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.
Human Resources (HR) professionals hire, develop and look after employees in a company. If you are interested in HR or are looking to further your HR career with a professional qualification, this course could be for you. It offers a firm foundation in common areas of HR and will help you develop the knowledge and skills needed for working in an HR role.
The course consists of:
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English
Format of Course Materials: Paper-based
Assignments: Seven written assignments
Exams: None
Prison Support Requirements: Support completion and submission of assignments
Tutor Support: Yes
What’s Next? Any other Level 3 Management course
Find Out More: From NCC directly
If you support people with mental health problems but are not necessarily a mental health professional, this course could meet your needs. You will learn more about mental health and how people with mental health problems can be best supported. You will also deepen your knowledge of the legal policy and service framework for mental health, as well as principles of duty of care, interventions, support planning and risk management.
The course consists of six units:
Unit 1 – Understand the legal, policy and service framework in mental health
Unit 2 – Principles for implementing duty of care in health, social care or children’s and young people’s settings
Unit 3 – Understand mental well-being and mental health promotion
Unit 4 – Understand mental health problems
Unit 5 – Understand mental health interventions
Unit 6 – Understand care and support planning and risk management in mental health
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English
Format of Course Materials: Paper-based
Assignments: Six written assignments
Exams: No
Prison Support Requirements: Support submission and completion of assignments
Tutor Support: Yes
What’s Next? Open University: Access Module Yo32: People, Work and Society
Find Out More: via NCC here
This course will help you to develop an increased understanding of substance misuse, equipping you with knowledge and skills that can be used whether you are personally or professionally involved in this field. The course covers the effects and symptoms of drug use, as well as responses including legislation, harm reduction and intervention. It also has a unit focused especially on substance misuse among young people.
This course is comprised of three units:
Entry requirements: Level 2 English
Format of Course Materials: Paper-based
Assignments: Three written assignments
Exams: None
Tutor support: Yes
Prison support requirements: Support completion and submission of assignments
What’s next? Understanding Mental Healthcare QCF (Level 3)
Find Out More: From NCC here
The ancient Greeks and Romans created a legacy that has shaped the literature, language, arts, politics and philosophy of the western world. This course allows you to develop a critical approach to the literature and culture of this fascinating period in history. You will study poetry and plays and analyse the issues and values that shaped classical civilisation.
“The World of the Hero” explores both Greek and Roman epics, with the study of either Homer’s Iliad or Odyssey and Virgil’s Aeneid.
There are four lessons:
1. Homer’s world of the hero: Odyssey 1
2. Homer’s world of the hero: Odyssey 2
3. Virgil’s world of the hero: Aeneid 1
4. Virgil’s world of the hero: Aeneid 2
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English
Format of Course Materials: Paper-based
Assignments: Seven written assignments. These do not count towards the final grade.
Exams: None – go straight to Part 2
Prison Support Requirements: Support completion and submission of assignments
Tutor Support: Yes
What’s Next? Classical Civilisation A-Level Part 2
Find Out More: From NEC here
This course is the follow-up to Part 1, and continues to invite you to uncover the stories, ideas and legacies of the ancient world – a unique blend of literature, history and culture. You will explore a wide range of topics including Greek democracy, Roman politics, epic poetry, classical philosophy and ancient art. With this qualification, you can develop a rich understanding of how classical societies continue to shape modern values, governments and worldviews. The course not only deepens historical and cultural knowledge but also strengthens skills in analysis, interpretation and critical thinking.
The course contains four lessons that carry on from Part 1:
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English, plus Classical Civilisation Part 1
Format of Course Materials: Paper-based
Assignments: Five written assignments and 1 past paper for revision
Exams: Three invigilated, closed book exams (150 minutes; 105 minutes; 105 minutes)
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 exams.
Tutor Support: Yes – accessed with prison staff support
What’s Next? There are range of possible progression options including an Open University Access course
Find Out More: From NEC here
Whether you’re new to management or preparing for your first leadership role, this course provides a strong foundation in the essential skills you need to succeed. The qualification covers everything from leading teams and managing projects to solving problems and driving performance. You’ll explore key topics including communication, resource planning and decision-making. You’ll also discover the personal development needed to become an effective, ethical and confident manager.
The course consists of two core units:
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English
Format of Course Materials: Paper-based
Assignments: Two practice assignments and two CMI formal assignments
Exams: None
Prison Support Requirements: Support completion and submission of assignments
Tutor Support: Yes
Find Out More: From NEC’s website here
This course will equip you with the strategic thinking and practical tools needed to manage teams, lead change and shape organisational success. You will explore core management areas including stakeholder relationships, resource and project management, recruitment and coaching, and strategic planning. The qualification supports you to apply theory directly to real workplace scenarios, helping you make better decisions and lead with clarity and purpose.
The course consists of two core units:
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English, plus a Level 3 Management qualification
Format of Course Materials: Paper-based
Assignments: Two practice assignments and two CMI formal assignments
Exams: None
Prison Support Requirements: Support completion and submission of assignments
Tutor Support: Yes
Find Out More: From NEC here
Open up a world of discovery and gain a broad introduction to the scientific thinking, key ideas and applications of biology, chemistry and physics. From the human circulatory system to an explanation of how a rainbow is made, this qualification explores a captivating world of discovery. Find out the fascinating way that biology, chemistry and physics work together as you make connections across these disciplines.
The subject content is divided into three sections: Biology (B1–B16),
Chemistry (C1–C12) and Physics (P1–P5)
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English
Format of Course Materials: Paper-based
Assignments: Nine written assignments
Exams: Three invigilated, closed book exams (45 minutes; 75 minutes; 60 minutes)
Prison Support Requirements: Facilitate tutor support via email. This often requires scanning learner assignments and email them to their tutor.
Tutor Support: Yes – accessed with prison staff support
What’s Next? A range of possible progression options including A-Levels and an Open University Access courses
Find Out More: via NEC’s website here
This course will help you explore different areas of creative writing. The Writing for Wellbeing unit focuses on the process of writing. You will discover how to use the power of words to explore yourself, your life and your thoughts and feelings. The Introduction to Writing unit introduces the basic building blocks of fiction writing: ideas, characters, plot, setting and editing.
The course covers the following subjects:
Unit 1 Introduction to Writing
Unit 2 Writing for Wellbeing
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English
Format of Materials: Paper
Assignments: 9 self-assessed progress checks
Exams: None
Prison Support Requirements: Facilitate tutor support
Tutor Support: Yes
This course is a follow-up to Part 1, and it focuses on the key skills needed to write stories. You will explore how to structure a short story and how to structure a novel, including beginnings and endings. You will practise different ways of approaching conflict and character, and ultimately hone your narrative-writing craft.
Unit 1 Writing Short Stories
Unit 2 Writing Novels
PET entry requirements: Level 2 English
Format of course material: Paper-based
Assignments: Seven Progress Checks and Two assignments
Exam: No
Prison support requirements: Support assessment submission and contact supplier for tutor support
Tutor support: Tutors give support by providing feedback answering queries.
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