Before you buy

Shopping with academy+

Choosing the right course The catalogue is large, so start with the category that matches your goal rather than the course title. The site groups courses into areas such as Business, Computing, Health & Safety, Medical and Social / Care, and many popular diplomas sit under Vocational / Hobbies. If you want a course for paid work, check whether the qualification can be validated, since the site says completed courses can be validated on the website at any time.

Understanding the format Courses are split into modules and lessons, with an end-of-course test to check understanding. You can study on a PC, phone or tablet, so the format suits commuters as well as people with fixed evenings. Tutor support is available if you get stuck, which can help with more technical subjects such as spreadsheets or computing.

Checking what you get Many course pages show lifetime access to the material, which makes it easier to revisit notes later. A premium membership gives access to the wider course library for a yearly fee, so it only makes sense if you plan to study several subjects. Compare the module count and course outline before choosing between a single course and a membership.

Before you sign up Confirm the qualification type matches what your employer or training route requires, as the level and recognition you need depends on your specific goal. The site states that its online courses have been checked and approved by CPD, which is a useful starting point, but check the exact course page for the details that matter to you.