Introduction
This is an introductory level course for beginners and requires no formal qualifications to apply.
Find out about progression
Building on the skills learned on the First Steps with Computers and Getting Confident with Computers courses, students will continue to develop their digital skills and gain confidence in using computers.
On this course, students can begin to expand their digital horizons, learning how to the basics of several different software packages, such as image editors and desktop publishing programs.
Prefer to talk? Call 01226 776000 or email advice@northern.ac.uk and one of our team will get back to you.
This is an introductory level course for beginners and requires no formal qualifications to apply.
Find out about progression
The course is a mix of research and practical digital tasks.
With the basic skills in place, this course can lead to a range of exciting digital courses offered by the college.
Improving essential skills (English, ESOL, maths, digital)
At the moment we have no available dates for this course. We are currently updating our offer for September 2025 so please keep checking back to make an application.
No formal requirements; students will need the basic digital skills listed in the Getting Confident with Computers course.
This course is fully funded for eligible students
If you are not eligible, the cost of the course is £144.00. There is no option to pay to stay residentially if you do not meet the criteria for residential funding. The vast majority of students are eligible to study and stay residentially for free and we will confirm as part of the application process.
“The support at College has been brilliant - they have really helped me overcome fears I had about education.” - Jo
Learn more about Jo's story
Potential careers:
Digital and IT skills are needed in work and education more than ever!
This subject area is constantly evolving to meet the needs of the world around us. We have courses that introduce you to the Digital world as well as higher level courses to further develop your knowledge and skills.
Trade Union Education at Northern College is meaningful, purposeful, accessible and rewarding. There are no exams, or long lectures, the education programme involves practical activities where you will work with your peers. This is an opportunity to step back from your job and your activist work to think and learn. Skills development and confidence building are essential elements of all Trade Union courses.
Rated by Ofsted as a Good Provider
student pass rate for 2023-24
of students rated the College as good or outstanding in supporting them to improve their confidence to learn
If doesn’t matter where you are in your learning journey – we can help you find the best place to start.
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We have a whole team to support you through your studies to make sure you do well.
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We can offer you all the advice you need about course fees, funding support and Advanced Learner Loans.
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Our students tell it best – find out more about their own journeys.
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