Skills for life and work
We offer a range of courses for you to develop your skills and knowledge for both life and work. You can enjoy a course starting from beginners’ level all the way to advanced level. Build your confidence in reading, writing, mathematics, and digital skills on a short or long course. Our supportive tutors will help you gain the skills and qualifications to achieve your ambitions.
Most of our courses are FREE if you are on a low income or claiming benefits.
How do I apply?
Step 1: Book an appointment for an assessment at our campus so we can offer you the right course.
Step 2: We will mark your assessment in 7 working days and email you with the courses we can offer.
Step 3: Then complete your enrolment by either calling or visiting the college enrolment team.
How to book an appointment for an assessment?
Call 02045820423 or email universal.skills@citylit.ac.uk
Where will the assessment take place?
Initial assessments take place at our City Lit Campus Keeley Street London, WC2B 4BA on the M floor student learning centre.
- City Lit gift vouchers - the perfect giftLooking for that perfect present? Treat someone to the gift of learning with a course at City Lit. Available from £10, our gift vouchers can be used to book a place on any of our courses, from London walks and food tasting to museum visits, poetry and much more. Simply purchase your voucher and the recipient can choose from thousands of courses, at a time which suits them.Full fee £10.00
- English pronunciation: stage 2 (intensive)Course start date: Mon 27 Jul 2026
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: David John GwillimIdeal if you have completed 'English Pronunciation: stage 1', this intensive course, held over five consecutive days in the same week, develops fluency and clarity and explores diphthongs and triphthongs, inflexion and intonation, and the rhythms of standard English.
Full fee £249.00 Senior fee £199.00 Concession £174.00 - ESOL - communication skills for life and work - level 2 (Reading)Course start date: Mon 7 Sep 2026 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
This is the Level 2 ESOL Reading unit to help you become confident in understanding more complex written texts used in work, education, and daily life in the UK. This course supports you in reading a wide range of authentic texts and preparing for the ESOL Skills for Life Level 2 Reading exam, accredited by the English Speaking Board (ESB).
You will practise reading strategies, develop critical reading skills, and learn how to compare and analyse texts in detail. This course also supports your progress to Functional Skills English or further academic study.
This course runs during term 1.
You need to do a short test before joining.
Contact: universal.skills@citylit.ac.uk or call 0204 582 0423
This course is FREE if you are employed and on a low wage or you are claiming benefits. For more information Click here
Full fee £339.00 Senior fee £339.00 Concession £237.00 - ESOL - communication skills for life and work - level 1 (Reading)Course start date: Mon 7 Sep 2026 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
This is the Level 1 ESOL Reading unit to give you confidence in reading straightforward and some complex texts for work, study and everyday life. At Level 1, you will develop the confidence and ability to read and understand a variety of texts including emails, letters, articles, forms, profiles, books, newspapers, and websites. The course will help you identify key information, understand vocabulary in context, and interpret meaning in a range of reading materials.
This course runs during term 1. You need to do a short test before joining. Contact: universal.skills@citylit.ac.uk or call 0204 582 0423
This course is FREE if you are employed and on a low wage or you are claiming benefits. For more information Click here
Full fee £339.00 Senior fee £339.00 Concession £237.00 - Getting ready for English Functional Skills (level 1)Course start date: Tue 8 Sep 2026
Location on this date: Keeley Street
This course is designed to help you build the essential English skills needed to progress to the accredited Functional Skills English Level 1 course. You will develop your reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills in practical, everyday contexts. The course focuses on the core foundational skills required for success at Level 1, including grammar, punctuation, spelling, and communication strategies.
An assessment in Week 5, along with your attendance and participation, will determine whether you are ready to move on to the accredited course.
This course is FREE if you are employed and on a low wage or you are claiming benefits. For more information Click here
Full fee £133.00 - English language for confident speakers ( Reading and Writing) (Entry 1- Entry 3)Course start date: Tue 8 Sep 2026 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
This course will support you to develop your English reading and writing skills. You will learn how to read short texts, understand the main ideas, and find important details. You will also develop your writing by making clear sentences, using correct punctuation, and spelling common words. The course helps you write emails, notes, and letters for everyday life.
You will build confidence by learning new words and grammar, and by practising in a friendly and helpful classroom. The course is good for people who want to feel surer when using English at home, at work, or in the community.
This course is FREE if you are employed and on a low wage or you are claiming benefits. For more information Click here
Full fee £205.00 - ESOL - communications skills for life and work Entry 3 (Reading)Course start date: Thu 10 Sep 2026
Location on this date: Keeley Street
This is the Entry 3 ESOL Reading unit of the course to give you confidence in reading simple text for everyday life, work and study. You will practice reading different types of texts such as stories, descriptions, messages, letters, adverts, menus, books, newspapers, posters, signs, blogs and websites through practical activities. You will read about interesting everyday topics, learn how to find information and understand the main ideas in texts. Whether you're reading for information, instructions, or pleasure, this course will help you become a more successful and independent reader.
This course runs during term 1. You need to do a short test before joining. Contact: universal.skills@citylit.ac.uk or call 0204 582 0423
This course is FREE if you are employed and on a low wage or you are claiming benefits. For more information Click here
Full fee £339.00 Senior fee £339.00 Concession £237.00 - English language GCSECourse start date: Thu 10 Sep 2026
Location on this date: Keeley Street
This intensive English Language GCSE course at City Lit is designed for adults aiming to strengthen their reading, writing, and analytical skills to a nationally recognised standard. Through the exploration of diverse texts from the 19th to 21st centuries, learners will develop the ability to interpret, critique, and craft written content with clarity and precision. The course also enhances spoken communication and grammarproficiency, preparing students for academic progression or improved career prospects. Structured support, regular assessments, and digital learning tools ensure a comprehensive and engaging learning experience.
Course title:GCSE English Language Course (AQA)
Course Code:AC103
This course is free for learners who have not achieved a GCSE grade C (4) and higher in English. For more information Click here
Full fee £617.00 - Getting ready for maths functional skills (level 1)Course start date: Fri 11 Sep 2026
Location on this date: Keeley Street
This course offers a supportive environment for learners to refresh and strengthen their maths skills before progressing to a formal qualification. It encourages practical thinking and builds confidence through everyday applications of maths. Learners are guided to develop problem-solving strategies and mathematical reasoning, helping them feel more prepared and capable in both learning and life.
This course is FREE if you are employed and on a low wage or you are claiming benefits. For more information Click here
- Maths for life and work - Pathway to Entry levelCourse start date: Mon 14 Sep 2026 (and 2 other dates)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
This is a beginner-friendly maths course designed for adults who want to build confidence with everyday numeracy.
This course is FREE if you are employed and on a low wage or you are claiming benefits. For more information Click here
Full fee £184.00 - Getting ready for English Functional Skills (level 2)Course start date: Mon 14 Sep 2026
Location on this date: Keeley Street
This course is designed to help you strengthen the essential English skills required to succeed in the accredited Pearson Functional Skills English Level 2 qualification. It focuses on building confidence and competence in reading, writing, speaking, and listening through practical, real-life contexts.
This course is FREE if you are employed and on a low wage or you are claiming benefits. For more information Click here
Full fee £133.00 - English communication skills - for life and work (level 1)Course start date: Mon 14 Sep 2026 (and 2 other dates)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
This course helps learners with additional learning needs build essential English communication skills for everyday life and work. Through discussion, group activities, and practical tasks, learners develop confidence in speaking, listening, reading, and writing in a friendly and supportive environment. It’s ideal for those who want to strengthen their basic English and feel more comfortable using it in real-world situations.
This course is FREE if you are employed and on a low wage or you are claiming benefits. For more information Click here
- Getting Ready for Maths Functional Skills (Entry 3)Course start date: Mon 14 Sep 2026
Location on this date: Keeley Street
This course offers a practical and supportive introduction to using maths in everyday life. It’s designed to help learners build confidence through hands-on activities and collaborative learning. With a focus on real-world applications, the course encourages problem-solving and independent thinking, laying a strong foundation for future progress in maths.
This course is FREE if you are employed and on a low wage or you are claiming benefits. For more information Click here
Full fee £133.00 - English communication skills for life and work (ESOL entry 2)Course start date: Tue 15 Sep 2026 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Can you speak, read, and write a little English but want to do more? This course will help you speak more clearly, write better emails and messages, and understand others more easily. You will learn more grammar, new words, and improve your pronunciation. By the end of the course, you will feel more confident speaking English in daily life.
You can join the course during terms 1,2 or 3. You need to do a short test before joining. Contact: universal.skills@citylit.ac.uk or call 0204 582 0423
This course is FREE if you are employed and on a low wage or you are claiming benefits. For more information Click here
Full fee £339.00 Senior fee £339.00 Concession £237.00 - Develop your writing and language skills (level 1-level 2)Course start date: Tue 15 Sep 2026
Location on this date: Online
Have you been learning English for years but feel stuck with your writing? Are you a confident speaker who struggles with formal communication? This course will release you! This course is designed to help you break through those barriers. You’ll focus on improving the structure of your writing - from full texts to paragraphs and sentences - while deepening your understanding of grammar. The skills you develop will also support more formal speaking tasks, such as job interviews, workplace meetings, and presentations. Ideal for those who feel comfortable speaking English but want to build confidence in their writing and formal communication.
You can join the course during terms 1 and 3.
You need to do a short test before joining.
Contact: universal.skills@citylit.ac.uk or call 0204 582 0423
This course is FREE if you are employed and on a low wage or you are claiming benefits. For more information Click here
Full fee £195.00 Senior fee £195.00 Concession £137.00
Can't see a course you want?
Add this category to your waiting list to set up alerts and we will update you when new courses are released online.
Add me to waiting list













