Short course frequently asked questions

What is the best course for me?

Depending on your expertise and career aspirations, you may be interested in one of our Short Courses offered in a range of subjects where we have academic expertise. Registration for these courses is open and you can find the links to book on our Short Courses pages. 

Alternatively, if you are looking for a bespoke or custom course in an area of interest to you, or to upskill your workforce, we would be keen to discuss. Please direct your enquiry via email.

What are the entry requirements for short courses?

Entry requirements vary by course. Please see individual course pages for details.

For courses that are credit-bearing, you will generally have the required level of relevant qualifications, but lesser qualifications and/or relevant work experience will be considered on an individual basis.

For courses that are non-credit-bearing, you will be expected to have relevant work experience, where required, to ensure you optimise the course benefits.

What happens when I apply?

Once you've chosen your course, follow the relevant link to register. If there is a payment required, you will be asked to pay at this point.

Our Admissions Team will review your application and contact you if they need any further information.

If you enrol on to a credit-bearing course, you will become a matriculated Edinburgh Napier University student, and as such you will be required to accept our University Terms & Conditions.

How much time do I need to complete a course?

This will vary depending on the course you have chosen.

Please check individual course pages to see how you will be taught and assessed, the duration of your course, and how many hours you’ll be expected to study during that time.

For many of our courses you can manage your study time flexibly around your other commitments.

Can credit from short courses be used towards degree programmes?

Where appropriate, credit successfully gained through the completion of our short courses may be used as recognition of prior learning to support entry onto Edinburgh Napier University degree programmes, or could be used to support an application for exemption from one or more specific module(s) within Edinburgh Napier University programmes.

What am I awarded at the end of the course?

This will vary depending on the course you have chosen; please check individual course pages for details.

For non-credit-bearing courses, you will be awarded a certificate of attendance or a certificate of completion.

For credit-bearing courses, you will receive a Certificate of Credit, subject to achieving a 'pass' in all course assessments. This will show the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) level that you have studied and been assessed at and the number of credits you have obtained.

• Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF)
• SCQF Level Descriptors

Does this course award Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credits or points?

As a University, we do not award CPD points or credits but please consult your relevant professional/membership organisations to confirm if the course is eligible for credits in accordance with their policy.

What is the cancellation policy and can I transfer?

We regret that a fee of 10% must be charged when confirmed bookings are cancelled.

Transferring to undertake the course at a later stage will depend on the dates and availability of course places and will therefore be considered on an individual basis.

Can current Edinburgh Napier Students apply?

Students who are currently matriculated on an Edinburgh Napier University degree programme may apply for a place on a CPD short course, upon payment of the standard fee for that course. However, they may not count any credit gained by completing one of our short courses towards their existing award.