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4 minutes·Sep 5, 2023·Last updated on Dec 10, 2025

Short Term Courses in the UK: Explore the types, benefits, and more!

Short Term Courses in the UK: Explore the types, benefits, and more!

Short-term courses can be defined as specialised education on a particular topic completed in a shorter period. Usually, a short-term course can be completed in days or weeks, depending on the subject. A short-term course can help students or adults in various ways, such as to boost their resume, learn more about a specific field, or for general knowledge. 

In the UK, there are close to 1,500 online courses available for students to choose from. Most universities also offer several courses as a part of the course curriculum. If you’re planning to start your educational journey in the UK and want to explore more about online or offline short term courses available for international students, we have you covered. Our blog will guide you through the types, benefits, and important questions you may have about short term courses in UK for international students.

Types of Short-Term Courses in UK

There are many short-term courses in UK covering various fields and disciplines. These courses are specifically designed to offer focused education or training. Here are some examples of the types of short-term courses you can find in the UK:

Subject-Oriented Short Term Courses in UK: 

1. Language Courses

Approximate Cost: £100 to £500

Approximate Duration: 1-6 months

Offered By: University of Westminster, Europa School of English, University of Manchester

These short-term courses in UK  include English language courses for native speakers and courses for learning other languages. These courses are good for student who would want to get into fields such as teaching or guest lecturing. 

2. Professional Development

Approximate Cost: £100-£300

Approximate Duration: 1 week - 1 month

Offered by: Coventry University, University of Sussex

Short courses in areas such as leadership, project management, marketing, and communication skills can greatly enhance your career prospects. These courses can work well with people who are interested in the field of banking or finance sector. 

3. Computer and IT Courses

Approximate Cost: Start at £100

Approximate Duration: 1 month - 3 months

Offered By: University of Essex

Popular choices include programming, web development, data analysis and other IT-related subjects. These courses are ideal for people who would want to explore the field of technology, specifically in multinational companies. 

4. Creative Arts and Design

Approximate Cost: £300-£500

Approximate Duration: 1 month - 3 months

Offered By: Guild Hall School of Music & Drama

Photography, graphic design, fashion design and other creative fields offer various course options. These courses are perfect for individuals with a creative nature. 

5. Finance and Business

Approximate Cost:£500-£1000

Approximate Duration: 1 week - 2 months

Offered By: Coventry University, University of Sussex

These short-term courses Improve your business skills with finance, accounting, business management or entrepreneurship courses.

6. Health and Medicine

Approximate Cost: £500 onwards 

Approximate Duration: 2 months - 6 months

Offered By: University of Warwick, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine

Healthcare professionals or individuals interested in health-related topics can benefit from courses like nutrition or first aid.

7. Hospitality and Tourism

Approximate Cost: £200 onwards

Approximate Duration: 3 months - 6 months

Offered By: International Career Institute, London

Explore the hospitality industry through courses in hotel management, tourism studies or culinary arts. These could include courses for specialised food cuisines, such as Thai, Indian, Italian, and so on!

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Curriculum-Based Courses: 

There are also curriculum-based courses available for students. These courses include diploma and certificate programs as well. Some examples of the same are: 

1. Short Diplomas and Certificates

Approximate Cost: £100-£2000

Approximate Duration: 1 month - 3 months

Offered By: Wrexham Glyndŵr University

Various universities and colleges provide diploma and certificate programs across subjects.

2. Online Courses

Approximate Cost: Usually free of cost but could come at a cost as well.

Approximate Duration: This can vary from a few hours to a month or two. 

Offered By: iHasco

Numerous educational institutions in the UK offer online courses, enabling individuals to study from anywhere globally.

3. Short-Term Study Abroad Programs

Approximate Cost: £1000-£1500

Approximate Duration: 2 weeks - 6 weeks or semester-wise (3-4 months)

Offered By: University of Kent

These programs or courses are designed specifically for international students who wish to receive a cultural experience. 

These are the various types of short term courses in UK for international students that are available. You could pick the ones that fit your career requirements and take the time to decide which field you would want to explore. You can also look at the various types of degrees in the UK for more information. 

Benefits of Short-Term Courses in UK

Short term courses in UK can provide a wealth of information and advantages to individuals who wish to enhance their skills in their field of interest. These short term courses in UK for international students can serve as a faster way to acquire valuable knowledge and expertise, which can also help in potential job prospects! Here are a few benefits of short term courses in UK for international students:

1. Skill Enhancement

Short term courses can greatly enhance existing skills. These short term courses in UK can help students acquire deeper knowledge of their fields much quicker!

2. Advancement of Career

A lot of short term courses in UK for international students are created to increase the chances of employability. As these courses can enhance a person's qualifications, it can be beneficial in a competitive job market. 

3. Flexibility

As many short term courses in UK have flexible schedules, it can be beneficial for students to juggle them along with their work and university obligations. This makes it easier for students to give importance to both equally. 

4. Cost-effective

Short term courses in UK for international students are a lot more cost-effective than long-term degree programmes. Short term courses in UK eliminate the costs for living, tuition fees, and so on. 

So, now that you have all the information on the various types of short term courses in UK for international students, we hope you find the one that fits your requirements and helps you kickstart your career! There are a plethora of short term courses in UK for international students available which will not only help you enhance your overall skills but also give you the boost you need in this competitive world. In addition, if you want to know everything about studying in the UK and MOOC courses, we have you covered for that as well!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are short term courses in UK and how long do they last?

Short term courses in UK are educational programs which provide specific skills or knowledge in a shorter time frame than traditional degrees. They can range from a few weeks to a few months, with some extending up to a year.

Are short term courses in UK open to international students?

Yes, many short term courses in UK are open to international students. The eligibility criteria and application process, however, may vary. 

What are the costs associated with short term courses in UK?

The cost of short term courses in UK can vary widely. The costs could depend on the type of course, institution, location, and duration. Some courses may offer scholarships or financial aid, so it's advisable to research and plan your budget accordingly.

Can short term courses in UK lead to career opportunities?

Yes, short term courses in UK can lead to career opportunities by enhancing your skills and knowledge. They can also help for further education. 

How do I apply for short term courses in UK?

To apply for a short term course UK, you may need to follow the application process given by the institution offering the course. 

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