learndirect Blog

Many universities today have a requirement for their students to have a level 2 qualification in English and/or maths. This means that you need to have at least a qualification that is equivalent to a GCSE. If you don’t have one of these then your chosen university could ask you to get one fast or even decline your application. Fortunately we have a solution. A Functional Skills qualification could be just what you’re looking for. These qualifications are accepted by most universities...

The Functional Skills standards are changing on 1st September 2019. These changes have been made in response to feedback from employers about the sort of skills they need in the workplace, and the reform to qualifications – including GCSEs – that occurred a few years ago. The main changes are to the exams, but there are some changes to the content too. Exams The new exams will be slightly longer and you will no longer be able to use a dictionary to check your spellings in the...

English is important because anything you do that involves other people is done through the medium of language. If you have a poor grasp of the language this will affect the standard of anything else you do. You can have fantastic ideas, but language is what brings them to life. If you cannot put your concepts into words, no one will ever know about them. Maths is also used in everyday life. It is important because it allows people to take complex processes and make them more...

Maths teachers will tell you that the most common cry from students is “why am I learning this? I’ll never use this again.”   This can be followed with, “I want to be a [insert job title here], so why do I need maths?” More than likely, the subtext here is “what is the point of maths?” Fair enough. With the way maths is taught in schools, it is no wonder we feel like this. So many of us describe ourselves as not being ‘a maths person’ or being ‘rubbish at...

  If you missed out on your level 4 (grade C) at GCSE, or need to catch up with maths and English, don't worry. Functional skills level 2 are an equivalent qualification to GCSE that could be for you. They offer learners useful skills in maths and English to help them get onto college courses, apprenticeships, further education and enter the world of work. Unlike maths and English at school, they offer practical skills and help you to face your demons in maths and English. There...

If you’re interested in a pursuing a career in counselling then you’ve probably spent hours scrolling through internet pages, trying to find answers to the questions you may have. So wouldn’t it be great if you could find essential counselling information all in one place? Look no further. This blog pulls together all the frequently asked questions about counselling and answers them so that you’re in the strongest position possible moving forward in your career. What is...

  If you want to become a midwife without qualifications, you can apply for a midwifery degree without A-levels by completing an Access to HE Diploma online with learndirect. Why miss out on your dream career as a midwife? There are no upper age restrictions, so it is never too late to start. There is a national shortage of midwives so now is the perfect time to begin your online Access to HE Diploma (Midwifery). This article gives you an overview of what it takes to become a...

  If you have been wanting to go to university but do not have A-levels, an online Access to Higher Education Diploma could be for you. They are designed for adult learners who want to progress to higher education. Our FAQs put all your queries to rest, and offers a complete guide to Access to Higher Education, from the cost, to understanding the UCAS tariff point system.     What is an Access to HE Diploma?   What are the equivalent qualifications...

Maybe you’re interested in working as an adult carer but aren’t sure if you have the right qualifications? Or you are looking to change career and want to know what the health and social care sector has to offer? No matter whether you’re researching for the future or have finished an online course and need to figure out your next steps, there are probably a lot of questions flying around in your head. That’s why this blog exists: to address and answer your questions about health and...

We can all be afraid to turn our dreams into reality. Take the words from 3 famous women who knew how to turn dreams into action: Eleanor Roosevelt Estée Lauder Coco Chanel And see how to translate their tips into your career in beauty therapy. Start by Believing  Do you truly believe in your dream? We can all get caught up with busy lives and busy jobs but this is the most important ‘me-time’ you will ever need. Just take five minutes...

  Going back into studying can feel like a daunting prospect. Students all worry about the same things before they take that leap and do their dream course online. We have grouped together the 5 most common concerns in this FAQ on distance learning:   Q1: Will I do the work? Q2: Will I find the time? Q3: How will I manage family commitments? Q4: Will I get the help I need? Q5: Can I afford it?   Q1: “Will I do the work?” A: Good news....

      Are you ready to become a certified assessor?   You are at the top of your game, you have all the qualifications under your belt. You fancy a change and a challenge but love the hands-on side of your job. It is true that management isn’t for everyone. There are other ways to climb the career ladder, though. It is all about finding your niche and proving your worth.   If you work in health & social care, beauty therapy, hairdressing or...

  Maybe you have been thinking about becoming a nurse for a while but don’t know where to start or where to go. Without A-levels, figuring out UCAS points and credits can be a real task. We have done the hard bit for you and compiled a list of the best ranked universities in the UK for nursing that may not require A-levels.    Keep the day job with an online Access to HE Diploma   Studying for A-levels may be the traditional way but a bit of research...

Whether you work for a large company or you have your own start-up business, being tech savvy is crucial for success in this technological age. As technology advances and people become increasingly more connected, how we receive information changes.  Businesses must follow suit by adapting their digital marketing techniques in order to thrive. Read on for 5 ways to keep yourself on top of your digital marketing strategy. Presentation is everything Any marketer knows...

Health and social care workers provide support and help to people of all ages with a range of difficulties and disabilities that impair their daily living. Whether this is going in to people’s homes to provide personal care (dressing and washing), supporting young people with mental health or aiding the rehabilitation of those recovering from illness, there are an array of avenues that social care workers can take during their careers. There are 1.48 million people currently working in...