Specialist Learning Courses

The level 2 award in peer mentoring has been developed for learners who want to be peer mentors, giving support to other individuals to enable them to make changes in their lives. The qualification provides an understanding of the peer mentoring process and the key skills used in peer mentoring. You will learn about peer mentoring with young adults, people with mental health issues, addictions, homelessness and those who have experienced challenges in their lives. We welcome applications from those who have lived experience in these areas.

Do you work with vulnerable children, young people and their families? Would you like to know what issues they may face and what support is available? Or are you interested in this field and feel you have something to contribute?



This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.

The emotional health and well-being of children is just as important as their physical health and well-being. In 2016 10% of 5-16 years olds were diagnosed with a significant mental health illness. This course will introduce you to the concepts, impacts and approaches to supporting child and youth mental health. It is aimed at those working with children or interesed in the mental health of children and young people.



This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.

Do you have a great idea that could change your community? Would you like to help and inspire other people? This course is everything you need to start your own community action project. Delivered by an experienced project manager and community leader.

Do you know a hard of hearing or deaf person who needs to lipread you? Find out how lipreading works and how you can make some small adjustments in order to become more 'lipreadable'.







This course will be taught in spoken English and not in sign language.

Are you interested in learning BSL? Join us to learn some basic vocabulary and grammar and decide if you want to progress to the level 1 qualification.







This course will be taught online.



This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.

The course will cover the features of age-related hearing loss and how these relate to what, and how, older people hear and understand. Participants will learn communication strategies so that older people can understand them better.







This course will be taught in spoken English and not in sign language.

'Train the Trainer' is a practical weekend course designed to help you gain ideas for effective facilitation and managing groups. It is suitable if you are thinking of becoming a trainer and want to gain confidence in planning and facilitating the training, or if you are an experienced trainer and want to refresh your practice. You will leave with some tools and techniques that will ensure your training is engaging and productive for your learners. On day 2 you will have the opportunity to deliver a short micro-training or interactive presentation. You are required to attend both days of this course.

Do you currently work in the mental health field, or are you interested in getting into this area? This course will increase your understanding of mental wellbeing and mental ill health. You will investigate the common signs and symptoms of mental health issues as well as exploring the range of agencies involved in the sector. You will identify best practice in planning care that supports people holistically. The course is particularly useful if you are studying or hoping to work in support work, care work or mental health. Applications are encouraged from learners who have used support services or have experienced homelessness. On successful completion you will achieve the level 2 understanding working with people with mental health needs certificate.

Do you work in a setting where you find yourself dealing with individuals who present challenging behaviour? Do you want to feel more confident in understanding and responding to challenging behaviour? This is a practical, one-day course where you will gain strategies to diffuse and de-escalate challenging situations and develop incident and risk management skills for your workplace.



This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.

Learn strategies to help you speak more easily, work on becoming less sensitive about stammering (also known as stuttering), reduce avoidance strategies and be introduced to ways of managing difficult thoughts and feelings. This intensive course will enable you to make maximum progress in minimum time. It runs for five days Monday to Friday, then two follow-up days on September 11-12.

These sessions can be taught at any level and are designed to help you improve your BSL. You can ask your teacher to give guidance on specific areas of BSL. This can also be used to ‘brush up’ and practise before assessments and exams. If you are on one of our BSL courses and wish to undertake further practice in your own time then this course is for you! Please contact the department for further details and to discuss your requirements. You will then be assigned one of our BSL teachers to work with you.



Sessions can be face-to-face or via Zoom.



This course will be delivered online and in person. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.

Individually tailored 1-1 lipreading coaching sessions. These can be taught at any level. Sessions normally last one hour. Timing and day can be flexible dependant on tutor availability. Fee of £59 is for one hour's tuition.







This course can be delivered face-to-face or online by arrangement with the lipreading department.



This course will be delivered online and in person. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.