Does your career need a refresh, or do you feel like a change of direction? If you want to upskill or try something new, but don’t want to overcommit yourself, why don’t you consider doing a short course? 

Each year, Queen Margaret University offers a range of interesting short courses. These are perfect for people who just want to learn something new or who are perhaps considering returning to higher education, but just want to dip their toe in the water before fully embracing a postgraduate degree. And the good thing is that you don’t need prior experience of a subject, or indeed a degree, to secure a place, and thanks to the Scottish Government and the Scottish Funding Council, a number of these courses are available free of change – removing the need for you to dip into your pocket or tap your family for fees. So, whether it’s for fun or for career progression, take a punt and have a look at what’s on offer.  

With courses starting this September and October, and the start of 2024, you can throw yourself into a new course this autumn or book up for one beginning next year. And there’s a wide range to choose from. In the coming months you could be getting an insight into areas of the cultural sector; dramatherapy; gender violence; and safety management. At the start of 2024 there are some free places on our outdoor learning course; introduction to film education; fundraising, development and finance; and planning and marketing cultural projects. There are also places on courses on stage management, as well as on international safeguarding – a course which looks at the safeguarding of vulnerable people in overseas work. You can delve into QMU’s eclectic mix of arts & cultural management; film; international health; and safety course opportunities by reviewing the full course listing at: www.qmu.ac.uk/study-here/short-courses.  

Gemma Blackledge-Foughali, Senior Lecturer in Business, Enterprise and Management, said: “Short courses at QMU offer you a fantastic opportunity to begin re-skilling, so you’re better equipped to enter your preferred industry. They can help expand your skills for use in your current job, or they might even fuel your passion for something completely different.  With the flexibility to learn valuable skills and acquire new knowledge without having to commit to a full-time course, QMU’s range of short courses provides a fantastic opportunity for anyone thinking of returning to education.” 

Gemma added: “Queen Margaret University is committed to social justice so we can create a better society through education. As such, our short courses focus on skills development for the public and not-for-profit sectors. Arranged around four key themes – Education, Sustainability, Social Justice, and Social Entrepreneurship – our courses are intended to enhance the skills base and employability of those working and volunteering in these areas.” 

Most of QMU’s courses are designed to be studied in a flexible way, helping you manage your work, family or caring commitments while still investing in yourself and developing crucial skills for the future. So, what’s stopping you? Make the most of this fantastic opportunity to use a short course to help you gain new knowledge, develop new skills and invigorate your enthusiasm for life and learning! 

Check out QMU’s full set of short courses options at: https://www.qmu.ac.uk/study-here/short-courses/