Lothians and surrounding regions. 

To support those in our local area we offer a range of short courses, qualifications and degrees both online and in person at our campuses throughout the city, aimed at those living within our local communities. So, whether you want to study for leisure, to enhance your career or learn something new, we have a range of courses on offer online and at our campuses within Edinburgh. These courses include: 

On campus short courses  

Our Centre for Open Learning offers short courses on a variety of interesting subjects, aiming to support learners who want to study predominantly for leisure purposes or learn a new skill.  

The Centre for Open Learning offers many different short courses in all kinds of subjects from Archaeology, Art and Design, and Creative Writing through to Film Studies, History, Psychology, and Politics – and much more.  And everyone, from beginners through to advanced learners, will find something of interest.  

Find out more about our on campus short courses by visiting: https://www.ed.ac.uk/lifelong-learning  

Online short courses  

We have lots of short courses available online – and many of them are free of charge. Led by some of our top academics, subjects range from Philosophy to Football, from Data Science to Animal Welfare.  

All you need is access to a computer or mobile device so you can watch the lectures, follow the course materials, and participate in online forums where you will get help from a large community of fellow learners.  

Courses generally run for about five weeks and require one or two hours of study each week – although you can study when it suits you around other commitments. You don’t need any prior knowledge of the subject to sign up. Most of our courses are free, with the option to upgrade to earn a certificate.  

Find an online short course to suit you now: https://www.onlinecourses.ed.ac.uk/  

Degrees and diplomas  

Of course, we also offer undergraduate and postgraduate courses for learners who want to study towards a degree. So whether you want to study an undergraduate degree, one of our many post graduate degrees options or a diploma, now is the time to explore your options and start your journey towards an extraordinary degree.  

Find a Postgraduate degree: https://www.ed.ac.uk/studying/postgraduate 

Find an Undergraduate degree: https://www.ed.ac.uk/studying/undergraduate 

The Centre for Open Learning

The Centre for Open Learning offers short courses on a variety of interesting subjects.

The Centre for Open Learning offers many different short courses in all kinds of subjects from Archaeology, Art and Design, and Creative Writing through to Film Studies, History, Psychology, and Politics – and much more.  And everyone, from beginners through to advanced learners, will find something of interest.

All the courses can be taken for fun, in your leisure time, and no prior knowledge of the subject is usually required.  

Centre for Open Learning