University of Edinburgh Lifelong Learning

University of Edinburgh Lifelong Learning Lifelong Learning at UoE encompasses the continuous development of skills and knowledge throughout a learner’s life. University of Edinburgh's Short Courses.

As well as courses, we also offer learners the chance to join in with our free events/lectures, and to become part of our community. Located at the Centre for Open Learning at Paterson's Land, we offer entry-level courses in a wide-range of subjects, including art, design, film, languages, music, history, sciences and much, much more.

Discover the art and craft of writing children’s fiction in this introductory short course for beginners. Explore story ...
10/09/2026

Discover the art and craft of writing children’s fiction in this introductory short course for beginners. Explore story structure, character development and the creative process through practical writing sessions, group discussion and supportive feedback.

Drawing inspiration from Michael Morpurgo’s much-loved War Horse, you’ll develop your writing skills and explore what makes a story resonate with young readers.

📚 Ready to start writing? Book your place today on Writing Children’s Fiction: Step 1 edin.ac/4iS09o8

🎬 Want to get more out of the films you watch?What makes a film great? How do we understand the choices a filmmaker make...
09/09/2026

🎬 Want to get more out of the films you watch?

What makes a film great? How do we understand the choices a filmmaker makes? And why do some films stay with us long after the credits roll?

On our Intro to Film short course, COL teacher Tony McKibbin explores these questions and introduces new ways of thinking about cinema — perfect for anyone curious about film, whether you’re a lifelong film lover or completely new to film studies.

This Thursday (10th), Tony will be putting these ideas into practice at a special discussion following the 70th anniversary screening of The Searchers at Filmhouse. The discussion is free to attend, more info and times available here edin.ac/4zXIf9T

Book your place on Intro to Film and start seeing cinema differently edin.ac/4xffeUx

📚✨ Celebrate National Literacy Day! ✨📚Reading opens doors. Writing gives us a voice. Together, they inspire, connect and...
08/09/2026

📚✨ Celebrate National Literacy Day! ✨📚

Reading opens doors. Writing gives us a voice. Together, they inspire, connect and transform lives.

Celebrate the power of words and discover your creativity with our Literature and Creative Writing courses - browse and book today edin.ac/4nIEUF7

📚 The Resource Centre re-opens on Monday 28 September!🕐 Opening hoursMonday–Thursday: 10:15–19:15 and Friday: 13:15–16:1...
07/09/2026

📚 The Resource Centre re-opens on Monday 28 September!

🕐 Opening hours
Monday–Thursday: 10:15–19:15 and Friday: 13:15–16:15

💻 Need help with Canvas or technology?
If you’re new to Canvas or would like a little extra confidence with technology, our Assistants are here to help. Drop into the Resource Centre for one-to-one support with the basics, so you can focus on getting the most from your course.

📖 Explore our expanded library
With 500+ course-related books now available, there’s plenty to discover. Browse the catalogue online at https://edin.ac/4y1yJAF, or speak to a Resource Centre Assistant if you’d like a book ordered.

🎫 Discover our free events
We have 80+ free events planned for 2026/27, with plenty of opportunities to learn, connect and explore beyond the classroom. View the full programme: https://edin.ac/4jFSNRZ

Whether you need a little support, a good book or something new to explore, the Resource Centre is here for you. We look forward to welcoming you back!

Our Intro to Digital Animation course is perfect for beginners looking to explore the exciting world of 2D digital anima...
04/09/2026

Our Intro to Digital Animation course is perfect for beginners looking to explore the exciting world of 2D digital animation.

Learn how to develop ideas through storyboarding, composition, sound and moving images, while creating your own short animated sequences through hands-on projects.

👀 Want to see what you could create? Check out the video of some of the amazing work produced by last year’s class! https://edin.ac/4iKLuet

🎨Ready to try something new or take your creative skills further? Our Art & Design courses start later this month, here'...
03/09/2026

🎨Ready to try something new or take your creative skills further?

Our Art & Design courses start later this month, here's a selection of what's on offer:

Introduction to Printmaking – Monotype, Linocut & Drypoint
Introduction to Digital Photography
Miniature Sculpture
Drawing with Chalks & Charcoals
Drawing Practices: Contemporary Approaches

Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to develop your practice, come along, learn new skills and get creative.

✨ Which one will you choose? edin.ac/3Vbi7YU

Learning with the Centre for Open Learning (COL) is about more than just the course itself.It’s an opportunity to try so...
31/08/2026

Learning with the Centre for Open Learning (COL) is about more than just the course itself.

It’s an opportunity to try something new, build confidence, connect with people who share your interests, and enjoy the wellbeing benefits that come from learning together.

Whether you're looking to develop a new skill, explore a passion, or simply challenge yourself, there’s something for everyone.

✨ Browse our newly launched short courses and discover where learning could take you next edin.ac/43DlZEa

Not ready to commit to a longer course? Try something shorter! Meet once a month for three engaging sessions exploring c...
28/08/2026

Not ready to commit to a longer course?

Try something shorter! Meet once a month for three engaging sessions exploring current events and big global issues —it could be anything from AI to climate change 🌍

📣Breaking Down the News: Autumn | 3 sessions | Sept–Nov 2026

A flexible way to keep learning without a longer commitment.

Browse and book today edin.ac/4g3mdus

🌍 Your next language adventure starts here!Whether you're a complete beginner or ready to progress, you can now choose f...
26/08/2026

🌍 Your next language adventure starts here!

Whether you're a complete beginner or ready to progress, you can now choose from 13 languages, with a range of levels and flexible days and times to suit your schedule.

📚 Even better, you can now book consecutive language levels in advance, making it easier to plan your learning journey and continue building your skills with confidence.

Ready to take the next step? edin.ac/44WJTKz

Ready to kick-start your learning? We’ve got lots of exciting short courses on offer, with many starting this September ...
24/08/2026

Ready to kick-start your learning?

We’ve got lots of exciting short courses on offer, with many starting this September and October! 📚✨

Whether you’re looking to learn something new, build your skills or take the next step, there’s lots for you to choose from.

Browse and book today edin.ac/4gAjdWy

Address

Centre For Open Learning, Paterson's Land, Holyrood Road
Edinburgh
EH88AQ

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+44 (0)131 650 4400

Website

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