We understand that returning to education can feel like a big step, especially if it has been a while since you last studied. That’s why this course is designed to ease you back into learning, with plenty of guidance, encouragement, and one-to-one support along the way.
The course is ideal for adults who want to build confidence, develop essential academic skills, and prepare for progression into higher education or improved employment opportunities. It provides a supportive starting point for those who may not yet meet the entry requirements for higher-level study.
You will study English and Maths, working towards either GCSEs or Functional Skills, depending on your prior qualifications. These subjects are highly valued by universities and employers and form a strong foundation for future success.
This Level 2 programme is designed for adults aged 19+ who plan to progress onto an Access to HE Diploma or a Foundation Programme. It offers a confidence-building, supportive pathway to help you take the next step towards your long-term education and career goals.
- English GCSE or Functional Skills Level 2
- Maths GCSE or Functional Skills Level 2
Functional Skills Maths focuses on developing practical mathematical skills that can be applied confidently in everyday life, work, and further study. The course supports students in building core numeracy skills such as using whole numbers, fractions, percentages, ratios, and interpreting data. You will learn how to solve real-life problems involving money, time, measurement, and basic statistics, helping you become more confident in using maths in practical situations. Lessons are skills based and supportive, with an emphasis on understanding rather than memorisation. Functional Skills Maths is ideal for students who want to strengthen essential maths skills needed for employment, further education, and progression onto higher level courses.
GCSE Maths develops a deeper and broader understanding of mathematical concepts required for progression into higher education and a wide range of careers. The course covers topics such as number, algebra, geometry, statistics, and ratio, helping students build problem-solving, reasoning, and analytical skills. You will learn how to apply mathematics to unfamiliar situations, interpret information, and communicate solutions clearly. GCSE Maths is highly valued by universities and employers and is often a key entry requirement for Access to HE diplomas and degree programmes. Lessons are structured and supportive, helping students rebuild confidence and achieve recognised qualifications.
Functional Skills English focuses on developing practical communication skills for everyday life, work, and education. The course supports students in improving reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills through real-world contexts. You will learn how to understand written information, write clearly for different purposes, and communicate confidently in discussions and presentations. Emphasis is placed on spelling, punctuation, grammar, and comprehension, helping students' express ideas effectively and accurately. Functional Skills English is ideal for those who want to build confidence in communication and strengthen essential skills required for employment and progression into further or higher education.
GCSE English develops advanced reading, writing, and communication skills essential for success in higher education and professional careers. Students study a range of texts and learn how to analyse language, structure, and meaning, alongside developing their own writing for different audiences and purposes. The course strengthens spelling, punctuation, grammar, and vocabulary while encouraging critical thinking and interpretation. GCSE English is highly valued by universities and is often a key requirement for Access to HE Diplomas and degree programmes. Teaching is supportive and structured, helping students develop confidence, independence, and a strong academic voice.
Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.
Learning will take place face-to-face in the classroom, supported by specialist tutors in Maths and English who understand the needs of adult learners. Lessons are structured, interactive, and designed to build confidence alongside subject knowledge. Tutors will guide you through key topics step-by-step, ensuring you fully understand concepts before moving on. You will also complete independent work between sessions to consolidate learning, practise skills, and apply knowledge to exam style questions. This blended approach helps you develop good study habits, deepen understanding, and feel well prepared for assessments and progression to higher level courses.
Achieving English and Maths qualifications is essential for progression in both further and higher education and can open up a wide range of career opportunities. These qualifications are often required by employers and universities and are particularly important for students seeking a career change or progression into new roles. Successfully completing this course can lead to progression onto an Access to HE Diploma, Foundation Programme, or a degree level course, helping you move towards professional careers in areas such as healthcare, education, business, and public services. Improving your English and Maths also strengthens confidence, employability, and long-term career prospects.
You will need to be 19 years of age or above on 31 August 2026. To study a GCSE, you would need to already hold GCSE D/3 or Functional Skills Level 2. If you do not have GCSE D/3 you would need to attend a literacy and numeracy assessment for us to assess your suitability to study Functional Skills at Level 2.
There are two types of financial support you may require as a learner on a Level 2 course.
| 2026/27 | Full-time | Part-time |
|---|
| UK | N/A | £1,190 per 20 credit module |
| International | N/A | N/A |
There are two types of financial support you may require as a learner on a Level 2 course.
Tuition fees
You will need to be 19 years of age or above on 31 August 2026, whether you will have to pay for the cost of your course or not depends on criteria such as age, eligibility for discounts, and whether you live in the UK, European Union (EU) or overseas.
When you have enrolled, our Fees Team will check if you and your course are eligible for any fee remission or discounts (not to be mistaken with the Further Education Bursary Funds), or whether you will need to personally finance the course.
Further information on tuition fees
Bursary funding
A means tested Bursary may be available to learners on this course to help with transport costs, childcare and books.
Further information about bursary funding
If you are aged 19 or over on 31 August 2026 and are studying Maths or English, including GCSEs, you may be exempt from paying tuition and exam fees if you do not already hold a grade C (or equivalent) or higher in the subject. This exemption is subject to confirmation and applies only to the subject you are studying.
Further information on tuition fees
If you are aged 19 and over on 31st August 2026 and wish to study Maths or English qualifications (including GCSE) and do not already hold a C grade (or equivalent) or higher in the subject that you are studying at GCSE, you will be exempt from paying tuition fee and exam fees. (subject to confirmation).
When you have enrolled, our Fees Team will check if you and your course are eligible for any fee remission or discounts (not to be mistaken with the Further Education Bursary Funds), or whether you will need to personally finance the course.
Further information on tuition fees.
Start dates
- September - GCSEs and Functional Skills
- January - Functional Skills only
Teaching hours
Like most universities, we operate extended teaching hours at the University of Derby, so contact time with your lecturers and tutors could be anytime between 9am and 9pm. Your timetable will usually be available on the website 24 hours after enrolment on to your course.
Course updates
The information provided on this page is correct at the time of publication but course content, costs and other individual course details do change from time to time and are updated as often as possible, so please do check these pages again when making your final decision to apply for a course. Any updated course details will also be confirmed to you at application, enrolment and in your offer letter.