LLE-funded short courses
Upskill your workforce through university-accredited training at BCU. Using new government Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE) funding, your employees can complete high-impact 40-credit modules in key technical fields while keeping focus on their day-to-day roles.
What is the LLE and how does it benefit your workforce?
The Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE) is a government funding scheme for university tuition fees and living costs. It provides individuals with a personal funding allowance to access higher education throughout their working life. Even employees who previously completed a degree may still have entitlement remaining to fund short, career-focused modules that support your business goals.
Featured modular courses (starting January 2027)
The LLE enables your employees to fund their continuing professional development using government student finance.
BCU is offering two 40-credit modules ideal for targeted workforce development and career progression. Taught part-time over four months at STEAMhouse, these standalone modules provide access to industry-standard facilities and expert teaching on a timetable built around working professionals:
AI Futures: Artificial Intelligence, Data and Intelligent Systems (40 Credits)
Target audience: Ideal for staff working in a variety of sectors who want to understand AI and data-driven technologies and explore how they can be applied responsibly within their organisation.
Outcomes: Foundational knowledge of programming, machine learning concepts, data analysis for intelligent decision-making, and the ethical and business implications of AI.
Explore AI Futures and apply now
CyberShield: Cyber Security and Ethical Hacking (40 Credits)
Target Audience: Staff already working in computing, data science or artificial intelligence, or those looking to explore opportunities in the cyber security and infrastructure sector
Outcomes: An introduction to cyber security and networking concepts, including understanding common threats, security risks, Cisco CCNA-aligned networking principles, and the tools organisations use to help protect digital systems.
Explore CyberShield and apply nowGetting started: how to upskill your team
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Identify skill gaps and select module: Review your business needs and select the relevant 40-credit module (AI Futures or CyberShield) for your employee(s).
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Ask staff to check their LLE entitlement: Direct your employee(s) to set up or log in to their online personal LLE account via the government portal to verify their remaining funding entitlement and eligibility.
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Employees submit their course application directly through the BCU website for AI Futures or CyberShield.
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Confirm enrolment and prepare for study: Once accepted, your team members will receive their course schedule for part-time study at STEAMhouse, enabling you to plan work cover ahead of the January start.
Why upskill your team with BCU?
Industry-focused
Courses are built around real-world applications, so staff gain immediately useful skills.
Part-time delivery
Taught part-time over 4 months at STEAMhouse to fit around professional responsibilities.
Outstanding facilities
Learners will have access to industry-standard equipment in our £70 million STEAMhouse building.
Accessible funding
Employees can use government LLE funding to support their training.
