We offer courses in a range of sectors – from social care to logistics – as well as GCSEs, A-levels and Open University Access modules. Here you’ll find information about every course we offer.
Do you work in a prison and want to help someone apply? Find out how on our support for prison staff page.
Download PET's Course Prospectus - our comprehensive guide to the distance learning courses we offer, with information on how to apply and how to prepare to study.
The following courses in the Prospectus are no longer being funded:
Download a course card featuring detailed information by clicking Download PDF on each course entry.
By gaining this Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) certification, you will demonstrate you have the practical, real-world accounting knowledge sought by employers, not just in the UK but also internationally. The course will provide you with a solid foundation for working in finance by introducing you to a wide range of accountancy principles, techniques and skills, including bookkeeping transactions and controls, and understanding cost recording systems.
Format of course material: Paper-format
Structure of course:
1. Introduction to Bookkeeping
2. Principles of Bookkeeping Controls
3. Principles of Costing
4. The Business Environment
Course provider:
Open Study College (OSC)
1760 Solihull Parkway, Birmingham Business Park B37 7YD
0330 433 2876
www.openstudycollege.com
Accreditation: AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians); Ofqual 603/6338/1
Academic level: Level 2
Study hours: 340
Maximum course duration: This course needs to be completed within 12 months. If an extension is required, prison staff to contact the supplier directly
Entry requirements: Level 2 English and Maths
Course provider tutor support: There is supplier tutor support available. Tutors will mark assignments and provide feedback and queries which can be submitted by post or email via prison staff.
Tutors will respond directly to learners but can send responses into prison staff if preferred.
See “Contact provider” section for more details.
Assignments: There are nine assignments to complete and submit.
Assignments are to be submitted one at a time so the student can act on any feedback their tutor may give them.
Assignments will be marked within 10 working days (but often sooner).
Exams: Three exams (3 external exams and one synoptic assessment tests the learners’ understanding of connections between the different topics covered across the qualification).
Computer based exams that must be held at an approved AAT assessments venue under controlled exam conditions.
Exams are available upon demand at most centres apart from the synoptic assessment which is available 2/3 times per month. Each written exam has a 1hr 30 min time limit with the synoptic assessment having a 2 hour time limit.
Exam fees not included in the course cost. You can apply to PET to cover the exam cost by submitting an EEE application form. Speak to your distance learning coordinator for more information.
This can only be taken upon release or ROTL at an external AAT exam centre.
Refer to “Prison support requirements”.
Prison support requirements:
Certificate: Yes, students receive a Certificate upon completion
Progression route: Sage Computerised Accounting for Business Level 3. To discuss any progression routes, call our free Advice Line on 0800 048 7520 on Tuesdays (10-12pm and 2-4pm) and Thursdays (10am-12pm and 2-6pm).
Building on foundational Artificial Intelligence (AI) knowledge, this course looks into the strategic implementation of AI to revolutionise business operations. You will examine the shift from outdated Silo operations to dynamic and integrated AI operations. Through practical, real-world examples you'll see how AI can enhance customer experience and capture value using robust data management and collection.
Structure of course:
Entry requirements: Level 2 English and Foundations of AI: Business and Marketing Level 2.
Format of course materials: Paper-based
Assignments: Four
Exams: None
Prison support requirements: Facilitate tutor support via email. This often requires scanning learner assignments and emailing them to their tutor.
Course provider tutor support: Yes
This course will empower you to design and implement AI-driven marketing strategies that are exceptionally effective in today's data-rich world. Moving beyond foundational concepts, you will explore how AI enables precise targeting of customers, personalises customer experiences, and maximises campaign performance. You will learn how to analyse customer data and study practical examples of new marketing workflows.
Structure of course:
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English and Foundations of AI: Business and Marketing Level 2.
Format of Course Materials: Paper-based
Assignments: Four
Exams: None
Prison Support Requirements: Facilitate tutor support via email. This often requires scanning learner assignments and emailing them to their tutor.
Tutor Support: Yes
You can gain a broad and diverse introduction to nine subject areas with this module. You will study art history, English language, English literature, creative writing, modern languages, history, religious studies, classical studies and music. This module is ideal if you’re looking to explore your creative side and hone your study skills.
There are three main blocks:
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English
Format of Course Materials: Paper-based
Assignments: Four written assignments plus a few smaller assessed pieces of work
Exams: None
Prison Support Requirements: Support completion and submission of assignments. Register and reserve learner on the course before the start date (February, May and October each year)
Tutor Support: Yes
What’s next? Full Undergraduate Degree (funded via a student loan)
Find out more: from the OU directly here
This course explores the many influences on business success. You will find out how to maximise your marketing, how to improve team performance, and how quality and standards can make or break a business. The perfect next step after our Business Start-up course or if you want to learn how to enhance a business that’s already up and running, this course will provide a solid grounding in theory for you to apply to your business ideas.
The course covers the following subjects:
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English. It is recommended that you complete the Business Start-up Level 2 course first, but it is not an entry requirement.
Format of Materials: Paper
Assignments: Eight assignments
Exams: None
Prison Support Requirements: Facilitate tutor support
Tutor Support: Yes
With this course, you can develop your knowledge of how business works - whether you are interested in setting up your own or want to explore a wide variety of industries. Covering key topics like marketing, finance, operations and strategy, this qualification strengthens your analytical and decision-making skills. With case studies examining how digital marketing and global trends shape modern enterprises, it’s ideal preparation for university or for working in business, economics or as an entrepreneur.
This course contains five lessons:
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English and Maths
Format of Course Materials: Paper-based
Assignments: Six written assignments
Exams: Two invigilated, closed book exams (90 minutes each)
Prison Support Requirements: Facilitate tutor support via email. This often requires scanning learner assignments and email them to their tutor. Co-ordinate with NEC to arrange and facilitate exam where necessary.
Tutor Support: Yes accessed with prison staff support
What’s Next? Business A-Level Part 2
Find Out More: From NEC directly here
This course helps to develop your knowledge of how business works, whether you are interested in setting up your own business or want to explore a wide variety of industries. It will also help you to develop sound reasoning and leadership skills, and an analytical approach.
The course contains four lessons that follow on from part 1:
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English and Maths, plus Business Part 1
Format of Course Materials: Paper-based
Assignments: Four written assignments
Exams: Three invigilated, closed book exams (120 minutes each)
Prison Support Requirements: Facilitate tutor support via email. This often requires scanning learner assignments and email them to their tutor. Co-ordinate with NEC to arrange and facilitate exam where necessary.
Tutor Support: Yes
What’s Next? There are range of possible progression options including an Open University Access course, or various business and management courses.
Find Out More: via NEC here
With this module you can develop an understanding of law and business, grow your confidence in academic writing and build your study skills. You will focus on some of the big issues in these important subject areas and the effects they have on our daily lives. By using case studies and considering key debates, you’ll explore the wider themes of resolving differences and working together.
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English
Format of Course Materials: Paper-based
Assignments:4 written assignments and a few smaller pieces of work including multiple-choice assignments
Exams: None
Prison Support Requirements: Register and reserve learner on the course before start date (February and October each year) by contacting the OU and Student Finance England/ Wales.
Tutor Support: Yes
Find Out More: On the OU website
Designed for aspiring entrepreneurs and those looking to deepen their understanding of business operations, marketing and finance, this course provides you with a comprehensive introduction to the world of business. The qualification will help you develop sound reasoning and leadership skills and an analytical approach. You’ll explore a wide variety of applications and industries and learn how to be innovative and agile in a range of contexts.
The IGCSE Business course covers a total of eight sections:
Each section is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the principles, terminology, concepts, and methods of business. The course aims to develop critical thinking and analytical skills essential for success in the business environment.
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English
Format of Course Materials: Paper-based
Assignments: Eight written assignments
Exams:2 invigilated, closed book exams (90 minutes each)
Prison Support Requirements: Facilitate tutor support via email. This often requires scanning learner assignments and email them to their tutor.
Tutor Support: Yes
What’s Next? Business A-level Part 1
Find Out More: From NEC here
Self-employment is a popular route for fitness professionals to take, so getting business basics right is vital. This course is ideal if you are looking to develop the skills and confidence to manage your own marketing, promotions and pricing strategy, as well as keep on top of your National Insurance payments and tax. You will find out about the legal obligations of running a fitness business and how to plan for business success.
The course consists of six modules:
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English
Format of Course Materials: Paper-based
Assignments: Three written assignments
Exams: None
Prison Support Requirements: Support completion and submission of assignments
Tutor Support: Yes
What’s Next? Another HFE Level 3 course
Find Out More: From HFE here
© Prisoners' Education Trust 2026