Open Learning
Learn in your own time from the comfort of your own home through open learning. Study one of our short courses to enhance your qualifications, improve your skills or learn something new.
See below for FREE courses in Social Studies & Care and Childcare.
Browse our options:
Maths and English
Enhance your Maths or English skills with an opening learning qualification at Dumfries and Galloway College.
This could help you with maths in real-life situations, such as managing your finances or help you build up your communication skills and sense of emotional understanding.
Working within SCQF level 5 or 6, as a student, you can comfortably work from home at your own pace with support from our tutors. Our Maths and English courses can help you progress to higher education, including teacher training and nursing.
Literature 1 @ SCQF Level 6
Develop your literary analysis skills and build your awareness of social and moral concerns with Literature 1.
Communication (NC) @ SCQF Level 6
Build on your practical skills in reading, writing, listing and talking with Communication (NC) @ SCQF Level 6.
Applications of Mathematics National Award @ SCQF Level 5
Develop your mathematics reasoning skills in a real-life context in areas such as finance, statistics, data management, measurement, and geometary.
Numeracy @ SCQF Level 5
Progress your numerical skills for everyday situations with Numereracy @ SCQF Level 5
Adult Health & Social Care
Gain a qualification in Social Studies that helps you understand and care for people.
You can choose to study human behaviour with psychology or learn safe practices which can help you support individuals with dementia or be able to safely handle medicines.
You can comfortably work from home at your own pace with the support from our tutors.
FREE courses below
Understanding the Safe Handling of Medicines
FREE Course
Develop your knowledge of safe handling of medicines with Understanding the Safe Handling of Medicines course
Awareness of Dementia
FREE Course
Understand common types of dementia and their causes with Awareness of Dementia course.
Understanding End of Life Care
FREE Course
Improve your knowledge of end of life care and palliative care with Understanding End of Life Care course.
Mental Health Awareness
FREE Course
Develop your knowledge and understanding of various forms of mental distress with Mental Health Awareness course.
An Introduction to a Career in Social Care
FREE Course
This exciting brand-new six-week, part-time programme is being delivered entirely online in conjunction with College Development Network to help give you the flexibility to study around your other commitments.
Understanding Mental Health First Aid and Mental Health Advocacy in The Workplace
FREE Course
Aimed at anyone wanting to increase their knowledge and understanding of mental ill health and how to support people experiencing mental distress.
Understanding Equality and Diversity
FREE Course
This course aims to give learners an introduction to the issues around stereotyping, prejudice and discrimination. It will also help you to identify the basic rights that all people should enjoy and the shared values people have.
Understanding Safeguarding and Prevent
FREE course
This vital course combines three interrelated themes: safeguarding in general; online safety; and the Prevent duty. This course is aimed at anyone who works with children, young people or vulnerable adults, have a legal duty in respect of safeguarding and Prevent.
Principles of Working with Individuals with Learning Disabilities
FREE course
This course is aimed at learners who work with, or would like to work with, individuals with learning disabilities. Although it will be particularly useful to those working in health and social care, it will also be of interest to those who work in education or housing support roles.
Childcare
Develop your understanding of children’s wellbeing by learning about issues that affect them, including mental health and illnesses.
You will pick up the ability to spot signs of illnesses and understand how to react.
You can comfortably work from home at your own pace with support from our tutors.
FREE courses below
Understanding Children and Young People's Mental Health
FREE course
Develop awareness and knowledge of caring for children and young people's mental health with Understanding Children and Young People's Mental Health course.
Understanding Childhood Illnesses
FREE course
Understand and gain the knowledge of why children develop illness and knowing what to do in these situations with Understanding Childhood Illnesses courses.
Certificate in Understanding Behaviour That Challenges
FREE course
Gain an insight into behaviour that challenges and how to respond to situations in the most appropriate and supportive way.
Certificate in Understanding Autism
FREE course
Develop an understanding of autism and how to support individuals with autism.
Introduction to Neuroscience and Self-Regulation in Early Years
FREE course
The new qualification combines two highly topical themes within child development and early years provision - neuroscience and self-regulation.
Sustainability
Enhance your career prospects and learn the principles of sustainability.
Help your business to meet the needs of the future and ensure you're putting the right practices in place to become more efficient and help Scotland meet its net zero targets.
Our range of courses provide an understanding of sustainable goals, the benefits of an environmental management system and how organisations can help prevent pollution.
You could also learn how to set energy saving targets and how legislation and international agreements might have an impact on your business.
FREE courses below
Social Responsibility of Business
FREE course
Social responsibility in business is becoming increasingly important for the environment and consumers looking to buy from responsible companies.
Principles of Sustainable Energy
FREE course
This course has been designed to explain what sustainable energy management is, ways to manage energy usage and energy conservation techniques that can help reduce carbon footprints.
Principles of Sustainable Development
FREE course
Sustainable development is defined as development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Principles of Sustainable Transport
FREE course
This course covers what is meant by sustainable transport, types of leisure travel and sustainable fuel.
Principles of Waste Management
FREE course
This course covers different types of waste and how they can be recycled or disposed of safely, the benefits and relevant legislation.
Sustainability Applied in Own Setting
FREE course
Improve your understanding and awareness of environmental sustainability in your home and personal life.
Explore our courses
If you're still not sure which course to apply for, we have a wide range of courses available. Spaces are filling up fast so don't miss out.