Course Overview
Whether you want to advance your ability to create an effective argument, or need to improve your writing skills, critical thinking teaches you how to think, not what to think. Open up your mind to different ways of thinking.
Our online self-study Critical Thinking course allows you to develop lateral thinking skills and to construct arguments and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of information. You will learn how to implement these key skills in your own writing.
When you have completed our online self-study Critical Thinking course you will be able to:
- explain what is meant by critical thinking
- list the elements of an argument
- identify the conclusion or conclusions in an argument
- draw conclusion(s)/inferences from a line of reasoning
- recognise the implicit assumptions within an argument
- assess whether further evidence weakens or strengthens an argument
- identify appeals in reasoning
- identify flaws in reasoning
- identify similarities in the structure of different arguments
- identify principles in arguments and identify arguments which rely on the same principle.
Start your journey to becoming a critical thinker.
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Interactive course
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Self-study
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Ideal Oxbridge preparation
Critical Thinking at a glance
This course has been designed to help prepare you for successful academic progression into university and will help you to construct arguments and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of information.
No formal qualifications
An ability to read and write in English.
A general education up to GCSE level, or equivalent, is advisable.
Online self-study plus two online assignments.
Enrolment gives you access to the course for 12 months — meaning you can revisit topics for a refresher even if you have completed the course.
If you gain 50% or more on the two online assignments, you will receive a digital certificate.
Learn at your own pace.
Approx. 20 hours of interactive online learning materials and quizzes designed by subject matter experts.
This course is designed to help you prepare for:
- Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA) (Section 1)
- University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT).
No formal qualifications
An ability to read and write in English.
A general education up to GCSE level, or equivalent, is advisable.
Learn at your own pace.
Approx. 20 hours of interactive online learning materials and quizzes designed by subject matter experts.
If you gain 50% or more on the two online assignments, you will receive a digital certificate.
Online self-study plus two online assignments.
Enrolment gives you access to the course for 12 months — meaning you can revisit topics for a refresher even if you have completed the course.
This course is designed to help you prepare for:
- Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA) (Section 1)
- University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT).
No formal qualifications
An ability to read and write in English.
A general education up to GCSE level, or equivalent, is advisable.
Online self-study plus two online assignments.
Enrolment gives you access to the course for 12 months — meaning you can revisit topics for a refresher even if you have completed the course.
If you gain 50% or more on the two online assignments, you will receive a digital certificate.
Learn at your own pace.
Approx. 20 hours of interactive online learning materials and quizzes designed by subject matter experts.
This course is designed to help you prepare for:
- Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA) (Section 1)
- University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT).
Why study Critical Thinking
- Develop a key skill that can be utilised at university and beyond.
- Prepare for successful academic progression.
- Gain confidence in your essay writing.
Flexible payments and financial help
- As an education charity dedicated to helping independent learners achieve life-changing qualifications we want to keep fees affordable. All of our course fees are clear and transparent to help you plan for any additional costs.
- NEC’s fees offer some of the best value on the market, with multi-buy options, special offers, personal discounts and affordable finance options.
- Used responsibly, finance is a great way to spread the cost of your course. We’ve teamed up with Omni, one of the UK’s leading finance specialists.
- Depending on your own circumstances, there are a number of possibilities for getting help to fund your course.
Visit our Fee information page or
SPECIAL OFFER
Get Critical Thinking for £80 when you use code CTINTRO and enrol by phone.
SPECIAL OFFER
Get both Critical Thinking and Problem Solving for £145 when you use code CTPSINTRO when you enrol by phone or online.
Talk to one of our course advisors
Unsure whether online self-study is right for you?
Our friendly Course Advice Team are here to help answer your questions and take you through your options.
- Book a call and someone will get back to you at a convenient time.
- Or contact us today by phone or email.
We’re waiting to help you get ahead and achieve your goals, your way.
Frequently asked questions
Your common questions and concerns answered. Read more FAQs.
NEC offers flexible, online courses that you can study anytime, anywhere. When you enrol, you’ll receive a welcome email with login details for learn@nec, our virtual learning platform.
Our expertly designed courses include engaging materials, interactive learning activities, and selected online resources — all created by experienced teachers, examiners, and learning designers.
Our courses are designed to let you study at your own pace — all within a clearly defined enrolment period to help keep you on track. Many courses let you study your way, with flexible assignment deadlines to suit your schedule.
Yes. You can enrol any time and begin studying when it suits you.
If you’re planning to apply to university, and doing this course as part of your preparation, please be aware of application deadlines.
Yes — NEC is ideal for international students.
Our team is happy to help you explore your options.
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Want to study Critical Thinking and Problem Solving? Get both courses for £145 when you enrol on them together using code CTPSINTRO.
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