FAQs
Accessing courses
When will I get access to the course videos?
We release all the videos for a single course at the same time so you can learn at the pace you want. For ‘Pearls’, for example, you’ll get all nine videos. We’re looking for feedback, so please get in touch if you’d rather we did it another way.
Can I download videos and course materials?
You can download written materials, such as PDFs and slides, where provided. You can’t download videos for contractual and copyright reasons.
How long will I have access to a course?
When you buy a course you will have access to it for 12 months and you can watch the videos as many times as you like. We’ll email you when your time is nearly up so you don’t miss out. And don’t forget, you can also download the written materials to keep forever.
What devices can I use to access the courses?
You can access the courses from any device with an internet connection, including desktop computers, laptops, tablets and mobiles. Simply log in using your account details to access the courses from any device.
What happens if I experience technical issues during the course?
If you experience any technical difficulties, please email courses@vam.ac.uk.
Do I need any special software or tools for the courses?
Most of our courses can be accessed using a standard web browser. Some courses may recommend specific software or tools, which will be mentioned in the course description.
I've paid for a course, but I can't get in.
Make sure you're logged in to the platform using the details you gave us when you signed up. Head here to get started. If you're still having trouble, email courses@vam.ac.uk.
Your account
I already have a V&A Academy account. Should I use that to sign up?
No. If you have a Microsoft Teams account for live-taught V&A Academy courses, don’t use it to sign up for on-demand courses. Our on-demand courses (such as 'Pearls') are hosted on a different platform called LearnWorlds. Sign up for these with your personal email address.
I am a V&A Member. Can I log in with my Membership account?
No. This platform won’t recognise your V&A Members account email and password, as the two systems are not linked. You need to set up a new account by entering your email address and creating a password. You can use the same email address to create the new account as you use for your V&A Members account if you want to.
How do I reset my password?
Click on the 'Forgot Password' link on the login page, and follow the instructions to reset your password via email.
Can I share my course login with others?
No, sharing login information is against our terms of service. Each user must have their own account to access the course.
How will you use my personal data?
Our on-demand courses are provided through a platform called LearnWorlds. Your name and email address are used to create an account in the LearnWorlds platform so that you can purchase on-demand courses. Your account will hold a record of the courses purchased and the price paid, and a history of your engagement with the platform, such as how many lessons you have attended and resources you have downloaded. This information will be used to help you keep track of your learning, and it will be used by us to help us understand how our learners interact with their courses, and to make improvements or adjustments.
This account information will be retained for six years after the end of your relationship with V&A on-demand courses.
We do not collect any financial details on the platform itself. Payment for courses is made through PayPal; you won’t need to create a PayPal account if you don’t already have one. Transaction records will be retained by our Finance department for seven years for the accounting record. If you subscribe to marketing, we will retain a record of your consent until you let us know that you no longer wish to receive communications from us.
Further information about how the V&A manages personal data can be found in our privacy notice. Information about cookies can be found by following the ‘Learn more’ link in the cookie banner.
Payments and refunds
I’m not in the United Kingdom? Can I sign up?
No. At the moment, we can’t take payments from outside the UK. We’re working to change that.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept major credit/debit cards or PayPal. To pay with a debit or credit card, select "PayPal" at the checkout, then select 'Pay with credit/debit card'. You do not need to create a PayPal account. Simply deselect 'Create a PayPal account' towards the end of the form.
Can I pay in instalments or get a discount for multiple purchases?
We don’t offer group discounts or discounts for multiple purchases. We may offer bundle deals from time to time. Make sure you’re subscribed to our newsletter to find out about new offers.
Can I get a refund if I’m not satisfied with the course?
Yes, we offer a refund policy within the first 14 days of purchase if you are not satisfied, as long as you haven't completed more than 30% of the course.
Can I buy a course as a gift?
Yes, you can purchase a course as a gift, but it's not currently an automated process. Simply purchase the course as if for yourself, then email us at courses@vam.ac.uk with the name and email address of your intended recipient. Then we can create them an account and transfer the booking. Because the process is not yet automated, unfortunately we cannot process gifts outside of normal working hours (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm). We will endeavour to process gift requests with 48 working hours.
Course content and structure
Can I interact with the tutors or are there any live sessions?
No, our on-demand courses are pre-recorded. If you’d like to spend time with our tutors, ask questions live and meet fellow students, try a V&A Academy live online course.
Do I need to have any skills or qualifications to take a course?
No. You don’t need any special qualification to enrol in a V&A course. We will always try to be as specific as possible in the course description about the level the course is pitched at.
Do I get a certificate upon completion?
No, we do not offer completion certificates.
How much time does it take to complete a course?
Each course has a different duration. You can find the estimated completion time in the course description. However, since the courses are self-paced, you can go faster or slower as needed.
When will you release new courses?
We’re hoping to release three new on-demand courses every three months at first. Sign up to our newsletter to make sure you’re the first to know.
Experience V&A Academy live
Victoria and
Albert Museum
