Professional qualifications that open doors
Since 1963, the National Extension College (NEC) has been transforming careers through flexible, practical learning. Our comprehensive range of vocational qualifications is designed to equip you with the skills and credentials employers value, whether you’re starting your career journey or looking to progress to the next level.
Our vocational courses go beyond theory to deliver real-world expertise. Working in partnership with respected awarding bodies like the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) and Training Qualifications UK (TQUK), we offer professionally recognised qualifications that employers across all sectors understand and value.
Why study a vocational course?
With over 60 years of heritage in widening access to education, NEC combines the trust and expertise of an established institution with cutting-edge online learning innovation. As a not-for-profit provider, we’re focused entirely on your success, offering exceptional levels of personalised support that set us apart from other training providers. Our flexible approach means you can study at your own pace, fitting your learning around work, family, and life commitments – because we believe quality education should be accessible to everyone, regardless of age or circumstances.
When you study with NEC, you’re not just gaining a qualification; you’re joining a community dedicated to transforming lives through learning.
Online Vocational Courses
All our vocational courses can be studied flexibly, at any time and anywhere, with exceptional levels of support to help you achieve your career ambitions
Business and Management courses
Business Start-up
£524
or from £39.30/month
CMI Level 5 in Management and Leadership
£415 – £1,574*
or from £31.13/month
CMI Level 3 in Principles of Management and Leadership
£415 – £1,420*
or from £31.13/month
ICB Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping
£419*
or from £31.43/month
Xero Basic Skills
£135
Counselling courses
Counselling Theory
£419
or from £31.43/month
Using Counselling Skills
£599*
or from £44.93/month
Teaching courses
Level 3 Award in Education and Training (RQF)
£629*
or from £47.18/month
Understanding Mentoring and Coaching (Level 3 Award)
£419*
or from £41.90/month
Creative and the Arts courses
Developing your skills
A Guide to AI
FREE
or from £0/month
Critical Thinking
£105
Latin for Beginners
£450
or from £33.75/month
Level 2 Programming for Beginners with Python
£215*
or from £16.13/month
Problem Solving
£105
Understanding Mentoring and Coaching (Level 3 Award)
£419*
or from £41.90/month
Supporting courses
Fill gaps in your qualifications to help progress your career.
Functional skills
Functional Skills English Levels 1 and 2
£395*
or from £29.63/month
Functional Skills English Level 2
£295*
or from £22.13/month
Functional Skills Maths Level 2
£295*
or from £22.13/month
Functional Skills Maths Levels 1 and 2
£395*
or from £29.63/month
Join an online learning community
Studying independently doesn’t have to mean studying alone. When you enrol to study business and management courses online with NEC, as well as having access to your personal tutor and dedicated student support team, you’ll become part of a friendly national and international online learning community.
Courses designed for online distance learning
We’ll provide all the course materials you need, and optional extra study guides are available to help you develop better study skills. The only essentials you need to provide are an internet connection, a sufficient standard of English to be able to understand the subject materials, and a drive to succeed!
Experience you can trust
NEC are innovators in distance learning, and all our courses are designed specifically for independent learners. You’ll access all your high quality course materials on learn@nec, our easy-to-use online learning platform, and your personal tutor will be there to help you succeed, commenting on your course assignments, and preparing you to submit your work for assessment.
All the support you need
At NEC, we’re experts in distance learning. Over the last 60-plus years, thousands of adults and young people across the UK and beyond have gained life-changing qualifications by studying with NEC. What matters most to us is the success of our students, so we offer all the support you need, combined with total flexibility to learn the way you want to.
Talk to one of our course advisors
Still unsure whether online distance learning 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.
How it works
Discover more about studying with NEC.
Exams & assessment
Many of our online distance learning courses require exams to achieve your qualification.
Whilst our courses are flexible in terms of your study schedule, exam dates are set by the awarding organisation.
As an approved centre, we facilitate both exams and non-exam assessments.
Fee information
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 play for any additional costs.
Depending on your own circumstances, there are a number of possibilities for getting help with paying for your course.
WHAT OUR STUDENTS SAY
Frequently asked questions
Your common questions and concerns answered. Read more FAQs.
NEC offers flexible, online GCSEs, A levels, and vocational 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.
You’ll be supported by a qualified subject tutor who provides feedback on your assignments and helps guide your progress. 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. Others may include set dates — especially for things like exams or NEAs (Non-Exam Assessment) — to help you stay on track.
Yes! You can connect with other learners in your course’s online forum. Many students find discussing topics with peers helps reinforce their learning — and helps them feel part of a wider learning community.
Yes. You can enrol any time and begin studying when it suits you. However, if your course involves an exam, you’ll need to complete all assignments and assessments (also known as coursework or NEA — Non-Exam Assessment) in time for set exam dates — so don’t leave it too late!
Check the individual course pages for guidance, or book a call with an advisor to discuss your timeline and study plans.
Yes — NEC is ideal for international students. Many of our courses are available worldwide, but there are a few things to check before enrolling:
Qualification recognition: Ensure your chosen qualification is recognised in your country.
Our team is happy to help you explore your options.
