Studying for Credit

Part-time credit study is for those looking to gain entry to a University degree, accumulate academic credits towards a certificate or for personal interest.

At the Centre for Open Learning, you can study towards formal certificates by taking our credit courses in a variety of subject areas. However, credit courses are also open to those who want to study a subject without any intention to work towards formal certification.

What is the difference between a credit and non-credit course?

All our courses are taught in the same way and at the same level. However, our credit courses include a formal assessment at the end of the course. You will also have access to the University’s online learning environment, Learn, and become a matriculated student at the University (which includes a student card and access to the Main Library). You can opt-out of credit if you are not intending to submit a formal assessment. If you would like to opt-out of credit, please follow the steps outlined on the Submissions & Assessments page.

Access Programme

The Centre for Open Learning has a part-time Access Programme for adult returners to education who wish to progress to study on an undergraduate degree within the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences at the University of Edinburgh. For more information, visit our Access Programme page.

Access Programme