Learning for Free
Futurelearn:
Future learn has an interesting system. You can choose to have limited access to 1400+ courses for free. Alternatively, you can pay a monthly or annual subscription to have unrestricted access to courses. If you choose the free option, you will get lessons on a weekly basis, rather than being able to access them whenever you wish. This site is certainly worth exploring: FutureLearn: Online Courses and Degrees from Top Universities
Highlife Highland: Learning for Life:
Highlife Highland provide free, flexible support for adults who want to improve their skills. They can help with:
- Increasing confidence in learning
- Reading, writing & spelling
- Using numbers
- Learning English as a second or other language
- Gain SQA Core Skills qualification
For further information, please contact Catriona Canning, Adult Learning Co-ordinator:
T: 01478 614832
M: 07747 790418
E: catriona.canning@highlifehighland.com
OpenLearn:
This is such an exciting site with hundreds of free on-line courses, which have been written by Open University academics. You can study at your own pace and earn badges and certificates. This is a fantastic site to visit if you are interested in short courses, or if you would like to have a go at studying to see how you get on.
I really would encourage you to have a look at the website and to explore the broad range of free courses available. As you will see, the choices range from academic-style options, to informal, general-interest courses. Please follow this link: The home of free learning from the Open University | OpenLearn – Open University
Plockton Library:
Plockton Library has a fantastic programme of learning activities:
- Technology workshops (monthly meet)
- German Book Club (last Weds of each month. 1pm to 2.30pm)
- German Study Group Session (for those with some understanding of German. Tuesdays 12pm to 1.15pm)
If you are interested in any of the above, please contact the library to let them know:
Opening Times:
- Mon – 14:00 – 17:00
- Tue – 10:00 – 12:00
- Wed – 14:00 – 17:00
- Thur – 18:00 – 20:00
- Fri – Closed
- Sat – Closed
- Sun – Closed
Phone Number: 01599 544718
Email: plockton.library@highlifehighland.com
Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen:
Robert Gordon University (RGU) offer a large range of FREE (if you are domiciled in Scotland) ONLINE short courses tailored to meet the evolving needs of businesses and individuals.
Identified and created in collaboration with employers, these 15-credit online courses are designed to enhance employability for individuals and to help organisations looking to upskill their workforce.
For the full range of courses available, please visit the website:
Please note that a fee will appear next to the short courses. However, a Fee-Waiver is applied (for those domiciled in Scotland), and 15-credit courses are free. If you have any questions about this, please enquire about the ‘fee-waiver’ here: admissions@rgu.ac.uk
The Skills Network:
The Skills Network work in partnership with West College Scotland and North East Scotland College to deliver funded online training courses.
They support businesses and individuals by utilising Scottish funding that’s been set up to help support the delivery of education, skills development and training initiatives for adults aged 16 and over, exclusively in Scotland.
This £2 billion funding scheme is what underpins the free online courses in Scotland, and it’s the reason that businesses and individuals can learn at no cost. Please follow this link: Free Online Courses in Scotland 2024 | The Skills Network
WEA: Adult Learning Within Reach
The WEA is a national charity, which brings learning to where it is needed most – communities not served by traditional education, individuals furthest from opportunity, and adults seeking more than just a qualification.
They believe that lifelong learning should not just be about gaining skills for work, but also about building resilience, confidence, and connection.
The WEA offers a huge range of Online courses. Each course has a fee range, which starts at FREE and extends to a modest fee.
For full details of the WEA, and the Online courses on offer, please explore the website: WEA online and in-venue courses for adults | WEA
WI Learning Hub
The WI Learning Hub has an excellent Online Learning facility!
If you are a member of the Women’s Institute, all courses are FREE. If you are not a member, you are very welcome to attend courses for a very small fee.
Please note, men are very welcome to attend most events!
Please follow the WI Learning Hub on Facebook for regular updates regarding courses.
Alternatively, please see the large range of courses available via the website: Lifelong Learning | National Federation of Women’s Institutes
Lifelong Learning Hub (Skye and Lochalsh) 