Go beyond awareness. Study LGBTQ+ lives and issues in depth.

What shapes our understanding of sexuality and gender? Why have LGBTQ+ rights advanced in some countries while remaining restricted in others? How have LGBTQ+ communities challenged discrimination, created spaces of belonging, and changed society?

If you have attended LGBTQ+ awareness training and want to take your learning further, or you simply have a passion for understanding LGBTQ+ lives and are new to it, our Foundation Certificate in LGBTQ+ Studiesoffers something different.

Developed by experts at OUT North East, this distinctive programme brings academic LGBTQ+ Studies into an accessible community learning environment. Dedicated opportunities to study LGBTQ+ lives through a structured, multidisciplinary programme are limited in the North East, making this an exciting addition to the region's adult education offer.

Unlike a short awareness workshop, this course gives you the time to investigate complex issues, explore research, debate ideas and develop your own independent project.

Over 12 weeks, you will study LGBTQ+ lives through sociology, history, politics, health, human rights and community studies, guided by an experienced academic and educator.

The programme is designed to develop understanding at approximately Level 3 standard, making it ideal for people interested in university study, professional development, activism, or simply learning more.

No previous qualifications in LGBTQ+ Studies are required. This is a course for people aged 16+.

Your course at a glance

• Induction: Thursday 28 January 2027
• Course starts: Thursday 4 February 2027
• Time: 6:00pm–9:00pm on teaching Thursdays
• Duration: 12 teaching weeks, excluding school holidays for half-term and Easter
• Location: ONE Centre, Pelaw, Gateshead
• Learning: 36 classroom hours and 24 hours of independent study
• Cost: £180 plus booking fee payable in full or instalments
• Recognition: NOCN Endorsed Programme, with a certificate for successful learners

The programme is suitable for LGBTQ+ people and allies, volunteers, activists, charity workers, public-sector professionals, teachers, healthcare workers, and anyone with an interest in LGBTQ+ Studies.

What will you study? Our course curriculum

The course is organised into six modules delivered over the 12 teaching weeks.

Module 1: Understanding LGBTQ+ lives

Explore sexuality, gender, identity and the social influences that shape our understanding of LGBTQ+ lives. You'll be introduced to sociological ideas such as stigma, heteronormativity, social constructionism and intersectionality.

Module 2: LGBTQ+ histories

Discover significant moments in LGBTQ+ history, from criminalisation and early liberation movements to Section 28, HIV and AIDS, Pride, and complex global LGBTQ+ histories. Consider whose histories have been remembered and whose have been overlooked.

Module 3: LGBTQ+ rights and global human rights

Investigate LGBTQ+ rights in the UK and around the world. Explore criminalisation, colonialism, religion, politics, equality legislation, international human rights and the experiences of LGBTQ+ people seeking asylum.

Module 4: LGBTQ+ health, communities and belonging

Examine mental health and well-being, health inequalities, minority stress, HIV and AIDS, and access to healthcare. Explore chosen families, LGBTQ+ spaces, community organisations and the importance of belonging.

Module 5: LGBTQ+ activism and social change

How does change happen? Study LGBTQ+ campaigns, protests, community organising, political lobbying, digital activism and international solidarity. Examine how activists challenge discrimination and influence society.

Module 6: Researching LGBTQ+ lives

Learn how to investigate LGBTQ+ issues using academic and community research methods. Develop skills in research, evaluating evidence, research ethics, and critical thinking before completing your own independent LGBTQ+ Studies project.

How will you be assessed?

This is a structured programme of study, rather than an attendance-only course. You'll complete three written assessments designed to develop your research, academic writing, and critical-thinking skills.

Assignment 1: LGBTQ+ Studies Critical Essay – 2,000 words

Explore a question relating to LGBTQ+ identities, sociology or history, using academic concepts and evidence to develop an argument.

Assignment 2: LGBTQ+ Rights or Social Change Case Study – 2,000 words

Investigate an LGBTQ+ rights issue, inequality, community experience or campaign for social change, drawing on relevant research and evidence.

Assignment 3: Independent LGBTQ+ Studies Project – 3,000 words

Choose an LGBTQ+ topic that interests you and develop your own research-based project, bringing together the knowledge and skills gained throughout the course.

Assignments are graded Fail, Pass, Merit or Distinction. You'll receive guidance on academic writing, research and referencing, with reasonable adjustments available where appropriate.

Your NOCN Endorsed certificate

The Foundation Certificate in LGBTQ+ Studies is an NOCN Endorsed Programme, meaning its content, delivery and management have received independent quality recognition.

Learners who successfully pass all three assessments will receive a certificate featuring the NOCN and OUT North East logos.

This can be included on your CV, professional development record or applications for further learning.

Please note: An NOCN Endorsed Programme is quality-recognised learning, not a regulated qualification or a formal Level 3 qualification.

Course dates: January–May 2027

All sessions take place on Thursdays from 6:00pm to 9:00pm at the ONE Centre.



Session                    Date

Induction.               Thursday 28 January 2027

Week 1.                    Thursday 4 February 2027

Week 2.                   Thursday 11 February 2027

Half-term break   Thursday 18 February 2027 – No class

Week 3.                   Thursday 25 February 2027

Week 4.                   Thursday 4 March 2027

Week 5.                   Thursday 11 March 2027

Week 6.                   Thursday 18 March 2027

Easter break.         Thursday 25 March 2027 – No class

Easter break.         Thursday 1 April 2027 – No class

Easter break.         Thursday 8 April 2027 – No class

Week 7.                   Thursday 15 April 2027

Week 8.                   Thursday 22 April 2027

Week 9.                   Thursday 29 April 2027

Week 10.                  Thursday 6 May 2027

Week 11.                   Thursday 13 May 2027

Week 12.                  Thursday 20 May 2027

Final teaching session: Thursday 20 May 2027.

The timetable includes breaks for the February half term and Easter school holidays.

Your induction session

The induction takes place on Thursday 28 January 2027, from 6:00pm to 9:00pm, one week before teaching begins.

This is an opportunity to meet your Course Leader and fellow learners, gain your course guide, explore the course structure, and understand what to expect over the coming months.

We will explain the assignments, grading system, independent study expectations and available learning support. You'll also have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss any reasonable adjustments you may need.

Course costs and payment options

Total course fee: £180 plus booking fee

We want academic learning about LGBTQ+ lives to be as accessible as possible, so we've kept the course affordable and offer the option to spread payments.

Option 1: Pay in full

Pay £180 plus booking fee when booking to secure your place.

Option 2: Pay in instalments

Spread the cost with PayPal Pay Later, Klarna and Clearpay

The course fee covers the 36 hours of face-to-face teaching, learning materials, assessment and feedback, and certification for successful learners.

Take your understanding further

Whether you're looking to develop professionally, strengthen your activism, prepare for further study or explore subjects you've always wanted to understand, the Foundation Certificate in LGBTQ+ Studies offers an opportunity to learn, question, research and grow.

Go beyond awareness. Explore the evidence. Understand the history. Question the world around you.

For further information, contact Drew@outnortheast.org.uk.