Online and distance learning courses

We offer a range of free distance learning courses from Entry Level to Level 3 in skills relevant to the health care and education sectors, as well as online courses  provided by Ascentis, which are regulated qualifications that are nationally recognised. All distance and online learning courses include tutor support and are not self-study, or entirely remote.

(Free courses are subject to availability).

Distance learning courses

Short introduction courses / CPD (Entry Level)

• Alcohol Awareness
• Awareness of Substance Misuse
• Conflict Management
• Consent Matters
• COSHH Risk Assessment
• Dementia Awareness
• Digital Marketing for Business
• Digital Marketing Review
• Discipline in the Workplace
• Email as a Promotional Tool for Business
• Fire Safety Principles
• First Aid - Choking, Seizures and Chest Pain
• First Aid - Common Illnesses
• First Aid - Head Injuries and Allergic Reactions
• First Aid - Role of the First Aider
• Food Safety Awareness
• Gender Identity in Children and Young People
• General Data Protection Regulations
• Health and Safety in the Work Place
• Induction Essentials
• Induction of New Staff
• Inequality and Race
• Leading and Motivating a Team
• Manual Handling Safety at Work
• Mental Capacity Act
• Mental Health Awareness
• Organising and Delegating
• Performance Management
• Personal Money Management
• Planning and Allocating Work
• Prepare and Deliver Excellent Customer Service
• Prevent Duty
• Prevention of Control and Infection 
• Principles of Exercise and Fitness
• Principles of Healthy Eating
• Principles of Internet Safety
• Principles of Safeguarding
• Principles of Sustainable Communities
• Principles of Sustainable Development
• Principles of Sustainable Energy Management
• Principles of Sustainable Transport
• Principles of Waste Management
• Principles of Weight Management
• Rights and Responsibilities
• Safeguarding Adults and Children
• Search Engine Optimisation for Business
• Sexual Health Awareness
• Social Media for Business
• Social Responsibility of Business in Relation to Sustainability
• Solving Problems and Decision Making
• Stress Management
• Sustainability in Business Administration and Digital
• Sustainability in the Beauty and Personal Care Sector
• Sustainability in the Construction Sector
• Sustainability in the Health Care Sector
• Sustainability in the Hospitality and Catering Sector
• The Importance of British Values
• The Importance of Online Safety
• Understanding Anxiety
• Understanding Bullying and Discrimination in Children and Young People
• Understanding Depression
• Understanding Eating Disorders
• Understanding Equality and Diversity
• Understanding Food Hygiene and Safety
• Understanding Leadership
• Understanding Stress
• Understanding the Safe handling of Medication

Level 1

• Award in Alcohol Awareness
• Award in Awareness of Substance Misuse
• Award in Mental Health Awareness
• Award in Sexual Health Awareness

Level 2

• Certificate in Allergy Awareness - Working in Health and Social Care
• Certificate in Allergy Awareness - Working in the Service Sector
• Certificate in Awareness of Mental Health Problems
• Certificate in Caring for the Elderly
• Certificate in Cleaning Knowledge and Skills
• Certificate in Common Health Conditions
• Certificate in Counselling Skills
• Certificate in Equality and Diversity
• Certificate in Fall Prevention Awareness
• Certificate in Improving Service User Experience in Health and Social Care
• Certificate in Lean Organisation Management Techniques
• Certificate in LGBT Inclusion in the Workplace
• Certificate in Living in a Fair and Diverse Society
• Certificate in Preparing to Work in Adult Social Care
• Certificate in Principles of Business Administration
• Certificate in Principles of Care Planning
• Certificate in Principles of Customer Service
• Certificate in Principles of Dementia Care
• Certificate in Principles of End-of-Life Care
• Certificate in Principles of Team Leading
• Certificate in Principles of the Prevention and Control of Infection in Health Care Settings
• Certificate in Principles of Working with Individuals with Learning Difficulties
• Certificate in Safeguarding, Prevent and British Values
• Certificate in Self Harm and Suicide Awareness and Prevention
• Certificate in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities
• Certificate in the Safe Handling of Medication in Health and Social Care
• Certificate in Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences
• Certificate in Understanding Autism
• Certificate in Understanding Behaviour That Challenges
• Certificate in Understanding Cancer Support
• Certificate in Understanding Children's and Young People's Mental Health
• Certificate in Understanding Common Childhood Illnesses
• Certificate in Understanding Dignity and Safeguarding in Adult Social Care
• Certificate in Understanding Domestic Abuse 
• Certificate in Understanding Mental Health First Aid and Mental Health Advocacy in the Workplace
• Certificate in Understanding Mental Health in the Early Years
• Certificate in Understanding Nutrition and Health
• Certificate in Understanding Personal Care Needs
• Certificate in Understanding Technology Enabled Care
• Certificate in Understanding the Care and Management of Diabetes
• Introduction to Neuroscience In Early Years

Level 3

Please Contact Durham Learn for more details as these Level 3 courses cost money. Advanced Learner Loans are available.

• Award in Education and Training
• Certificate in Allergy Awareness - Working with Children
• Certificate in Awareness of Bullying in Children and Young People
• Certificate in Introducing Caring for Children and Young People
• Certificate in Principles of Customer Service
• Certificate in Principles of End-of-Life Care
• Certificate in Principles of Leadership and Management
• Certificate in Understanding Autism
• Certificate in Understanding Mental Health
• Certificate in Understanding the Principles of Dementia Care
• Diploma in Lead Adult Care
• Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools

Online courses

Our online courses are provided by Ascentis and offer regulated qualifications that are nationally recognised.

Entry level

• Equality and Diversity
• Internet Safety for IT Users
• Introduction to British Values

Level 1

• Awareness of Social Media and Online Safety
• Citizenship
• Environmental Sustainability
• Equality and Diversity
• Health and Safety
• Healthy Living
• Internet Safety for IT Users
• Managing Personal Finance
• Mental Health and Wellbeing
• Personal Health and Wellbeing
• Preventing Plastic Pollution
• Understanding Employment, Business and Enterprise

Level 2

• Environmental Sustainability
• Food Safety in Catering
• Healthy Living

Final Assessments

Final assessments for these courses will take place at a local assessment centre. 

Use the Enquire about DurhamLearn courses to ask for further information on any of our courses, or alternatively you can Contact Durham Learn.

Other distance learning

In partnership with our County Durham Care Academy - careers in social care, we offer a wide range of flexible distance learning courses. You can view these and enrol at County Durham Adult Learning and Skills.