Functional Skills
in English

Overview​

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• Grammar and sentence structure – the building blocks of the English language

• Punctuation

• The purpose of writing a text and how to identify and use their features

• Features of the layout – focus on the formatting of documents in the right way for special situations

• Language techniques, bias and inference – identify and use advanced techniques used in English language exam technique.

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The course is suitable for those who wish to apply their English skills in a range of professional situations, including writing formal emails, letters, verbal discussions and presentations. Suitable for those who are English speakers but wish to improve & develop their skills in this area, as well as gaining recognised qualifications which many employers require.

 

Entry Requirements​

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• Must be 19+ at the start of the academic year

• Have not already achieved a C grade in GCSE’s

• Must have lived within the UK or EU for the last 3 years or more

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This course is fully funded for:
This course is Fully Funded for unemployed individuals in receipt of benefit and employed individuals, providing you:

• are aged 19+ prior to 31st August 2022

• must not have previously attained a GCSE grade A* – C or grade 4, or higher

 

Career Prospects​

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A student with Functional Skills in English can access various career opportunities across different industries. Since Functional Skills qualifications focus on practical communication, reading, and writing skills, they are highly valued by employers. Here are some potential career paths:

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1.Entry-Level Jobs

• Administrative Assistant – Strong written and verbal communication skills are essential for handling emails, reports, and customer inquiries.

• Retail Associate – Customer service roles often require good communication and problem-solving skills.

• Call Center Representative – Handling customer queries and providing support over the phone or email.

• Receptionist – Greeting clients, managing appointments, and handling business correspondence.

 

2. Career Progression & Further Education

• Apprenticeships – Many industries accept Functional Skills in English as an entry requirement for apprenticeships in business, IT, healthcare, and more.

• Higher Education – Functional Skills Level 2 is often accepted as an alternative to GCSE English, allowing students to apply for college or university courses.

• Vocational Training – Courses in sectors like healthcare, childcare, or hospitality often require English proficiency.

 

3. Specialized Careers (After Further Training)

• Teaching Assistant – With additional qualifications, students can work in schools helping children with literacy and communication.

• Social Work & Care Sector – Strong communication skills are valuable for roles in social care and support work.

• Journalism & Content Writing – Writing skills can be developed for blogging, content creation, and digital marketing.

• Business & Office Management – Functional English helps in handling reports, emails, and business documentation.

 

4. Self-Employment & Freelancing

• Online Tutoring – Teaching basic English skills to others.

• Customer Service Freelancing – Remote jobs in virtual assistance or customer support.

• Copywriting & Blogging – Writing articles, reviews, and website content.

 

Teaching and Assessment​

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The assessment strategy aims to fulfil the learning outcomes by combining traditional assessment types with a variety of authentic assessments which allow students to progressively develop their skills throughout the four years of the programme.​

 

Formative assessment and feedback is a key part of the programme’s strategy. These will allow students to practise new tasks and receive regular feedback, to give them guidance and confidence to perform well for their summative assessments. These could include presentations, work related projects, group-work, computer based simulations, essays, videos and business reports.

 

Programme fees information

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​Please be aware that fees are subject to change. Following the recent government announcement, the undergraduate tuition fees for UK students starting in the 2025/26 academic year have now been confirmed. For more details, give us a call at 01216303005