Welcome to e-Learning at Harlow College

Our free* online e-Learning Level 2 courses are completed at distance and are a great way to achieve a nationally recognised qualification, working at your own pace.

About our e-Learning Courses

Our courses cover a broad range of subjects to help you with your professional or personal development. These 100% online courses give the opportunity to study a nationally recognised qualification wherever and whenever you want, from Principles of Team Leading and ‘Business Administration’ to ‘Nutrition and Health’ and ‘Awareness of Mental Health Problems’, without any need to attend college. 

Typically, the courses take 6-10 weeks to complete, but can be completed over a shorter or longer period to suit your needs. Once enrolment is completed you are given access to the learning resources and assessments and can work through the course at your own pace. Throughout the time you are in learning you have the support of a personal assessor to assist with any questions, they will also assess your assessments and provide you with feedback on how performed and feed forward on what you could do to improve.  

You can only study ONE course at a time, however, once you have completed your course you can apply for another, up to a maximum of four courses each academic year (August to July). When applying please do not submit more than one application at once, as doing so will significantly delay your application being processed. 

How long does it take to complete an e-Learning course?

As most of our courses are Level 2 (the equivalent of a GCSE) we advise you to commit a minimum of 4 hours a week to be able to manage the deadlines comfortably and fulfil the learning requirements. The full course duration varies course by course and is dependent on units and your understanding of the subject, but typically the courses can be completed in 6 to 10 weeks based on 4 hours of study per week. 

*No upfront costs

Our Level 2 e-Learning courses are fully funded via the Government Adult Education Budget. If you meet the criteria there is no cost to you. 

To receive full funding, you must: 

  • Be aged 19 or over on 1st September 2021
  • Be a resident of England
  • Be a British Citizen or have been living in the EU for purposes other than study (if you have had a student visa within the last three years you will not be eligible for funding)
  • Have not completed this course or a similar course previously (refresher courses cannot be funded or if you have a qualification that is a similar course at a higher level)
  • If you are currently undertaking an Apprenticeship this may affect funding, please contact us if this is the case
  • We are unable to provide funding for learners living in some Mayoral Combined Authorities in England such as Cambridge and Peterborough. More about e-learning funding
  • If you require any further help with this, please contact our Admissions Team on 01279 868100 or email:

Why study an e-Learning course?

  • A wide range of courses 
  • More choice and flexibility of when and where you study 
  • Study anywhere at anytime 
  • Develop your skills 
  • On-going support from your personal assessor and tutor 
  • Improved career prospects

e-Learning FAQs

  • Level: 2
  • Study Mode: Online Learning
  • Start Date: Throughout the year

Behaviour that Challenges

Challenging behaviour is causing increasing concern today, as many individuals have increasing levels of stress and uncertainty in their lives. This behaviour can be due to factors such as anxiety, neglect, abuse, learning disabilities and conditions like dementia. Understanding the causes of challenging behaviour is the first step towards finding ways to support individuals and manage their behaviour.

  • Level: 2
  • Study Mode: Online Learning
  • Start Date: Throughout the year

Children and Young People's Mental Health

Mental health problems affect around 1 in 10 children and young people. These issues include depression, anxiety and conduct disorder, and can often be a direct response to occurrences in their lives. Emotional wellbeing is just as important as a child's mental health; therefore it is important for those working with children and young people to have a good understanding of the concepts, risk factors and impact of mental health.

  • Study Mode: Online Learning
  • Start Date: Throughout the year

Dementia Care – Level 3

Dementia is a global concern but it is most often seen in wealthier countries, where people are likely to live into very old age. The Alzheimer’s Society reports there are over 850,000 people living with dementia in the UK today. This course will help you to develop a detailed knowledge and understanding of caring for individuals with dementia including the types, effects and importance of early diagnosis, the role of communication, interaction and inclusion in dementia care and support and the use of medication to support individuals with dementia.

  • Level: 2
  • Study Mode: Online Learning
  • Start Date: Throughout the year

Mental Health First Aid and Mental Health Advocacy in the Workplace

The Health and Safety Executive report that over 17.9 million working days were lost in 2020 due to work-related stress, depression and anxiety. It’s important that employers are transparent and open about mental health issues, and this qualification builds an understanding of mental health problems and the support available to colleagues. 

  • Level: 2
  • Study Mode: Online Learning
  • Start Date: Throughout the year

Nutrition and Health

The number of obese people in the UK has more than trebled in the last 25 years, reaching what many doctors believe to be 'epidemic' proportions. Insufficient nutrition can lead to a variety of health-threatening conditions. Understanding the benefits of a balanced diet and the role of nutrition in the prevention and treatment of disease is fundamental.

  • Level: 2
  • Study Mode: Online Learning
  • Start Date: Throughout the year

Team Leading

Strong team leadership is essential for providing guidance, direction and instruction within a group and inevitably leads to more effective teamwork and more motivated employees. Being able to manage a team effectively is critical in the current job market, where employee productivity and team outcomes are closely monitored.

  • Level: 2
  • Study Mode: Online Learning
  • Start Date: Throughout the year

Understanding Autism – Level 2

Autism is a spectrum condition that affects how a person communicates with others and how they interpret the world around them. There are around 700,000 people in the UK with autism - more than 1 in every 100. Having a clear understanding of the misconceptions, diagnoses and support surrounding autism are just some of the essential skills needed when working in mental health.

  • Study Mode: Online Learning
  • Start Date: Throughout the year

Understanding Autism – Level 3

This qualification is designed for those who want to increase their knowledge and understanding of autism and completion will support progression into employment within the health and social care sector. You will gain knowledge and understanding of autism, including: how to adopt a positive approach to supporting individuals with autism, the current legislative framework relating to individuals with autism and how different theories have developed over time how to support and manage transitions for individuals with autism.

  • Level: 2
  • Study Mode: Online Learning
  • Start Date: Throughout the year

Understanding Climate Change and Environmental Awareness

This qualification is designed to provide you with an introduction to the principles of climate change and environmental awareness. You will study about the nature of climate change and the role you can play in helping to reduce carbon emissions. Through achieving the qualification, you will gain the knowledge and understanding to act as drivers of positive change within the workplace and at home.