Prisoners’ Education Trust – Course Prospectus 2026-2027
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.
PET offers 120 distance learning courses in every prison in England, Wales, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man.
We offer courses in a range of sectors – from health and social care to transport and logistics – as well as GCSEs, A-levels and Open University Access modules. Here you’ll find information about every course we offer.
Classical Civilisation A-Level Part 2
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:
- The course consists of two main themes: “Culture and the Arts” contains four options for study, all of which involve the study of visual/material culture.
- “Beliefs and Ideas” examines some of the ideas and ideals important not only to the ancient world but also to the modern one.
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
CMI Level 3 in Principles of Management and Leadership
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:
- Unit 301: Principles of Management and Leadership
This unit includes: Ways Organisations Operate, Application of Management, Leadership Approaches
- Unit 302: Managing a Team to Achieve Results
This unit includes: Understanding the Nature of Teams in the Workplace, How to achieve results
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
CMI Level 5 in Management and Leadership
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:
- Unit 501: Principles of Management in an Organizational Context
This unit includes: Evaluating the impact of an organization’s structure and governance, Exploring theoretical models, management and leadership styles, and Approaches designed to promote a culture of mutual trust and respect
- Unit 502: Developing, Managing and Leading Individuals and Teams to Achieve Success
This unit includes: Theoretical and practical approaches to developing, leading and managing teams, Techniques to assess current and future team capabilities, and the role of recruitment, selection and staff development
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
Combined Science IGCSE
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
Creative Writing Part 1
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
- Topic 1 Finding ideas
- Topic 2 Character creation
- Topic 3 Plot and conflict
- Topic 4 Setting and world-building
- Topic 5 Writing is editing
Unit 2 Writing for Wellbeing
- Topic 1 Warming up – Flex your writing muscle
- Topic 2 Writing from objects
- Topic 3 Writing from poetry
- Topic 4 Writing from places
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
Creative Writing Part 2A – Writing Novels and Writing Short Stories
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
- Topic 1 Planning and structure
- Topic 2 Show and tell
- Topic 3 Subtext and genre
- Topic 4 Bringing everything together
Unit 2 Writing Novels
- Topic 1 Planning, structure, and theme
- Topic 2 Character development
- Topic 3 Conflict, conflict, conflict
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.
Creative Writing Part 2B – Writing for a Living and Writing Non-Fiction
This course shows you how you can turn your creativity into a profession, whether through traditional or non traditional publishing paths. You will learn how to develop a portfolio of your work and explore the wide range of opportunities to earn money through your writing skills. The Non-Fiction unit gets you practising different types of writing - including reviews, articles, travel writing and biography.
Unit 1 Writing for a Living
- Topic 1 Identifying your goals, dreams and what you have to sell
- Topic 2 A synopsis and a query letter: the traditional publishing route
- Topic 3 Other ways to write for a living
- Topic 4 Freelance finances
Unit 2 Writing Non-Fiction
- Topic 1 Exploring types of non-fiction writing
- Topic 2 Travel writing
- Topic 3 Biography
PET entry requirements: Level 2 English and Creative Writing Part 1
Format of course material: Paper-based
Assignments Seven Progress: 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.
Creative Writing Part 2C – Writing Poetry and Writing for Younger Readers
If you want to try your hand at poetry or writing for younger readers, this course is a good place to start. In both units, you will practise how to write in a vivid, exciting and immediate way by considering your use of imagery, words and rhythm. You will study poetic forms, genre, romance and more, discovering some of the different ways to approach these forms of writing.
Unit 1 Writing Poetry
- Topic 1 What is poetry?
- Topic 2 Miniature observations
- Topic 3 Rhythm, rhyming and contemporary poetry
Unit 2 Writing for Younger Readers
- Topic 1 Exploring the market
- Topic 2 Writing YA (Young Adult)
- Topic 3 Genre
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.
Creative Writing Part 2D – Writing Autobiography and Playwriting and Screenwriting
The Writing Autobiography unit puts you at centre stage, focusing on how you can use diaries, journals and letters to tell your story. The Playwriting and screenwriting unit gives you an introduction to writing scripts - concentrating on dialogue, acts, plots and the unique considerations of writing for stage and screen.
Unit 1 Writing About Your Life
- Topic 1 What’s important? Finding ideas and theme
- Topic 2 Diaries and journaling
- Topic 3 Letter writing
Unit 2 Playwriting and Screenwriting
- Topic 1 Digging into dialogue and monologues
- Topic 2 Setting the stage (or screen)
- Topic 3 Acts and plots
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.
Deaf Awareness and Sign Language
This course will help you to develop a better understanding of the challenges that deafness could bring and how you might be able to help. The course starts with an introduction to deafness and the problems deaf people encounter, and includes a breakdown of different hearing conditions, including tinnitus and deafblindness. The course also features information on assistive technology and the American, British, and Spanish Sign Languages, as well as other useful tools for communication.
The course consists of 4 lessons:
Lesson 1
Deafness and Personal Hearing Aids
Reactions to Deafness
Problems that Deaf People Cope With
What is a Hearing Aid?
Disadvantages of a Hearing Aid
Lesson 2
Technology / How to Help a Hearing Aid User
Cochlear Implants
Expectations and Limitations
Developments
How to Help a Hearing Aid User
Lesson 3
Conditions / Communication Methods
Tinnitus
Deafblindness
Silent Communication
Spoken Communication
The History of Sign Language
British Sign Language (BSL)
Lesson 4
Sign Language Alphabets / Sense
American Sign Language
The Alphabet
Spanish Sign Language Alphabet
The Deafblind Manual Alphabet
Block Alphabet
‘Sense’ and Government Guidance on Deafblind Services
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English
Format of Course Materials: Paper-based
Assignments: Four self-assessed questions
Exams: One optional exam (funding not included – you will need to re-apply to PET for the exam fees)
Prison Support Requirements: Support completion and submission of assignments
Tutor Support: Yes
What’s Next? Open University Access Module, People, Work and Society (YO32)
Find Out More: Directly from BSY here