New TalEntEd Work-Based Learning Courses
Fully-funded TalEntEd courses for islands residents
This page will be updated with new and upcoming work-based learning opportunities for learners living in Orkney, Shetland and the Outer Hebrides
Personal Effectiveness & Study Skills (for school pupils)
Personal Effectiveness & Study Skills (for school pupils)
This course will seek to address the needs of soon-to-be or first year students in adapting to the online Further and Higher Education environment. It introduces and develops communication skills, academic literacy and basic research/enquiry skills to support future student progression through SCQF learning levels 6-10.
Fully-funded for Outer Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland residents
Who is this course for:
This course is designed for school pupils looking to progress to further or higher education.
What will I learn?
This unit will introduce students to the process of planning, implementing and evaluating skills acquisition and competence in the areas of:
- Learning and Study Skills
- Planning and Reflection
- Communication Skills
- Team Working Skills
The unit may include the use of weekly multiple-choice quizzes to help confirm learning and understanding on each topic.
Skills you will develop:
- Written communication
- IT Skills
- Collaborating with others (remotely)
- Time management skills
- Enquiry skills
- Problem solving
- Use of AI
- Reflective practice
Entry requirements:
There are no formal entry requirements and applicants are advised that this course will be delivered at a level equivalent to SCQF Level 6. It is recommended that recent school leavers without work experience have passes at SCQF Level 5 to be suitable for entry onto this programme of study. Adult returners are expected to have had some form of prior work experience.
You will require regular access to a computer or laptop and reliable internet connectivity.
Course dates and duration:
Course runs from August/September to December, or from January to May each year. The course is designed to be completed in 12 weeks and students should expect to spend 2-3 hours per week on directed online learning activities. It is also recommended that students spend additional time undertaking independent learning in advance of the unit assessments in Week 6 and Week 12 of the unit.
Delivery mode:
Online distance learning via Brightspace, UHI's virtual learning environment. The course notes will direct and stimulate your thinking each week on a new topic essential for successful academic study at college and university level. Your knowledge will be tested via weekly quiz exercises. Communication and engagement skills will also be developed through cooperative peer-learning activities via the weekly discussion forums.
Qualification:
This is a stand-alone micro-credential (university accredited short course). Upon completion of this course, you will gain a certificate to prove you have passed the course.
Cost:
Fully funded for Orkney, Shetland and Outer Hebrides residents. Standard fee: £90
How will I be assessed?
There will be two assessments in this learning module.
a) Short Answer Questions - Fill in the blanks test, true/false test and presentations, and upload a short PowerPoint presentation
b) Multiple-Choice Exam - 40 Multiple Choice Questions selected randomly from weekly quizzes
What is expected of students on this module?
Students are expected to:
- Engage actively with unit materials and recommended readings.
- Develop an understanding of the weekly topic before undertaking the weekly quiz.
- Follow the instructions provided in the weekly Announcements in the Brightspace learning environment.
- Prepare for the assessments in the unit by keeping up with the course content on a weekly basis.
Why UHI?
The University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) has over 25 years' experience in delivering online education and supporting learners across the Highlands and Islands and beyond.

Dr Michael M Smith
Department of Sustainable Sciences, Renewables & Gaelic
UHI North, West and Hebrides
University of the Highlands and Islands
Lews Castle College
Castle Grounds
Stornoway
HS20XR
Tel. 01851 770 407
Email: michael.smith@uhi.ac.uk
Personal Effectiveness & Study Skills (for adult returners)
Personal Effectiveness & Study Skills (for adult returners)
Ideal for adult returners, first-time students and anyone looking to build confidence before starting further or higher education study. This course develops communication, academic literacy and research skills to support progression from SCQF Levels 6-10.
Fully-funded for Outer Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland residents
Who is this course for:
This course is designed for adults returning to education, those considering further or higher education, and anyone wishing to refresh their study skills before progressing to formal qualifications.
What will I learn?
This unit will introduce students to the process of planning, implementing and evaluating skills acquisition and competence in the areas of:
- Learning and Study Skills
- Planning and Reflection
- Communication Skills
- Team Working Skills
The unit may include the use of weekly multiple-choice quizzes to help confirm learning and understanding on each topic.
Skills you will develop:
- Written communication
- IT Skills
- Collaborating with others (remotely)
- Time management skills
- Enquiry skills
- Problem solving
- Use of AI
- Reflective practice
Entry requirements:
There are no formal entry requirements and applicants are advised that this course will be delivered at a level equivalent to SCQF Level 6. It is recommended that recent school leavers without work experience have passes at SCQF Level 5 to be suitable for entry onto this programme of study. Adult returners are expected to have had some form of prior work experience.
You will require regular access to a computer or laptop and reliable internet connectivity.
Course dates and duration:
Course runs from August/September to December, or from January to May each year. The course is designed to be completed in 12 weeks and students should expect to spend 2-3 hours per week on directed online learning activities. It is also recommended that students spend additional time undertaking independent learning in advance of the unit assessments in Week 6 and Week 12 of the unit.
Delivery mode:
Online distance learning via Brightspace, UHI's virtual learning environment. The course notes will direct and stimulate your thinking each week on a new topic essential for successful academic study at college and university level. Your knowledge will be tested via weekly quiz exercises. Communication and engagement skills will also be developed through cooperative peer-learning activities via the weekly discussion forums.
Qualification:
This is a stand-alone micro-credential (university accredited short course). Upon completion of this course, you will gain a certificate to prove you have passed the course.
Cost:
Fully funded for Orkney, Shetland and Outer Hebrides residents. Standard fee: £90

How will I be assessed?
There will be two assessments in this learning module.
a) Short Answer Questions - Fill in the blanks test, true/false test and presentations, and upload a short PowerPoint presentation
b) Multiple-Choice Exam - 40 Multiple Choice Questions selected randomly from weekly quizzes
What is expected of students on this module?
Students are expected to:
- Engage actively with unit materials and recommended readings.
- Develop an understanding of the weekly topic before undertaking the weekly quiz.
- Follow the instructions provided in the weekly Announcements in the Brightspace learning environment.
- Prepare for the assessments in the unit by keeping up with the course content on a weekly basis.
Why UHI?
The University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) has over 25 years' experience in delivering online education and supporting learners across the Highlands and Islands and beyond.
Who will my tutor(s) be?

Dr Michael M Smith
Department of Sustainable Sciences, Renewables & Gaelic
UHI North, West and Hebrides
University of the Highlands and Islands
Lews Castle College
Castle Grounds
Stornoway
HS20XR
Tel. 01851 770 407
Email: michael.smith@uhi.ac.uk