Short courses

We provide short courses and continuing professional development (CPD) to individuals and businesses in various sectors to meet their training needs and facilitate growth.

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The Sunderland Skills and Inclusion Programme (SSIP) funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF)

The University has been awarded £2.56 million from the ‘People and Skills’ priority of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) programme to lead a consortium of training providers, delivering fully-funded training in Sunderland. 

The Sunderland Skills and Inclusion Programme (SSIP) will offer Sunderland businesses and employees the opportunity to access our fully-funded courses spanning a range of subject specialisms and disciplines, including one-day masterclasses through to accredited courses.

Businesses and organisations are also able to access bespoke courses for their employees. For further information about working together to create a tailored, business-needs-led course, email skills@sunderland.ac.uk.

Masterclasses

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Part-time

5 Step Process Improvement

Given the continuing economic challenges organisations face, and the deficit of key skills for transformation improvement, this 12-week short course will target a cross-section of employees to identify organisational, departmental, and behavioural challenges and propose viable solutions.

Find out more about 5 Step Process Improvement
A pair of hands pressing buttons on a sound desk in a recording studio
Part-time

Audio Drama 101

Explore the essentials of dramatic storytelling. Gain hands-on experience with recording and editing technology. Learn how to write, direct, and edit audio drama.

Find out more about Audio Drama 101
Two students in a recording studio with microphones
Part-time

Audio Podcasting 101

Master the building blocks of storytelling through podcasts. Learn to sculpt using music, audio branding, and sound effects. Understand your audience and build your own brand.

Find out more about Audio Podcasting 101
A person speaking while pointing at a screen
Part-time

Authentic Leadership

Understand what makes effective leadership in the workplace. Develop confidence and satisfaction in your role. Realise your potential as a leader to further benefit your business.

Find out more about Authentic Leadership
A person presenting and pointing at a board while a group of people watch
Part-time

Coaching for Leaders

Explore coaching in the context of business leadership. Understand the coaching process and the importance of setting goals. Develop your existing abilities and qualities that will make you a successful coach.

Find out more about Coaching for Leaders
Group of students sitting outside on giant deckchairs
Part-time

Creating LGBTQ+ Inclusive Spaces

This masterclass is designed to equip participants with the knowledge, skills, and strategies needed to create safe, affirming, and empowering spaces for the LGBTQ+ community.

Find out more about Creating LGBTQ+ Inclusive Spaces
A student working with a laptop while taking notes in a book
Part-time

Digital Marketing

Develop effective digital marketing skills. Understand your objective and create a focused plan for content creation. Implement your knowledge to help your organisation and progress your career.

Find out more about Digital Marketing
A student teacher surrounded by school pupils
Part-time

Gender and Diversity

This short course is ideal for teachers, SENCOs, or other educational and care professionals who want to develop their knowledge and understanding of gender and diversity within educational contexts.

Find out more about Gender and Diversity
A 3D scanner with a laptop next to it
Part-time

Introduction to 3D Scanning and Data Interpretation

Understand 3D scanning technologies and the fundamental skills required. Engage in theoretical discussions and hands-on exercises. Explore the potential applications of this transformative technology in your career.

Find out more about Introduction to 3D Scanning and Data Interpretation
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Part-time

Introduction to Business Strategy

This masterclass in business strategy asks you to reflect on your business environment and explore options for creating and implementing suitable strategies for future business success. It's designed to introduce you to principles and theories relating to strategy and relate these to your workplace and role.

Find out more about Introduction to Business Strategy
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Part-time

Introduction to Condition Monitoring

Understand the fundamentals of condition monitoring technologies. Take part in theoretical discussions, practical demonstrations, and hands-on exercises. Learn the key skills you'll need to progress in your career.

Find out more about Introduction to Condition Monitoring
A 3D printer
Part-time

Introduction to Design for Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing Skills

Explore the fundamentals of design for 3D printing. Take part in hands-on activities to learn key concepts and best practices. Acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to design objects optimised for additive manufacturing.

Find out more about Introduction to Design for Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing Skills
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Part-time

Introduction to Leadership

Explore your strengths in the context of informal and formal leadership in the workplace. Incorporate your personal values and social awareness into your work. Understand what makes you effective as a leader and use what you learn to benefit you and your organisation.

Find out more about Introduction to Leadership
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Part-time

Introduction to Project Management

Develop your knowledge and understanding of project management. Understand the roles of good communication skills and timing. Learn to apply project management techniques to build and enhance effectiveness in your workplace.

Find out more about Introduction to Project Management
A man and woman speak over paper documents
Part-time

Marketing Masterclass

Learn how to develop an effective marketing strategy. Understand how to research and plan what you need to implement your strategy. Deliver a return on investment for your organisation and achieve your goals.

Find out more about Marketing Masterclass
Students chatting and smiling
Part-time

University Certificate of Postgraduate Study in Mentoring and Coaching

This Level 7 course is ideal for teachers or other educational professionals who want to develop their careers with a Mentoring and Coaching qualification. You will gain knowledge, understanding and intellectual skills that you can apply to your own teaching position to enhance your career.

Find out more about University Certificate of Postgraduate Study in Mentoring and Coaching
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Part-time

PgDip in Strategic Leadership

Develop your knowledge as a strategic leader in your organisation. Identify your development objectives and how to achieve those. Understand how you can contribute to your organisation’s success and growth.

Find out more about PgDip in Strategic Leadership
Jay Sykes hosting a podcast in the Spark studio
Part-time

Podcasting and Creative Audio Production

Master the building blocks of audio storytelling. Learn scripting, interviewing, and editing skills while understanding your audience. Plan and create your podcast pilot episode.

Find out more about Podcasting and Creative Audio Production
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Part-time

Supporting Social, Emotional and Mental Health Needs

This short course is ideal for teachers, SENCOs, or other educational and care professionals who want to develop their knowledge of how to support children and families in maintaining good mental health.

Find out more about Supporting Social, Emotional and Mental Health Needs

Health courses

A group of nurses attending to a patient in the mock hospital ward
Part-time

Academic Recognition of Continuing Professional Development

The aim of this short course is to recognise, give academic credit for and promote Continuing Professional Development (CPD). The course will enable any healthcare professional to utilise their own clinical experience, to gain academic credit and development at Level 6. It is suitable for all registered healthcare professionals to apply.

Find out more about Academic Recognition of Continuing Professional Development
healthcare professional assisting a patient in a wheelchair
Part-time

Advanced Clinical Management of Chronic Disease

Develop the ability to critically analyse, synthesise and review care decisions in relation to chronic disease management. Discuss, debate and review alternative approaches to care delivery. Meet the medico-legal requirements for advanced practice with teaching of ethical and moral principles embedded.

Find out more about Advanced Clinical Management of Chronic Disease
Student nurses in the Living Lab
Full-time

Advanced Clinical Management Skills

Work at an advanced level of clinical practice. Develop the ability to critically analyse, synthesise and review care decisions by discussing, debating and reviewing alternative approaches to care delivery. Meet the medico-legal requirements for advanced practice and have ethical and moral principles embedded throughout your learning. 

Find out more about Advanced Clinical Management Skills
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Part-time

Advanced Paediatric Clinical Management Skills

This module is a core module embedded in clinical practice in preparation for a Paediatric Advanced Clinical Practitioner (ACP) role and will offer students the opportunity to develop their advanced communication, clinical assessment, examination and clinical decision making and management skills in their field of practice.

Find out more about Advanced Paediatric Clinical Management Skills
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Part-time

BSc (Hons) Professional Practice

Take your career to the next level by building on your health profession knowledge and skills in our state-of-the-art clinical and simulation facilities.

Find out more about BSc (Hons) Professional Practice
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Full-time

Certificate of Higher Education - Health

This course is delivered 100% online and can be accessed from anywhere in the UK and around the world. Designed with military personnel, their families and veterans in mind, the Certificate in Higher Education programme develops further skills to enable this body of people to undertake a course which will prepare them for studying a degree programme.

Find out more about Certificate of Higher Education - Health
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Part-time

Developing Practice in the Management of Asthma and COPD in Adults

This short course will enable qualified secondary care nursing staff to gain the knowledge and skills required to manage patients with common respiratory conditions, including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Find out more about Developing Practice in the Management of Asthma and COPD in Adults
Student nurses working in the Living Lab
Part-time

Enhanced/Prescribing for Health Professionals

Prescribing is an essential component of specialist and advanced practice for health professionals. In this level 6 course, you'll work in practice with an assigned practice assessor who is also a registered healthcare professional and experienced prescriber.

Find out more about Enhanced/Prescribing for Health Professionals
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Full-time

Explore Learning Responses within the PSIRF

This masterclass is aimed at matrons, governance leads, managers, and those working in/leading a multidisciplinary team (NHS and independent) who are expected to facilitate systems-based learning responses. The day provides an opportunity to network across the Integrated Care Board (ICB), share experiences, ideas, and learning since the inception of The Patient Safety Incident Response Framework.

Find out more about Explore Learning Responses within the PSIRF
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Part-time

Health Professions Postgraduate Certificate in Education

Take your career to the next level by building on your health profession knowledge and skills in our state-of-the-art clinical and simulation facilities.

Find out more about Health Professions Postgraduate Certificate in Education
Practice Certificate in Independent Prescribing for Pharmacists
Part-time

Practice Certificate in Independent Prescribing for Pharmacists

Study the only Independent Prescribing course in the North East that is accredited by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). Provide patients with improved access to medicines. Take on new challenges and opportunities that are unavailable to non-prescribers.

Find out more about Practice Certificate in Independent Prescribing for Pharmacists
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Part-time

Neurodiversity Workshop

This workshop is aimed at Local Authorities, particularly for social work/education/community work/health but also open to any organisation that would find the workshop beneficial.

Find out more about Neurodiversity Workshop
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Part-time

PgCert in Patient Safety and Quality Improvement

Gain knowledge and critical understanding of quality improvement methodology and methods and their use in the wider political contexts within the NHS. Explore leadership and management skills for roles in strategic, tactical and operational healthcare provision. Improve the experience of service users, clients and their families/carers.

Find out more about PgCert in Patient Safety and Quality Improvement
A student nurse putting on blue surgical gloves
Part-time

PgCert Infection Prevention and Control

This short course, developed and aligned to the National Infection Prevention and Control Manual, will support you in gaining knowledge and understanding of core infection prevention and control (IPC) areas.

Find out more about PgCert Infection Prevention and Control
Three student nurses setting up a bed on the mock ward
Part-time

PgCert Professional Nurse Advocate

This accredited short course aims to support registered nurses to critically analyse the role of the Professional Nurse Advocate (PNA), helping you gain the skills and knowledge required to lead and deliver quality improvements and facilitate restorative clinical supervision.

Find out more about PgCert Professional Nurse Advocate
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Part-time

Postgraduate Certificate in Tissue Viability

This short course has been designed for healthcare professionals working with patients who have tissue viability needs. The course builds knowledge and skills in anatomy and pathophysiology and aligns them with enhanced clinical assessment and management skills, including the exploration of theoretical and contemporary issues in wound care.

Find out more about Postgraduate Certificate in Tissue Viability
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Part-time

Preparation for Academic Study: Progression to Level 6

This short course will help you develop the academic knowledge and skills required to progress to Level 6 study at the University of Sunderland. This may include qualified healthcare professionals who've achieved a diploma in Higher Education or an equivalent to a UK diploma level award.

Find out more about Preparation for Academic Study: Progression to Level 6
Two pharmacy students working in the pharmacy dispensary
Part-time

Trainee Pharmacist Foundation Programme

Further your skills and develop your undergraduate knowledge on the Trainee Pharmacist Foundation Programme. We'll support you with specialist training and provide opportunities for you to network with fellow trainee pharmacists.

Find out more about Trainee Pharmacist Foundation Programme
A student nurse caring for an elderly person in hopsital
Part-time

Undergraduate/Postgraduate Certificate of Achievement in Care of the Older Person

In this short course, you will learn about how we age and the issues we face, including some of the common conditions seen in older people and health promotion to support ‘wellness’. Cultural bias and personal values will also be explored.

Find out more about Undergraduate/Postgraduate Certificate of Achievement in Care of the Older Person
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Part-time

Undergraduate Certificate of Achievement in Contraceptive Health

The innovative delivery of this part-time short course will develop the theoretical and practical skills necessary to promote a holistic, patient-centred approach to practice delivery in contraceptive health services.

Find out more about Undergraduate Certificate of Achievement in Contraceptive Health
Close up of hands performing CPR on a virtual patient
Part-time

Undergraduate Certificate of Achievement in Coronary Heart Disease and Heart Failure

The aim of this short course is to develop the knowledge and skills required to care for patients with coronary heart disease and heart failure. The course develops theoretical and practical skills relevant for practice whilst promoting a holistic, patient centred approach to management. It is accredited at level 6, which is the same level as undergraduate degree courses.

Find out more about Undergraduate Certificate of Achievement in Coronary Heart Disease and Heart Failure
A doctor giving a patient diabetes medication
Part-time

Undergraduate Certificate of Achievement in Diabetes

This module aims to equip those whose work involves managing patients who have diabetes mellitus to develop their knowledge and skills in this area. The assessment for this module will reflect achievement at level 6.

Find out more about Undergraduate Certificate of Achievement in Diabetes
A doctor looking into a patient's ear
Part-time

Undergraduate Certificate of Achievement in Managing Common Ear Conditions

This module aims to equip those whose work involves managing patients who may present with conditions involving the ear to develop their knowledge and skills in this area. The course is taught at level 6.

Find out more about Undergraduate Certificate of Achievement in Managing Common Ear Conditions
Two nurses using respiratory equipment on a simulation manikin
Part-time

Undergraduate Certificate of Achievement in Respiratory Disease

This programme has been developed to be innovative in approach and develop theoretical and practical skills relevant for practice whilst promoting a holistic, patient-centred approach to management.

Find out more about Undergraduate Certificate of Achievement in Respiratory Disease
Undergraduate Certificate in Clinical Skills
Part-time

Undergraduate/Postgraduate Certificate of Achievement in Developing Practice in Clinical Skills

This short course trains you to carry out an in-depth history and conduct systematic physical examinations of different areas of the body including the respiratory system, cardiovascular system and the central nervous system. You will also learn best practice in documenting and communicating your findings.

Find out more about Undergraduate/Postgraduate Certificate of Achievement in Developing Practice in Clinical Skills

Education courses

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Full-time

Assessment Only Route to QTS

If you are an experienced graduate teacher and would like to complete a formal qualification to gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), which is a requirement for those who wish to teach in state-maintained schools in England and Wales, this route is one of the fastest ways to gain QTS. 

Find out more about Assessment Only Route to QTS
A student teacher surrounded by school pupils
Part-time

Gender and Diversity

This short course is ideal for teachers, SENCOs, or other educational and care professionals who want to develop their knowledge and understanding of gender and diversity within educational contexts.

Find out more about Gender and Diversity
Students chatting and smiling
Part-time

University Certificate of Postgraduate Study in Mentoring and Coaching

This Level 7 course is ideal for teachers or other educational professionals who want to develop their careers with a Mentoring and Coaching qualification. You will gain knowledge, understanding and intellectual skills that you can apply to your own teaching position to enhance your career.

Find out more about University Certificate of Postgraduate Study in Mentoring and Coaching
A smiling primary school pupil at a table
Part-time

Supporting Social, Emotional and Mental Health Needs

This short course is ideal for teachers, SENCOs, or other educational and care professionals who want to develop their knowledge of how to support children and families in maintaining good mental health.

Find out more about Supporting Social, Emotional and Mental Health Needs

Leadership courses

A person speaking while pointing at a screen
Part-time

Authentic Leadership

Understand what makes effective leadership in the workplace. Develop confidence and satisfaction in your role. Realise your potential as a leader to further benefit your business.

Find out more about Authentic Leadership
A person presenting and pointing at a board while a group of people watch
Part-time

Coaching for Leaders

Explore coaching in the context of business leadership. Understand the coaching process and the importance of setting goals. Develop your existing abilities and qualities that will make you a successful coach.

Find out more about Coaching for Leaders
Two students sat smiling at computers
Part-time

Introduction to Leadership

Explore your strengths in the context of informal and formal leadership in the workplace. Incorporate your personal values and social awareness into your work. Understand what makes you effective as a leader and use what you learn to benefit you and your organisation.

Find out more about Introduction to Leadership
A lecturer speaking in front of a group of people with a whiteboard behind them.
Part-time

PgDip in Strategic Leadership

Develop your knowledge as a strategic leader in your organisation. Identify your development objectives and how to achieve those. Understand how you can contribute to your organisation’s success and growth.

Find out more about PgDip in Strategic Leadership

Social Work courses

Two students sitting side by side on the sofa in the Communication Skills Room
Part-time

Advanced Safeguarding Adults

This short course will help you to develop an advanced understanding of social work practice in the area of adult safeguarding. Successful completion of the module will help you to evidence development along the Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF) for social work (BASW, 2018), from Newly Qualified Social Worker to Experienced Social Worker.

Find out more about Advanced Safeguarding Adults
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Part-time

Advanced Safeguarding Children

Aimed at current practitioners, this short course will help you to develop an advanced understanding of social work practice in the area of child safeguarding.

Find out more about Advanced Safeguarding Children
Three students sitting on sofas chatting in the Communication Skills Room
Part-time

Certificate of Higher Education: Preparation for Social Work

This short course has been designed to enable employees with our partner agencies who would like to become social workers to develop the required academic skills to progress to the full professional qualifying BA (Hons) Social Work (Integrated Degree Apprenticeship) course.

Find out more about Certificate of Higher Education: Preparation for Social Work
Academic and group of students in social work class
Part-time

Practice Education for Social Work - Stage 1 and Stage 2

Practice Education for Social Work is an important area of career development for experienced social workers and demonstrates that social workers are practicing at the experienced social work level of the Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF). This qualification will prepare registered social workers for a role as a Practice Educator for pre-qualifying Social Work students. It will enable registered social workers to demonstrate that they are working to the requirements of the Practice Educator Professional Standards for Social Work (PEPS).

Find out more about Practice Education for Social Work - Stage 1 and Stage 2
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Part-time

Reflexive Practice Research

Suitable for professionals working in a range of human service organisations, this short course will help you become a reflexive practitioner by promoting research mindedness in the workplace.

Find out more about Reflexive Practice Research

Investigation courses

A student taking notes in the classroom
Part-time

Advanced Diploma in Investigations of Rape and Serious Sexual Offences (RASSO)

This module will focus on the development of an investigative mindset to improve the management of Rape and Serious Sexual Offences (RASSO) investigations. Reflect on your own workplace practice and consider how to improve investigation outcomes.

Find out more about Advanced Diploma in Investigations of Rape and Serious Sexual Offences (RASSO)
Students sitting listening in a lesson
Part-time

University Advanced Diploma in Management and Coordination of Family Liaison

This module focuses on the management and coordination of family liaison for serious and complex investigations or major incidents. You'll explore the roles and responsibilities of the family liaison coordinator and develop your existing skills and knowledge to enhance your own practice.

Find out more about University Advanced Diploma in Management and Coordination of Family Liaison
Students working at computers
Part-time

University Advanced Diploma in Management and Coordination of Investigative Interviews

This module focuses on the management and coordination of investigative interviews for major and complex investigations, helping professionals to develop their skills and knowledge of the interview process from start to finish.

Find out more about University Advanced Diploma in Management and Coordination of Investigative Interviews
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Part-time

University Advanced Diploma in Investigative Interviews with Vulnerable Victims and Witnesses

This module will focus on planning and conducting investigative interviews with vulnerable victims and witnesses. Reflect on experiences from your own workplace practice and gain the skills needed to facilitate access to justice.

Find out more about University Advanced Diploma in Investigative Interviews with Vulnerable Victims and Witnesses
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Part-time

University Advanced Diploma in Specialist Suspect Interviewing

Designed for those who have been assessed as competent within the role of specialist suspect interviewer, this module focuses on planning, conducting and evaluating suspect interviews for serious, complex and major investigations.

Find out more about University Advanced Diploma in Specialist Suspect Interviewing
Student nurses attending to dummy patient

Short courses and Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

We offer short courses spanning across a range of subject specialisms, that support continuing professional development, allowing you to top up your knowledge or learn something new while fitting studies around work or other commitments.

We are committed to lifelong learning and upskilling to allow you to progress and achieve your potential. We offer both accredited and non-accredited courses enabling individuals to use academic credits towards further study within five years.

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Why study with us?

As a University we are internationally recognised for the quality of our teaching and research. We're an ambitious professions facing university with a global reach. We provide uniquely tailored solutions for individuals wanting to upskill, as well as employers wanting to achieve their business goals and gain the maximum value from investing in short courses and continuing professional development (CPD). By studying with us, you can:

  • Receive access to world-class facilities and expertise
  • Have the flexibility to choose from our wide-ranging courses
  • Gain academic credits to use towards further study
  • Benefit from exceptional support throughout your studies from a dedicated team focused on your needs

Contact us

To find out more information please email skills@sunderland.ac.uk.