About modular learning
Modules are blocks of learning within a qualification that focus on a specific topic or skill. Learners can now study modules from a course at their own pace to build towards a full qualification. They can also choose to take individual modules to gain specific skills without completing the full qualification.
This gives employees more flexibility to develop higher level skills while they work. It also makes it easier for you to get the skills your business needs, when you need them.
Benefits of modular learning
Studying individual modules gives employees more flexibility.
Your employees can:
- continue working while they study
- develop specific skills they need for their role or career
- build towards a qualification over time
- study at a pace that works for them and your business
Modular learning can also help your business to:
- address skills gaps and shortages
- support employee progression and retention
- build skills in priority areas and emerging technologies
- create a more agile workforce that can respond to future skills needs
Example: targeted training for changing business needs
A business identifies that more of its projects are requiring digital and data skills, but there is a gap in expertise within the team. Rather than recruiting externally, it supports an existing employee to take a relevant module alongside work using the Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE). The employee develops new skills they can apply immediately, helping the business improve productivity and take on new opportunities.
Your role in flexible learning
The LLE should sit alongside, not replace, your investment in training and development.
It is designed to make learning more flexible and accessible, but you also have an important role to play by:
- identifying the skills your workforce needs
- working with education providers to co-design flexible courses
- supporting your employees who choose to study when working
- viewing the LLE as part of your workforce strategy
You may also share your workforce needs with local and strategic authorities to contribute to Local Skills Improvement Plans (LSIPs). This can help ensure regional education and training will continue to meet to the needs of your business in the future.
Subjects and qualifications available
LLE funding is available for eligible courses at levels 4 to 6. This includes post-18 qualifications such as higher technical qualifications and undergraduate degrees. To be eligible for an LLE loan, the modules a learner takes must be worth at least 30 credits in total.
Modules will be available for subjects linked to the Government’s Industrial Strategy. This is intended to support the development of skills in areas where there are skills gaps or shortages.
If your employees want to use their completed modules to build towards a full qualification, all modules must be part of the same full course, known as a parent course.
Find a provider offering modular learning
Universities and providers who have applied for approval can offer modular learning.
You can check the list of approved providers to find which universities or colleges are planning to offer modules near you. You can use this list to identify providers in your area to co-design courses to help you meet your skills needs. View list of approved providers for LLE modules
This video is 1 minute 55 seconds long.
Video Transcript
Student finance is changing.
From January 2027 in England, theLifelong Learning Entitlement or LLE lets you apply for loan funding for the qualifications and skills you need when you need them.
Because choices change, because lives change, because careers change, student finance is changing, too.
Whether you're studying straight after school, six form or college, learning while working, caring, or looking to change career direction, the LLE is designed to fit around your life.
Study a full degree in one go. Or build your skills step by step, module by module, at a pace that fits your life.
The way we learn is changing, and now student finance is changing too.
You could apply for a tuition fee loan to help pay for the cost of study. You may also be able to apply for a maintenance loan to help with every day costs such as books, food, or travel.
The LLE is designed to make learning, upskilling and retraining flexible.You'll be able to apply for, view, and track your entitlement through a digital online account because learning needs to be flexible.
From January 2027, student finance will be flexible, too. The LLE could open doors to a future of new possibilities.
Find out more at gov.uk/lifelong-learning-entitlement. The information in this video does not cover individual circumstances.You should consult the latest published guidance on the lifelong learning entitlement for full details, eligibility criteria, and up-to-date information on how student finance is changing.
Supporting your employees with study
You can support employees who choose to study alongside their existing role by:
- offering flexible working patterns
- allowing study leave
- setting dedicated time for learning and development
Paying tuition fees for LLE modules
Any loan taken out to cover tuition fees will need to be repaid. They will need to repay the loan under the Plan 5 student loan terms and conditions.
Employees should decide for themselves whether an LLE loan is right for them. You can support them by helping them understand their learning options, providing time and flexibility to study and continuing to invest in training where it meets your business needs.
Just like with full qualifications, you can choose to pay the tuition fees for any individual modules your employees take that support their professional development or help your organisation develop the skills it needs.
More information
You can find out more about the LLE on GOV.UK.
Read case studies from the pilot on GOV.UK to learn about the benefits modular learning can give you and your employees.