Online Courses

Online Courses: Study Anywhere, Learn Anytime

What Are Online Courses?

Online courses are structured learning programmes delivered entirely over the internet. They range from short introductory courses and professional certificates to diplomas and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programmes.

At OHSC, online learning is simple: each course includes digital study materials, clear module outlines, and assessments such as quizzes or assignments. Learners progress through readings, videos, and self-tests to confirm understanding. Some courses also include discussion forums and tutor feedback for deeper engagement.

Outcomes vary from skill-building and personal enrichment to professional recognition. Many courses award CPD hours, verifiable certificates, or formal endorsements from recognised UK bodies such as the Quality Licence Scheme (QLS).

Enrol Now – Study Online from Anywhere

Benefits of Online Learning

Online learning is now the most popular and inclusive form of education. It empowers students to access high-quality courses, earn recognised certificates, and advance their careers—without the limitations of time or location.

1. Flexibility & Self-Paced Study

With online courses, you decide when and how to study. Whether you’re working full-time, managing family commitments, or living abroad, you can learn at your own pace. Courses are available 24/7, allowing you to fit study around your schedule.

2. Accessibility & Affordability

There’s no need to commute or purchase expensive textbooks. OHSC offers free online courses that include complete study materials; you pay only if you choose to claim a certificate. Paid and accredited courses are priced transparently, with flexible instalment options on advanced programmes.

3. Career Value & Recognition

Completing an online course demonstrates initiative, discipline, and professional growth. Whether you’re collecting CPD hours, refreshing skills, or building portfolio evidence for promotion, online learning adds credibility to your CV.

4. Global Access & Mobile Learning

Our platform is accessible anywhere in the world. Study on a desktop, tablet, or mobile phone—your progress is automatically saved. OHSC’s international learners benefit from flexible pacing, downloadable PDFs, and captioned videos.

Explore All Courses at Oxford Home Study Centre

How Online Learning Works (Explained)

Learning Journey

At OHSC, your study journey is designed to be effortless:

Enrol Online– Fill out a short form and get instant access.
Access the LMS (Learning Management System)– Find your modules, assessments, and progress tracker.
Study the Modules– Read lessons, watch supporting videos, and complete quizzes.
Submit Assessments– Where applicable, upload short assignments or case studies.
Claim Your Certificate– Choose from CPD-accredited or QLS-endorsed certification.

Typical Time Commitment

Short micro-courses can be completed in as little as 2–3 hours, while professional diplomas or endorsed programmes may take several weeks or months, depending on your pace. There are no fixed deadlines, so you can pause and resume anytime.

Assessment Types

Different courses use different evaluation methods:

Quizzesto test comprehension
Assignmentsto apply concepts
Case studiesto demonstrate workplace skills

Types of Online Courses

Free Online Courses (with Optional Certificates)

Our free courses allow anyone to study online at no cost. Every module and assessment is fully accessible, and you’ll gain the same level of knowledge as paid learners. Upon completion, you can choose to purchase an optional certificate:

CPD-Accredited Certificate(recognised worldwide)
QLS-Endorsed Certificate(UK-based endorsement of course quality)

Ideal for personal growth, entry-level upskilling, or exploring a new subject.

Accredited/Endorsed Courses

Accredited or endorsed online courses are perfect for professionals who need verified proof of study. OHSC offers QLS-endorsed programmes, reviewed and approved for content quality, learning outcomes, and tutor support. Certificates carry the QLS endorsement mark, enhancing credibility with employers and professional bodies.

CPD/Professional Development Courses

CPD courses focus on ongoing professional learning. Each includes CPD hours/points, recognised by employers worldwide. They are essential for regulated professions such as healthcare, education, and project management, where continuous learning is a mandatory requirement.

Skills Boosters & Micro-Credentials

For rapid upskilling, OHSC offers short, focused modules known as micro-courses. Each one targets a specific skill—like communication, data literacy, or negotiation—and provides fast, practical results.

Internal Links (Explore Categories):

Study Online, Earn a Recognised Certificate

How to Choose the Right Online Course

Selecting the right online course starts with clarity about your goals:

Define Your Goal

Are you exploring a new interest, earning a certificate for your CV, or preparing for a career change? Beginners may start with free courses, while professionals might prefer accredited pathways.

Check Recognition & Certificates

Look for CPD hours, endorsement logos, or verification links to confirm authenticity. Employers often prefer courses that issue accredited or endorsed certificates.

Compare Study Time, Support & Cost

Free courses are great for quick self-study. Paid programmes often include tutor guidance, marked assignments, and printed certificates. Always choose based on the return on investment (ROI)—the value the qualification will add to your future.

Recognition & Certificates (Explainer)

What Does “Accredited” or “Endorsed” Mean?

An accredited course meets defined quality standards set by a recognised organisation. An endorsed course (e.g., QLS) has undergone a detailed content and delivery review to ensure educational excellence.

What Appears on Your Certificate?

Your certificate includes:

Learner’s name
Course title
Completion date
CPD hours or QLS endorsement mark
Unique ID and verification link (where available)

When Do You Need a Regulated Qualification?

For roles requiring formal regulation (e.g., nursing or teaching), you may need an RQF qualification. For most careers, however, CPD-accredited and QLS-endorsed courses are ideal for professional growth.

Costs & Funding Options

Online study should always be affordable and transparent.

Free Course Access:Study 100% free, pay only for an optional certificate.
Paid Courses:Include tutor support, graded assignments, and certification in the fee.
Instalments:Available for longer diploma-level or professional development courses.
Employer Sponsorship:OHSC provides templates to help you request training support.

Choose your course based on long-term value: certificates can strengthen your professional profile and improve job opportunities.

About Oxford Home Study Centre (OHSC)

Oxford Home Study Centre (OHSC) is the UK’s leading provider of online learning and distance education. Since 2007, we’ve helped thousands of learners from more than 200 countries gain professional and personal qualifications.

Our mission is to make education accessible to everyone. That’s why we offer a blend of free online courses, accredited programmes, and professional diplomas—all delivered with tutor support and lifetime access.

OHSC learners can study anytime, anywhere, and progress at their own pace toward globally recognised certificates.

Continue Your Learning Journey with OHSC

Why Study Online with OHSC?

Choosing OHSC means joining a trusted global community of motivated learners.

Tutor Support:Qualified tutors provide feedback, guidance, and encouragement.
Self-Paced Flexibility:Start instantly, pause anytime, and study from any location.
Certificate Options:From free courses with optional certification to endorsed diplomas.
Trusted Worldwide:Over 100,000 enrolments; positive reviews across industries.

We’re endorsed by respected UK bodies such as the Quality Licence Scheme (QLS) and partner with recognised CPD accreditation frameworks.

OHSC Study Process (Step-by-Step)

Choose Your Course:Browse by subject or search for a topic of interest.
Enrol Online:Complete a simple form; confirmation arrives instantly.
Access the LMS:Log in to your personal dashboard for all materials.
Study at Your Own Pace:Work through lessons on any device.
Complete Assessments:Submit short quizzes or assignments.
Receive Results & Select Certificate:Choose between CPD or QLS certification.

Popular Course Categories at OHSC

Business & Management

Learn the principles of leadership, communication, and strategic thinking. Top picks include Business Management, Leadership Skills, and Entrepreneurship.

Accounting & Bookkeeping

Master finance fundamentals with Bookkeeping Basics, Forensic Accounting, and Payroll Administration. Perfect for small business owners or finance professionals.

Healthcare & Nursing

Gain essential skills in Safeguarding, Infection Control, and Mental Health Awareness. Ideal for carers, nurses, and healthcare support workers.

Teaching & Teaching Assistant

Study Classroom Management, Special Educational Needs (SEN), and Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) to support your teaching career.

Project Management

Learn project lifecycles, Agile, and Risk Management through hands-on, scenario-based lessons.

Digital Marketing

Master SEO, content strategy, analytics, and AI tools for business growth.

Cybersecurity & IT

Protect networks, manage data security, and understand GDPR compliance.

HR & Leadership

Develop talent management, recruitment, and people leadership capabilities.

Supply Chain & Logistics

Study procurement, forecasting, and operations management to optimise business flow.

Construction & Health & Safety

Learn compliance, site management, and workplace safety essentials.

Hospitality & Hotel Management

Master front-office operations, customer service, and food safety.

AI & Data Basics

Understand Machine Learning, Generative AI, and Prompt Engineering for future-focused careers.

Certificates at OHSC (Transparency)

We believe in complete clarity about certification:

Free Courses:Study online at no cost; choose to purchase a certificate when you finish.
Accredited/Endorsed Courses:Include CPD hours or QLS endorsement in the course fee.
Verification:Each certificate features a unique ID and verification link, confirming authenticity.

Your certificate will display your name, course title, completion date, and accreditation details—perfect for adding to your CV or LinkedIn profile.

FAQs about Online Courses

1) Are OHSC online courses recognised?
Yes. On completion you can choose a CPD-accredited certificate (widely recognised for Continuing Professional Development) or a QLS-endorsed certificate (Quality Licence Scheme, UK). Both carry verification details so employers can authenticate them quickly. Recognition details appear on each course page.

2) Do free courses include certificates?
You can study our free courses at no cost. After you pass, you may purchase an optional certificate—either CPD-accredited or QLS-endorsed. The learning content is free; certification is optional and paid.

3) How long do courses take to complete?
Timings vary by course and your pace. Micro-courses can be finished in 2–5 hours, short certificates in 8–20 hours, and longer diploma/endorsed programmes in several weeks. There are no fixed deadlines—study when it suits you.

4) Is tutor support available?
Yes—many paid/endorsed courses include tutor email support and feedback on eligible tasks. Free self-paced courses are designed for independent study with guides, examples, and quizzes. Each course page clearly states whether tutor support is included.

5) Can I study while working full-time?
Absolutely. Courses are self-paced and available 24/7. Most learners commit 1–3 hours per week and progress steadily, pausing or accelerating as schedules allow. Your place is saved automatically.

6) CPD vs accredited vs regulated—what’s right for me?

CPD-accredited: best for ongoing professional development and appraisals; adds CPD hours/points.
QLS-endorsed (accredited/endorsed): UK endorsement confirming course quality and learning outcomes; ideal for CV credibility and employer recognition.
Regulated (e.g., RQF): required only for specific professions/roles with statutory requirements. If you’re unsure, start with CPD or QLS; move to regulated routes if your role mandates it.

7) What are the costs and refunds?
Free courses: learn free of charge; certificates are optional and paid after you pass. Paid/endorsed courses: the fee lists what’s included (tutor support, assessments, certificate). As digital learning, refunds and cancellations follow our terms; please review the policy shown at checkout or contact support before purchasing.

8) Can international learners enrol and pay?
Yes. OHSC welcomes learners from 200+ countries. Courses are delivered online with instant enrolment. We accept major payment methods shown at checkout; prices are listed in GBP with your bank handling currency conversion.

9) How do I verify a certificate?
Certificates include a unique ID and/or verification link. Employers, clients, or HR teams can use this to confirm authenticity online. Keep your digital copy safe and share the verification details when needed.

10) What are the technical requirements?
A reliable internet connection and a modern browser (we recommend Chrome or Edge). Courses work on desktop, tablet, or mobile. For PDFs, use any standard reader. If videos don’t play, check browser updates or use our helpdesk for quick guidance.

11) Will I get study materials to download?
Yes. Most courses include downloadable PDFs and templates (checklists, planners, examples). Where there are assessments, you’ll see instructions and sample rubrics before you submit.

12) Can my employer sponsor my course?
Often, yes. Many organisations fund CPD and endorsed training. We provide a simple employer-sponsorship request outline (course outcomes, hours, fees, verification) to streamline approval.

Success Stories

OHSC graduates are achieving remarkable results worldwide.

“The flexibility allowed me to study while working full-time. I completed the Business Management course and received my QLS-endorsed certificate within days!” – Sarah, UK

“I started with a free healthcare course and now work as a senior care coordinator. The CPD certificate helped me secure my promotion.” – Aminah, UAE

“I loved the simple dashboard and tutor support. Studying online through OHSC fit perfectly around my family schedule.” – Jonas, South Africa

Join thousands of learners who have advanced their careers with OHSC.

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Your next opportunity starts today. Explore hundreds of online courses in business, healthcare, technology, and more—completely flexible, globally recognised, and designed for success.