Further & Higher Education

Community believes that access to learning is a fundamental human right. Education builds confidence and self-esteem and gives people dignity. It’s also a key to succeeding in our ever-changing working world, where flexible skill development is vital. That’s why we have an in-house learning team based around the UK, dedicated to supporting our members access training and education.

Become a Union Learning rep

Help yourself and your colleagues get on at work by becoming a Union Learning Rep

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Further & Higher Education

Further and higher education is any study that leads to qualifications at level four or above. These include degrees, Foundation degrees, higher national diplomas, national vocational qualifications level 4 and 5 and other professional qualifications.

  • If you are not ready to commit to a degree, you could start with a certificate or diploma of higher education with the Open University. You can gradually build your studies, and if you opt for a degree later, you’re already part way there. The Open University route is a popular route for Community members, check it out here.
  • Produced by the Open University, Community members have access to over 1000 free courses across eight subject areas on OpenLearn.
  • With Future Learn you can choose from a range of online, flexible courses exploring technology trends like data, cyber security, data science, and digital marketing, plus learn to code or develop programming skills from beginner to advanced level.
  • 10% study discount for Community members when you study with Birkbeck University of London.*
  • Community have established the Bursary Benefit fund that provides members (or their children) with a bursary to support them in their first year at university or higher education. Contact us for more information.

Read more about higher education here.

*To qualify for the Birkbeck University of London discount, you must have been a Community member for at least three months before the start of the academic year. The discount must be claimed at the point of enrolment and claims cannot be made retrospectively.