Adult Learners at East Durham College

If you're ready to return to education, retrain or explore something new, we can support you on your journey. Whether you want to learn full-time, part-time or flexibly around other commitments, there’s a course that fits your life at East Durham College.

All Adult Courses Upcoming Enrolments

Help with course costs

Many of our part-time, full-time and flexible adult courses are free, fully-funded or part-funded.

Find out if you're eligible by visiting our course fees and funding page.

Full-time courses for adults

If you're looking to change career, progress to university or take the next step professionally, full-time study can help you reach your goals sooner.

Our full-time adult courses provide an immersive learning experience that's designed to help you succeed.

Why choose EDC for full-time adult learning?

Build your skills and confidence
Gain qualifications that can improve your career prospects and future earning potential
Learn from experienced tutors in industry-standard facilities
Benefit from strong employer links
Be part of a supportive college community learning alongside other adults with similar ambitions

View full-time adult courses by visiting the course finder.

Part-time courses for adults

You can still gain valuable qualifications and develop your skills while you balance work, family and other commitments.

Our part-time adult courses are designed to fit around your schedule so you can reach your goals without putting life on hold.

Whether you want to progress at work, retrain for a new industry or get back into to education after a break – study part-time with EDC.

Why choose EDC for part-time adult learning?

Choose from a wide range of courses
Flexible evening classes, one to two days per week (typical example, 6pm–9pm)
Support from tutors who understand adult students’ needs
Build your confidence, skills and employability for a brighter future

View our part-time adult courses by visiting the course finder.

Land-based short courses at Houghall

At our Houghall Campus, near Durham City, we offer a range of short courses for adults of all abilities – whether you want to boost your professional skills or explore a new interest.

Choose from:

Hobby and interest courses – including gardening, floral design and countryside skills
Industry-recognised training – including chainsaw maintenance, safe use of pesticides (PA1/PA6) and machinery operation

Find out more by visiting our land-based short courses page.

Higher education courses for adults

Work towards a university-level qualification in a supportive, accessible and local environment.

Whether you want to further your career, change profession, gain specialist knowledge or fulfil a lifelong ambition, our higher education courses offer a flexible route to getting there.

Why study higher education as an adult learner with EDC?

Smaller class sizes and dedicated support from experienced tutors
Specialist facilities with strong industry links
Gain higher-level qualifications while balancing work, family and other commitments
A University-accredited college you can trust

Access to Higher Education

If you want to go to university but don't have the right entry requirements, we can help you get there.

Our Access to Higher Education courses are part-time, taught in the evening and provide the UCAS points you need for university.

We currently offer Access to HE in Nursing & Midwifery, Paramedic Science, Physio & Sport Therapy, Radiography and Science.

Visit our Access to Higher Education page to find out more.

Flexible learning

Why choose EDC for flexible learning?

Study from home or work for a Level 2 or Level 3 qualification at a pace that suits you. You don’t need to come onto campus, and you can enrol at any time.

Did you know flexible learning is free for eligible students?

Find out more by visiting our flexible learning courses page.