Prisoners’ Education Trust – Course Prospectus 2024-2025
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 over 130 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.
Economics A-Level Part 1
Economics shapes how we allocate limited resources and measures the impact of our choices. You’ll study the UK and global economy, using economic theory to analyse issues and present your ideas and conclusions in a clear, logical way. Whether you’re pursuing a career in business, finance or politics, this course will build your problem-solving, analytical and decision-making skills, in readiness for a wide range of future career and university choices.
PET offers A-levels in two parts. Upon completing Part 1, you can choose either to take your AS exam (a qualification marking the first year of a full A-level) or continue on to Part 2 to build up to a full A-level.
The course consists of five units:
1. Introduction to economics
2. Supply and price
3. Market failure and government intervention
4. The UK economy – performance measures
5. The UK economy – income, growth, and policies
6. Business Behaviour
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English and Maths
Format of Course Materials: Paper-based
Assignments: Seven written assignments (corresponding to the above units, plus one introductory assignment). These do not contribute toward the final grade.
Exams: Two – each are 1 hour 30 minutes, and contribute 50% of the overall grade. (Funding not included – you will need to re-apply to PET for the exam fees).
Prison Support Requirements: Support completion and submission of assignments. Organize and facilitate exams.
Tutor Support: Yes
What’s Next? Economics A-Level Part 2
Find Out More: From NEC here
Economics A-Level Part 2
Economics shapes how we allocate limited resources and measures the impact of our choices. You’ll study the UK and global economy, using economic theory to analyse issues and present your ideas and conclusions in a clear, logical way. Whether you’re pursuing a career in business, finance or politics, this course will build your problem-solving, analytical and decision-making skills, in readiness for a wide range of future career and university choices.
The course contains four units that follow on from Part 1
7. Markets
8. Government Intervention in Markets
9. International Economics
10. Macroeconomic Strategies and Policies
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English and Maths, plus Economics Part 1
Format of Course Materials: Paper-based
Assignments: Four written assignments (These do not contribute towards the final grade).
Exams: Three exams. Each are two hours, and contribute 35%, 35% and 30% of the final grade. (Funding not included – you will need to re-apply to PET for the exam fees).
Prison Support Requirements: Support completion and submission of assignments. Facilitate and invigilate exams.
Tutor Support: Yes
What’s Next? OU Access Modules Y032:People, Work and Society, or YO33: Science, Technology and Maths
Find Out More: From NEC here
Education and Training Award
This course replaces the Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector (PTTLS) qualification, and is the first step towards working in post-16 or adult level teaching or training. It is also useful if part of your role is to train others. You will find out how to plan, deliver and assess effective learning, and discover the roles, responsibilities and relationships involved in teaching.
The course consists of four sections:
- Roles, Responsibilities, and Relationships
- Assessment in Education and Training
- Inclusive Teaching and Learning
- Planning and preparation
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English
Format of Course Materials: Paper-based
Assignments: Four tutor marked assignments
Exams: Yes – the “Microteach Element”. This involves a practical fifteen minute teaching session that will need to be recorded. Due to security issues, this is most often completed by learners upon release. (PET funding does not cover this element).
Prison Support Requirements: Support completion and submission of assignments, plus microteach element if possible. An additional enrolment form is also required by NEC before the learner can start on the course.
Tutor Support: Yes
What’s Next? A course in the subject you wish to teach (e.g. a vocational course like fitness). PET also offer TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) at Level 5.
Find Out More: From NEC here
English Language A-Level Part 1
This course deepens your knowledge of linguistic analysis and explores language use in a variety of situations and contexts. From political speeches and song lyrics, to cartoon strips and food labelling, the course will introduce you to a rich set of resources and styles of writing. You’ll learn about the terminology and grammar that underpins the English language, building your understanding of how language works in the way it does.
PET offers A-levels in two parts. Upon completing Part 1, you can choose either to take your AS exam (a qualification marking the first year of a full A-level) or continue on to Part 2 to build up to a full A-level.
The course consists of the following units:
1. Methods of language analysis
2. Spoken English
3. Language and Power
4. Identity and non-standard English
5. Language and Gender
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English
Format of Course Materials: Paper-based
Assignments: Six written assignments. These do not contribute toward the final grade.
Exams: Two – each are 1 hour 30 minutes, and contribute 50% of the overall grade. (Funding not included – you will need to re-apply to PET for the exam fees).
Prison Support Requirements: Support submission and completion of assignments. Organize and invigilate exams.
Tutor Support: Yes
What’s Next? English Language A-Level Part 2
Find Out More: From NEC here
English Language A-Level Part 2
This course deepens your knowledge of linguistic analysis and explores language use in a variety of situations and contexts. From political speeches and song lyrics, to cartoon strips and food labelling, the course will introduce you to a rich set of resources and styles of writing. You’ll learn about the terminology and grammar that underpins the English language, building your understanding of how language works in the way it does.
The course contains five lessons that follow on from Part 1:
6. Original Writing (Non-Exam Assessment)
7. Early Child Language Acquisition
8. Reading and Writing
9. Language Change and Diversity
10. The language Investigation (Non Exam Assessment)
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English, plus English Language A-Level Part 1
Format of Course Materials: Paper-based
Assignments: Five written assignments. These do not contribute towards the final grade.
Exams: Two – each are 2 hours 30 minutes, and contribute 40% of the marks. The Non-Exam Assessment makes up the remaining 20%. (Funding not included – you will need to re-apply to PET for the exam fees).
Prison Support Requirements: Support completion and submission of assignments. Organize and invigilate exams.
Tutor Support: Yes
What’s Next? Open University Access Module Y031 – Arts and Languages
Find Out More: From NEC here
English Language GCSE
This qualification can help with future job roles or further educational courses. You will learn how to develop your reading and writing, and improve your communication skills to express your ideas more effectively.
The course consists of nine units:
- Creative Reading (1)
- Creative Reading (2)
- Creative Writing (1)
- Creative Writing (2)
- Writer’s Viewpoints and Perspectives (1)
- Writer’s Viewpoints and Perspectives (2)
- Writer’s Viewpoints and Perspectives (3)
- Preparing for the Exam (1)
- Preparing for the Exam (2)
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English
Format of Course Materials: Paper-based
Assignments: Ten written assignments. These do not count towards the final grade.
Exams: Two – both are 1 hour 45 minutes. There is also an optional non-exam assessment to demonstrate your skills in spoken language. (Funding not included – you will need to re-apply to PET for the exam fees).
Prison Support Requirements: Support completion and submission of assignments. Organize and facilitate exams.
Tutor Support: Yes
What’s Next? A-Level English Language
Find Out More: From NEC directly here
English Literature A-Level Part 1
This qualification will help you to develop an enjoyment and love of the written word. By reading widely, and critically, across centuries, gender and genre, you will develop as an independent reader and critic. Through analysing complex literary issues using theories and critical ideas, you can develop skills useful for higher education and highly-valued in a wide variety of job roles.
You will not have the option to take the AS exam at the end of Part 1 of this course. After completing Part 1, you should apply for Part 2. Having completed both parts, you can then take the full A-Level exams which will cover everything learned in Part 1 and 2.
The course consists of the following units:
1.Love through the ages: The Great Gatsby
2. Love through the ages: pre-1900 poetry
3. Love through the ages: Othello
4. Love through the ages: unseen poetry
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English
Format of Course Materials: Paper-based
Assignments: Five written assignments. These do not contribute toward the final grade.
Exams: None – go straight to Part 2
Prison Support Requirements: Support submission and completion of assignments. Organize and invigilate exams.
Tutor Support: Yes
What’s Next? English A-Level Part 2
Find Out More: From NEC here
English Literature A-Level Part 2
This qualification will help you to develop an enjoyment and love of the written word. By reading widely, and critically, across centuries, gender and genre, you will develop as an independent reader and critic. Through analysing complex literary issues using theories and critical ideas, you can develop skills useful for higher education and highly-valued in a wide variety of job roles.
The course contains six units that follow on from Part 1:
5. Non-Exam Assessment
6. Modern Times: Spies
7. Modern Times: All My Sons
8. Modern Times: Skirrid Hill
9. Modern Times: Unseen Prose
10. Revision
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English, plus English Literature A-Level Part 1
Format of Course Materials: Paper-based
Assignments: Six written assignments. These do not contribute towards the final grade.
Exams: Two (Funding not included – you will need to re-apply to PET for the exam fees).
One three hour exam (40% of marks)
One 2 hour 30 minute exam (40% of marks)
Non-Exam Assessment – coursework task (20% of marks)
Prison Support Requirements: Support completion and submission of assignments. Organize and invigilate exams.
Tutor Support: Yes
What’s Next? Open University Access Module Y031 Arts and Languages
Find Out More: From NEC here
English Literature GCSE
This course explores a variety of classic literary works, and will improve your reading, communication and analytical skills to deepen your experience of literature for life.
The course consists of the following units:
Section 1: Introductory Prose Skills
Section 2: Frankenstein
Section 3: Introductory Poetry Skills
Section 4: Anthology Poems, Part 1
Section 5: Introduction to Drama
Section 6: Twelfth Night
Section 7: Anthology Poems, Part 2
Section 8: An Inspector Calls
Section 9: Unseen Poetry
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English
Format of Course Materials: Paper-based
Assignments: Nine written assignments. These do not contribute toward the final grade.
Exams: 2 exams – both are 1 hour 45 minutes, and are 50% of the total grade. (Funding not included – you will need to re-apply to PET for the exam fees).
Prison Support Requirements: Support completion and submission of assignments. Organize and invigilate exams.
Tutor Support: Yes
What’s Next? English Literature A-Level
Find Out More: From NEC here
Feline Studies
This course will allow you to develop a detailed knowledge and understanding of this popular domestic animal, including opportunities to study cat behaviour and health care. Although not a regulated qualification, this knowledge-based course can give learners an advantage when applying for entry-level employment in catteries and other animal care opportunities. It will also help you to be a better cat owner.
1. Understand the evolution and domestication of the feline.
2. Analyse the basic anatomy of the cat.
3. Examine breeds of cats and common breed specific problems.
4. Examine common feline behaviours.
5. Evaluate the value of correct nutrition.
6. Summarise infectious and non-infectious disease of the cat.
PET entry requirements: Level 2 English
Format of course material: Paper-based
Assignments: Six assignments
Exam: No
Prison support requirements: Support assessment submission and contact supplier for tutor support
Tutor support: Tutors give support by providing feedback and answering queries.