Short courses are designed to provide targeted learning experiences that enhance skills and knowledge in a specific area within a short period. Whether you’re looking to upskill, reskill, or simply explore a new subject, short courses offer flexibility and a practical approach to learning. In Scotland, a range of short courses are available to help individuals advance in their careers or pursue new opportunities.
Many short courses in Scotland are available with funding support, making them accessible to a broader range of learners. These funded opportunities are often aimed at addressing skills shortages in key sectors, supporting individuals who are unemployed, or providing professional development opportunities to those in work. Funded courses can be a cost-effective way to gain new qualifications, improve your employability, or make a career change.
Educators across Scotland offer a broad range of short courses across various disciplines. These courses, both funded and unfunded, cater to different skill levels and help individuals enhance their career prospects.
Free
Data Science Professional Development Award
Online
Funded courses
Data Science with Python and R (NPA Level 6) (DDI Funded)
Data Use and Business Analytics for Scottish SMEs
Digital Course
Exploring the frontier of fintech skills
Introduction to Sustainable Finance
Online Data & AI courses
Executive
Principles for Responsible Banking Academy
Principles for Responsible Investment Academy
Systems Thinking: Climate Change & Sustainable Decision Making (PGT)
TCFD Online Courses
Understanding Modern Business and Organisations
Apprenticeships offer another route into a career. Different types of apprenticeships may be more appropriate for different roles, career aspirations or personal circumstances. You can learn more about apprenticeships in our Entry Pathways page.
Or check out some of the relevant apprenticeship programmes available from educators in Scotland.
Apprenticeships
BSc (Hons) Data Science (GA)
BSc (Hons) Data Science (Graduate Apprenticeship)
BSc (Hons) Graduate Apprenticeship AI and Data Science
In-Person
BSc (Hons) Graduate Apprenticeship Cyber Security
BSc (Hons) Software Development for Business (GA)
BSc IT Software Development (Graduate Apprenticeship)
BSc Software Engineering (Graduate Apprenticeship)
Cyber Security GA – MSc Distance learning
Hybrid
Cybersecurity GA – BEng (Hons) Day release
Foundation Apprenticeship in Information Technology: Software Development (SCP)
Introduction to Computing (Foundation Apprenticeship)
MA Business Management (Graduate Apprenticeship)
Whether you’re just starting out, or as you develop further in your career, it’s very important that you continue to learn and develop your skills. Developing knowledge and skills will help boost your confidence, pursue new opportunities and have an exciting and rewarding career journey.
The skills demand and trends in our sector.
Study in Scotland’s most outstanding colleges and universities.
Develop an understanding of sustainability and climate-related challenges.
