How to apply to our Short Courses
Applying to a one of our short courses is simple, start by choosing either a continuing professional development (CPD) course or a postgraduate microcredential and follow the guidance below.
Choosing your Short Course
We offer a range of short courses, designed to equip you with the skills needed to empower both your personal and professional development.
- Postgraduate Microcredential: Microcredentials are courses taught over a period of 8-12 weeks with a final assessment or project. Successful completion of the course will see you receive either 10 or 20 academic credits, of which you could use the credits towards the full Master's programme.
- Continuing Professional Development (CPD): CPD courses can help you stay up to date in your current field or allow you to study something that has always interested you, without a formal assessment at the end of the course. Whilst they are not usually assessed, upon completion you will receive a certificate from the University.
1. Find your course
Explore our range of short courses from Genomic medicine through to Shakespeare. Courses will vary in length, delivery mode and credits, ensuring there is something available for everyone.
Find your course
Check out the individual course pages to find out more detailed information on the course units, entry requirements, and fees.
All our course pages have an enquiry form for you to request more information or the option to contact the programme team for support.
2. Review the entry requirements
Each course page will have further details on the entry requirements for your chosen course. Course may have different entry requirements, so make sure you read these carefully before completing your application.
Entry requirments
Visit the course page and navigate to the 'entry requirements' to see the full details on any relevant qualifications or experience you may need to be accepted into the programme.
Where a formal application is required, this will be reviewed by the admissions tutor for your course and they will decide whether you will receive an offer to study.
3. Complete your application
Search for the course you wish to apply for using the course search. Once you have selected the course, click on the 'Apply Now' button and it will take you to the application form.
Apply now
You will be directed to the appropriate application form designed for your short course. The answers you provide as you proceed through the application are specific to the course you are applying to.
Microcredentials will require a formal application, similar to an undergraduate or postgraduate programme. Whereas some non-credit short courses will have a brief application process and require payment at the point of applying.
Accreditation of Prior Certificated Learning (APCL)
Accreditation of Prior Certificated Learning (APCL)
If you would like credit from a previous award-bearing course to be taken into consideration for exemption from modules of a programme of study at the University of Birmingham, you can complete an APCL application at the same time as completing your short course application.
Find out more about our Accreditation of Prior Certificated Learning (APCL) process.
University Partners
University Partners
Some of our short courses are run in partnership with external providers, such as FutureLearn and Risepoint. Depending on the course you apply to, you may be asked to apply through the University's application portal or through one of our external partners websites.
Follow the guidance on your course page and contact us if you are unsure on how to proceed.
Contact us
If you have any issues with applying or would like more information on your chosen programme, you can find contact details at the bottom of your course page or submit an enquiry form for more details.
Find your course