Free courses for jobs - London

Level 3 qualifications to help you gain new skills and improve your job prospects in London

If you are a Londoner aged 24 or over, you may be eligible to study and gain a level 3 qualification for free at City Lit. This initiative is part of the government's support designed to help you gain the necessary skills for your desired job at any stage in your life.

A level 3 qualification is equivalent to an advanced technical certificate or diploma, or A levels. We have free places on a range of courses covering massage, social media marketing, user experience design, counselling, and art and design.

Important note: Free places for eligible applicants are limited and cannot be guaranteed. To study for free you must also meet the eligibility criteria outlined here.

Browse our courses below and apply for your free place today!

3 Items

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  1. ITEC Level 3 Diploma in Massage: fast-track
    Rating:
    100% of 100
    Course start date:  Fri 11 Sep 2026 (and 5 other dates)

    Location on this date:  Kean Street Wellbeing Centre

    Tutors:  Oge Okoh

    Considering massage therapy as a career? Learn the theory and practice of massage at a professional level. City Lit is a leading training provider in London for Massage and Complementary Therapies, providing outstanding achievement at high industry standards. Our courses are taught by experienced and practising industry professionals who have current knowledge of the massage sector.

    The application process is open until 11 September 2026.





    The Free Courses for Jobs initiative is for Londoners aged 24 or over at the start of the course who are: on a low-income; or on certain benefits; or do not have a full level 3 qualification. For more information Click here





    The course fee is £1749.00. If you are unable to pay the course fee upfront, you can choose to apply for an Advanced Learning Loan from the Student Loans Company (SLC) to help cover the cost. The Advanced Learner loan available for this course is £1749.00. The Loan is repayable after the course ends. For more information, please call Health & Wellbeing on 020 8142 4577. You can find more information about the Advanced Learner Loan here www.citylit.ac.uk/advanced-learner-loans
    Full fee £1,749.00 Senior fee £1,749.00 Concession £1,749.00
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    Rating:
    100% of 100
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  2. VTCT Skills Level 3 Technical Specialist in Sports Massage Therapy (Certificate) Fast – Track
    Course start date:  Fri 18 Sep 2026 (and 1 other date)

    Location on this date:  Kean Street Wellbeing Centre

    Tutors:  Alex Brennan

    Start your training to become a qualified Sports Massage Therapist with our VTCT Skills Level 3 Certificate Technical Specialist in Sports Massage Therapy (This replaces the old VTCT Level 3 Diploma in Sports Massage Therapy). This course is designed for those with no prior Knowledge and / or as a progression for Level 3 Personal Trainers. This course provides you with the qualification and training required to work as a Professional Sports Massage Therapist at level 3enables you to progress onto the Level 4 Certificate in Sports Massage. 

    The course fee is £1549.00. If you are unable to pay the course fee upfront, you can choose to apply for an Advanced Learning Loan from the Student Loans Company (SLC) to help cover the cost (Amount available £1417). The remaining fee of £132.00 will need to be paid at enrolment. If you are unable to pay this fee upfront, you can talk to our Information, Advice and Guidance team who will advise you on other financial support available. You can contact the Advice and Guidance Team by phone on (0203 871 3111) or by email: advice@citylit.ac.uk. The Loan is repayable after the course ends. For more information, please call Health & Wellbeing on 020 8142 4577. You can find more information about the Advanced Learner Loan here www.citylit.ac.uk/advanced-learner-loans





    The Free Courses for Jobs initiative is for Londoners aged 24 or over at the start of the course who are: on a low-income; or on certain benefits; or do not have a full level 3 qualification. For more information Click here





    The course fee is £1549.00. If you are unable to pay the course fee upfront, you can choose to apply for an Advanced Learning Loan from the Student Loans Company (SLC) to help cover the cost. The Advanced Learner loan available for this course is £1417.00. The remaining fee of £132.00 will need to be paid at enrolment. If you are unable to pay this fee upfront, you can talk to our Information, Advice and Guidance team who will advise you on other financial support available. You can contact the Advice and Guidance Team by phone on (0203 871 3111) or by email: advice@citylit.ac.uk. The Loan is repayable after the course ends. For more information, please call Health & Wellbeing on 020 8142 4577. You can find more information about the Advanced Learner Loan here www.citylit.ac.uk/advanced-learner-loans
    Full fee £1,549.00 Senior fee £1,549.00 Concession £1,549.00
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    Add to Compare
  3. Level 3 Certificate in User Experience/User Interface (UX/UI) NCFE
    Evening
    Rating:
    87% of 100
    Course start date:  Mon 28 Sep 2026 (and 1 other date)

    Location on this date:  Blended (learn both online and in-person)

    Tutors:  Itai Bercovier, Alex Gregory
    This Level 3 course is designed for learners wishing to gain knowledge and skills of traditional practices used in UX/UI design industry sectors. On completion of the certificate, you would have the opportunity to join UX/UI design companies as an entry level UX/UI designer with some website creation/design experience or progress onto higher education.



    The Free Courses for Jobs initiative is for Londoners aged 24 or over at the start of the course who are: on a low-income; or on certain benefits; or do not have a full level 3 qualification. For more information Click here





    The course fee is £2799.00. If you are unable to pay the course fee upfront, you can choose to apply for an Advanced Learning Loan from the Student Loans Company (SLC) to help cover the cost. The Advanced Learner loan available for this course is £941.00. The remaining fee of £1858.00 will need to be paid at enrolment. If you are unable to pay this fee upfront, you can talk to our Information, Advice and Guidance team who will advise you on other financial support available. You can contact the Advice and Guidance Team by phone on (0203 871 3111) or by email: advice@citylit.ac.uk. The Loan is repayable after the course ends. For more information, please call Business & Technology on 020 7492 2515. You can find more information about the Advanced Learner Loan here www.citylit.ac.uk/advanced-learner-loans
    Full fee £2,799.00 Senior fee £2,799.00 Concession £2,799.00
    Add to Compare View all available dates
    Rating:
    87% of 100
    Add to Compare
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Frequently asked questions

  • What are Free Courses for Jobs?

    Free Courses for Jobs are government‑funded qualifications designed to help adults gain skills that employers value and improve their chances of finding work or progressing in their careers. If you meet the eligibility criteria, the government covers the course tuition fees. At City Lit, these courses focus on practical, job‑relevant skills taught by specialist tutors in central London.

  • Who are Free Courses for Jobs for?

    Free Courses for Jobs are aimed at adults who want to build new skills, change direction, or progress into better work. At City Lit, you may be eligible if you:

    • Are aged 24 or over,
    • Live in London,
    • Are permitted to live in the UK,
    • Are on a low wage or receiving certain benefits, and
    • Are assessed as working at the right level for the course.

    Eligibility is confirmed during the application process, as funding rules are set nationally but applied locally by providers.

  • Are the courses really free?

    Yes—if you are eligible and offered a funded place, your course tuition fees are paid for through government funding. Free places are limited and subject to availability. If you are not eligible for funding, City Lit can advise on alternative options such as fee remission, concessions or other funded courses.

  • Why do I need to complete an assessment?

    Many Free Courses for Jobs include a pre course assessment. This helps confirm that the course is the right level for you and that you are prepared for Level 3 study. The assessment is not a test to “catch you out” — it is there to support your success on the course.
  • What level are Free Courses for Jobs?

    Most Free Courses for Jobs are Level 3 qualifications, which are broadly equivalent to A levels or advanced technical certificates. Level 3 study can support entry into skilled roles, career change, progression in an existing role, or further professional training.

  • What subjects can I study at City Lit?

    City Lit offers Free Courses for Jobs in selected subject areas linked to skills demand and progression opportunities. These may include digital and marketing related skills, wellbeing and therapy, counselling, and creative or applied pathways. Courses available on this page reflect current funding and may change over time.
  • Do I need previous qualifications or experience?

    This depends on the course. Some Free Courses for Jobs are suitable for beginners, while others may require relevant knowledge or prior study. Entry requirements are clearly listed on each course page, and completing an assessment will help you confirm if a course is suitable for you before enrolling.
  • How long do the courses last?

    Course length varies by subject and qualification. Some courses run over a few months, while others courses can take up to 2 years. Most of courses are offered part time and are designed to fit around adult learners’ work or personal commitments. Intensive fast-track qualifications are also available.
  • Where are the courses taught?

    City Lit’s Free Courses for Jobs are taught in person at City Lit’s central London (Covent Garden) campus. Explore our purpose-built modern campus here.

  • What if I’m not eligible for a free place?

    If you do not qualify for Free Courses for Jobs funding, we can help you explore alternatives. This may include:

    • Applying for a City Lit student bursary,
    • Payment plan options, or
    • Other funded courses, such as Skills for Work or Essential Skills programmes

    Our Student Services team can offer guidance based on your individual circumstances.

  • How do I apply?

    You can browse available courses on this page and apply online. As part of the process, City Lit will check your eligibility and contact you about next steps, which may include an assessment or enrolment guidance.