Free Upskilling/reskilling courses

Sustainability/ Net zero

Transition to Net Zero- closed

Level: postgraduate module. SCQF level 11, 20 credits

Entry requirement: Honours degree or ordinary degree with minimum three years relevant work experience. Other applicants who possess substantial experience in an appropriate field may also be considered.

Duration: 14 weeks

Start week: 29 January, applications now closed

On this course you will examine how greenhouse gas emissions arise, how they are assessed through a range of carbon footprint calculators and how reductions can be made in emissions through energy efficiency, changing fuels (eg using renewable rather than fossil fuels) and through changing behaviour. You will also examine what changes need to be made to enable a transition to a low carbon society and what might be achieved in the short, medium and long term, and assess the economic and social impacts of developing a low carbon society.

Study time: 200 hours of study, which will include online tutor supported study through the university’s virtual learning environment, self-directed study and assessment.

Understanding Sustainable Development- closed

Level: undergraduate module. SCQF level 7, 20 credits

Entry requirement: Evidence of qualifications required for undergraduate degree level study. Relevant work experience will also be considered for entry to this course

Duration: 14 weeks

Assessment: Two assignments 1) Policy Brief/Explainer on key topic of student choice (1500 words) 2) Reflection on Collaborative Discussions (1000 words)

Reading list available

Start week: 29 January, applications now closed

With a climate emergency and accelerating biodiversity loss, the need for an understanding of Sustainable Development has never been more important. Join us on this course to understand the concept and current applications of sustainable development. You will trace the history of the sustainability concept and explore the obstacles faced with real-life examples. You will learn in a supportive and collaborative environment to share experience and understanding and envision our own idea of a sustainable future.

Study time: 200 hours of study, which will include online tutor supported study through the university’s virtual learning environment, self-directed study and assessment. All materials are available in advance to students with no live lectures.

Energy modelling for buildings- closed

Level: postgraduate module. SCQF level 11, 20 credits

Entry requirement: Honours degree (in any subject) or ordinary degree with minimum three years relevant work experience. Other applicants who possess substantial experience in an appropriate field may also be considered.

Duration: 14 weeks

Assessment: 3 assessments – 1) Multiple choice test, 2) Case Study (1500 words), 3) Essay (2000 words)

Start week: 29 January, applications now closed

On this course, you will explore building energy modelling. You will examine building physics, low carbon building technologies and design strategies and methodologies. You will assess climate change drivers for improving energy efficiency in the built environment, develop knowledge of factors influencing energy performance in buildings and undertake building energy simulations (using DesignBuilder, PHPP software).

Energy modelling is a key instrument in developing a sustainable built environment to combat climate change and is now required by law in all EU member states. Students do not require any prior knowledge of the specialised software.

Study time: 200 hours of study, which will include online tutor supported study through the universities virtual learning environment, self-directed study and assessment.

Digital skills

Introduction to cyber security

Level: undergraduate module. SCQF level 7, 20 credits

Entry requirement: 2 Highers (in any subject) or relevant work experience

Duration: 14 weeks

Start week: 5 February, Applications extended to Monday 29 January

Assessments include creating a presentation, undertaking practical activities and a short report.

The module will allow you to get a basic practical understanding of cybersecurity and cyber resilience and the relationship between these two areas of security. This will enable you to have the awareness and confidence to protect yourself and support others online. The module content is at SCQF 7 however is appropriate for anyone with an interest in cyber security.

The course is designed to be taught when it is convenient for the students. No time off work will be required during the day and all activity is carried out online. There is normally a weekly lecture and support session that lasts for approx. an hour, or more if required, with further email support available. While the sessions are beneficial as they allow you to ask questions there and then, all lectures and tutorial sessions are recorded for viewing in your own time.

Study time: 200 hours per module, however it depends on your previous experience whether you will need all of this time. If you were able to set aside a day at the weekend or a couple of evenings for study, you would not be far off what is required for achieving the award.

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Get Started with R for Data Analytics- closed

Level: undergraduate module. SCQF level 8, 20 credits

Entry requirement: Evidence of qualifications required for HND level study. Relevant work experience will also be considered for entry to this course

Duration: 14 weeks

Start week: 29 January. Applications now closed.

Assessment is in 2 parts:

1. A 10 min pre-recorded presentation on the results of some data analysis (including visualisations)
2. The code used to perform the data analysis and visualisations presented above.

This module gives students a practical introduction to R for the analysis and visualisation of data, including statistical analysis. With data increasingly available and utilised within all businesses this skillset is increasingly in demand within the workplace.

Analysing data often begins with visualising it, observing the relationships that appear and discovering anything unexpected. This module will teach you how to use the open-source statistical software R to visualise data including cleaning, preparing and summarising the data sets. Alongside the data visualisations, statistical analysis will be introduced with a reproducible report document format. The skills learned in the module are used in many fields and are applicable for use with many datasets, regardless of size.

R is a widely used tool throughout various industries and businesses. It has a large open-source community who contribute to the development of new tools and techniques, along with providing community support.

Study time: 200 hours of study, which will include teaching, self-directed study and assessment, with typically two one-hour tutor led discussions on a specific topic. However, there is no requirement to attend any face-to-face virtual sessions at specific scheduled times, discussions can be accessed at a time that suits you through the university’s virtual learning environment.

Business, leadership and management skills

Undergraduate level

Project planning and management- closed

Level: undergraduate degree module. SCQF 9, 20 credits

Entry requirement: Evidence of qualifications required for degree level study. Relevant work experience will also be considered for entry to this course

Duration: 14 weeks

Assessment:

• design a project plan for a conference and submit a Project Manager’s report
• simulate the solutions needed to get a project back on track when things go wrong and submit a Project Manager’s report

Start week: 22 January, Applications now closed

This module will develop your understanding of the application of project planning and control in modern organisations by developing critical evaluative skills and research techniques. You will learn how to apply project management principles to design a project plan, use software applications in a project planning content and evaluate the role of risk analysis and quality assurance in a good planning methodology.

Study time: 200 hours of study, which will include teaching, self-directed study and assessment, with typically two-hour tutor led discussions on a specific topic. However, there is no requirement to attend any face-to-face virtual sessions at specific scheduled times, discussions can be accessed at a time that suits you through the university’s virtual learning environment.

Quality Management- closed

Level: undergraduate degree module. SCQF 9, 20 credits

Entry requirement: Evidence of qualifications required for degree level study. Relevant work experience will also be considered for entry to this course

Duration: 14 weeks

Assessment – two pieces of coursework examining the quality provision for a company, designed to promote your research, and understanding of the quality issues within a context of your choosing.

Start week: 22 January, Applications now closed

On this module you will evaluate the role of quality management systems in modern business or the public sector. You will gain an understanding and be able to evaluate the main themes of assurance, control, evaluation, standards and benchmarking. The module focuses on core issues in procedure development and evaluation to ensure best practice. Core to this are rigorous recording and documentation standards and progression of version control and communication. You will also explore the role of the assurance team and the communication channels used to disseminating policy.

Study time: 200 hours of study, which will include teaching, self-directed study and assessment, with typically two-hour tutor led discussions on a specific topic. However, there is no requirement to attend any face-to-face virtual sessions at specific scheduled times, discussions can be accessed at a time that suits you through the university’s virtual learning environment.

Health and wellbeing

Postgraduate level

Child and Adolescent Mental Health- closed 

Level: Degree module. SCQF level 10, 20 credits

Entry requirement: evidence of previous or current undergraduate degree study in the health/social care or education subject areas.  

Duration: 14 weeks

Assessment: 3 assessments

1. discussion board contribution
2. online multiple-choice quiz
3. case study essay.

Start week: 22 January, applications now closed

This module is aimed to those working with children either in schools or in voluntary roles. In the module you will examine the concept of health and wellbeing in relation to mental health in children and adolescents and explore key policy documents like Getting it Right for Every Child (GIRFEC). You will gain an awareness of child and adolescent mental health services and their differences across the UK and the importance of progress, participation and partnerships, as well as an overview of specific mental health disorders. Other areas explored in the module are stigma and labelling; child development in particular the theories of attachment; risk factors for mental health issues for children themselves, within families and within environments; and resilience, in particular the promotion of resilience in the school years.

Study time: 200 hours of study, which will include reading, discussion board contributions, watching videos, and completion of assessments. This equates to approximately 10 hours per week but that is dependent on previous understanding and knowledge, experiences etc. There is no requirement to attend any face-to-face virtual sessions at specific scheduled times, the module is delivered online through the university’s virtual learning environment and your study can be done whenever convenient for you each week.

Digital health and social care- closed

Level: postgraduate CPD award. SCQF 11, 20 credits

Entry requirements: An SCQF level 9/10 qualification or equivalent eg an ordinary or honours degree in the health/social care or IT subject areas. Applicants with other relevant qualifications or work experience will be considered on an individual basis.

Assessment: 2 assessments

1. digital project report (3000 words)
2. continual reflection (2000 words).

Duration: 14 weeks

Start week: 29 January, applications now closed

It is becoming increasingly necessary for healthcare professionals to acquire the skills to keep up with the accelerating pace of technology on health and social care outcomes. The Digital Health and Social Care CPD award will help you play your part in this development, providing you with the opportunities to explore how digitisation is used to improve health and social care delivery, through examples such as video links for remote consultations, monitoring systems, apps, and software to support rehabilitation. You will learn about data security, legislation, patient confidentiality, and the impact of digital connectivity, especially in relation to improving access for those in remote and rural areas.

Study time: 200 hours of study, which will include reading, discussion board contributions, watching videos, and completion of assessments. This equates to approximately 10 hours per week but that is dependent on previous understanding and knowledge, experiences etc. There is no requirement to attend any face-to-face virtual sessions at specific scheduled times, the module is delivered online through the university’s virtual learning environment and your study can be done whenever convenient for you each week.

Creative industries

Music sync and placement- closed

Level: undergraduate degree module. SCQF 7, 20 credits

Entry requirement: No formal entry requirements, student must have an existing digital competency which enables then to operate and troubleshoot their own equipment.

Duration: 14 weeks

Assessment: 2 assessments 1) Report of 1500 words OR a podcast 12-15 minutes long 2) Submit a track of no longer than 90 seconds duration for inclusion in a music library.

Start week: 22 January, applications now closed.

In a media landscape completely transformed by the global pandemic film, television and advertising are adapting to the new normal and finding creative ways to commission, create and produce new content. 'Sync' (placing music in visual media) is still a vital revenue stream and exposure tool for new music. This module has been developed in collaboration with industry to build resilience among creative practitioners so that emerging artists, songwriters, library music writers and composers understand the opportunities in music sync and placement and can stay ahead of the curve.

Study time: 200 hours which will include teaching, self-directed study and assessment. There is no requirement to attend any face-to-face virtual sessions at specific scheduled times, the module is delivered online through the university’s virtual learning environment and your study can be done whenever convenient for you each week.