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.
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.
Fisheries Management Certificate
People aspiring to work in the fishing industry – for example as a water bailiff, fisheries inspector, or in a similar position in commercial fisheries – would be well-advised to consider this course. It also provides a sound knowledge base for those interested in running their own fisheries. On this course you’ll find out about water quality, freshwater and fish biology, fisheries law and enforcement, monitoring and improvement, and angling and recreation.
The course consists of seven modules:
- Water Quality
- Freshwater and Fish Biology
- Fisheries Law
- Fish Culture and Husbandry
- Fisheries Maintenance, Monitoring and Improvements
- Angling and Recreation
- Fisheries Enforcement
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English
Format of Course Materials: Paper-based
Assignments: None, but coursework can be sent to tutors for feedback and exam preparation.
Exams: Six open book exams, 1 hour 30 minutes each. Units 1-3 are compulsory, then learners can choose 3 out of 4 of the remaining units (4-7).
Prison Support Requirements: Support completion and submission of coursework. Organise and invigilate exams.
Tutor Support: Yes
Find Out More: From the IFM here
History A-Level Part 1
From the abolition of the slave trade to the history of Germany, studying this course will improve your knowledge of the past, whilst also developing valuable skills for your future. It will help you to become a more inquiring, critical and analytical thinker, and to develop reasoned arguments and draw logical conclusions. You’ll discover how critical thinking and evidence play a crucial role in decision making.
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 five units:
1. The growth of parliamentary democracy c1785–c1870
2. Industrialisation, protest and trade unionism c1785–c1870
3. Poverty and pauperism; the abolition of the slave trade
4. The unification of Germany 1: c1840–51
5. The unification of Germany 1: c1852–71
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 exams (Funding not included – you will need to re-apply to PET for the exam fees).
- 2 hours, 15 minutes (60% of marks)
- 1 hour 30 minutes (40% of marks)
Prison Support Requirements: Support completion and submission of assignments. Organize and facilitate exams.
Tutor Support: Yes
What’s Next? A-Level History Part 2
Find Out More: From NEC here
History A-Level Part 2
From the abolition of the slave trade to the history of Germany, studying this course will improve your knowledge of the past, whilst also developing valuable skills for your future. It will help you to become a more inquiring, critical and analytical thinker, and to develop reasoned arguments and draw logical conclusions. You’ll discover how critical thinking and evidence play a crucial role in decision making.
The course contains five lessons that follow on from Part 1:
6. Coursework – Non Exam Assessment
7. Prosperity and Social Change – Germany 1871-1990
8. Germany United 1871-1935
9. Germany Divided and Re-united 1945-1990
10. Revision
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English, plus History A-Level Part 1
Format of Course Materials: Paper-based
Assignments: Five written assignments. These do not contribute towards the final grade.
Exams: Three exams ((Funding not included – you will need to re-apply to PET for the exam fees).
1. 2 hours, 15 minutes (30% of overall grade)
2. 1 hour, 30 minutes (30% of overall grade)
3. 2 hours, 15 minutes (30% of overall grade)
One coursework task (20% of overall grade)
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, or Y032 People, Work and Society
Find Out More: From NEC here
History IGCSE
In History GCSE you will explore some of the key events, personalities and societies that shaped world history. Learners will also have the opportunity to develop a set of important skills such as communication, problem solving, analysis, research and independent thinking
The course consists of the following units:
- Germany between the wars
- The rise of the Nazis
- War and downfall
- Russia 1905-1917
- Russia and the Soviet Union 1917-1924
- Dictatorship in the USSR 1924-1953
- Soviet life in peace and war 1924-1953
- The changing nature of warfare 1919-1939
- War on land, sea and air 1939-1945
- New forms of conflict 1945-2011
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English
Format of Course Materials: Paper-based
Assignments: Eleven written assignments (corresponding to the above units, plus one introductory assignment). These do not count towards 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? A-Level History
Find Out More: From NEC’s website
Horse Knowledge and Care Stage 1
If you’re looking to volunteer or work in stable management or just want to learn for leisure, this course is an ideal introduction to horse care. Covering a wide variety of useful topics, you will discover all the horse care essentials – including equine behaviour, caring for stabled and grass-kept horses, saddlery, shoeing, lameness, watering and feeding, and horse health.
The course contains nine modules, and an options study week:
- Introduction to Equine Anatomy
- Principles of Equine Behaviour
- Care of the Stabled Horse
- Care of the Grass Kept Horse
- Saddlery
- The Foot, Sheoing and Lameness
- Watering and Feeding
- Horse Health
- General Knowledge
- Optional Study Week
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English
Format of Course Materials: Paper-based
Assignments: Nine written assignments
Exams: There is an optional exam at the end of the course (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 exam.
Tutor Support: Yes
Find Out More: From the Open College of Equine Studies here
IET Wiring Regulations 18th Edition
British Standard (BS) wiring regulations are updated every 10 years, with the 18th edition issued in 2018. This qualification is now mandatory for all electrical work. With thorough explanations of all the regulations, emphasising those that are new and significant, this course includes over 1,000 practice questions, helping you to prepare for the 18th Edition exam.
Electacourse consider their approach to be:
- Understanding the context of the 18th Edition exam
- Thorough explanation of all regulations with an emphasis on those which are new and significant
- A large question bank to feed unrivalled exam practice. To date they have not had a single 18th Edition exam failure.
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English and Maths
Format of Course Materials: CD-ROMs plus IET Wiring Regulations book
Assignments: None, but the course contains over 1,000 practice questions.
Exams: The City & Guilds 2382-18 multiple choice exam (60 questions in 120 minutes). It can only be taken at Electacourse partner centres on ROTL or after release (19 centres across UK). We would therefore only fund this course for learners who are within two years of parole, ROTL, or release.
CAT D Prisons and Nearest Exam Centre:
Ford (Sussex) – Basingstoke: (50 miles)
Kirkham (Lancashire) – Manchester (30 miles)
North Sea Camp (South Lincolnshire) – Nottingham (60 miles)
Standford Hill (Kent) – Maidstone (20 miles)
Springhill (Buckinghamshire) – Ealing (30 miles)
Leyhill (Gloucestershire) – Gloucester (25 miles)
Hatfield (South Yorkshire) – Hull (50 miles)
Thorn Cross (Cheshire) – Manchester (20 miles)
Prescoed (South Wales) – Bristol (30 miles)
Prison Support Requirements: Ensure and facilitate PC use. Arrange exam with Electacourse if necessary.
Tutor support: None, but Electacourse are happy to be contacted in the event of any queries.
What’s Next? NEBOSH Level 2 Award in Health and Safety (ATM Safety).
Find Out More: From Electacourse directly here
Introduction to Warehousing and Logistics
Logistics, warehousing and supply chain management are rapidly growing sectors. Logistical skills are essential in retail and commerce, but also in many other fields - from the humanitarian sector to the military. This introductory course – developed in collaboration with the UK Warehousing Association (UKWA) – covers the key skills and understanding needed to start a career in warehousing and the broader world of logistics.
The courses has two units that cover the following subjects:
Unit 1: Warehousing
The Warehouse function, layout and flow
Warehousing Core Principles
Inventory Management and Assisting Technology
Fiscal Law
Storage and Materials Handling
Warehouse Processes
The role and functions of mechanical handling equipment
The main cost areas and risks for warehouse operations
The Warehousing Business
Unit 2: Logistics
The Logistics Working Environment
Elements of a Total Cost Model
Aims of Staff Training and Staff Development
Employers and Employees Relating to Health and Safety
ICT Applications used in Logistics Operations
Sustainable Logistics Practice
Entry Requirements: Level 2 English
Format of Course Materials: Paper-based
Assignments: Twenty short written assignments
Exams: None
Prison Support Requirements: Support completion and submission of assignments
Tutor Support: Yes
What’s Next? NEBOSH Level 2 Award in Health and Safety
Find Out More: From the LLA here