Distance Learning Courses
Distance Learning Courses
Understanding
Distance Learning
So why choose with us
A wide range of courses
More choice and flexibility
Learner support available
A dedicated department
Study anywhere at anytime
On-going support
Develop your skills
Improved career prospects
Learn about funding
Checkout our most popular courses
We’re Here to Support Your Learning
Got a Question?
Need some advice or information on our distance learning or our e-learning courses?
Our Commitment to Your Learning Experience
Level 2
Our Level 2 courses are government-funded subject to learner eligibility and changes in government funding. We will confirm eligibility upon receiving your application and will state the reasons why if we are unable to fund you.
Please refer to the ‘Important Information’ tab on the page of the course you wish to apply for, for additional criteria to consider.
Please contact us if you have any questions.
Advanced Learner Loans (19+)
What is the Advanced Learner Loan
The Advanced Learner Loan is a non-means-tested or credit-checked helping hand, offered by the Government. It is available to anyone over 24 years who wants to study for a Level 3 or above qualification such as a National Certificate or Diploma, or a higher or advanced apprenticeship. It is also available to people aged 19 and over who already hold a level 3 qualification. Most courses are eligible for loans, please check eligibility before enrolling if you want to take out the loan.
Can anyone apply?
Yes, to be eligible for an Advanced Learner Loan, you must be: At an approved college or training provider in England. Aged 19 or older on the first day of your approved course. Currently living in the UK and have been living in the UK three years before starting your course.
How does the loan work?
You only need to apply once per course, so if, for example, your course is longer than one year, you don’t need to apply separately for each year but you do need to remember you can’t apply for another loan to repeat the same level of course in the same subject area.
How do you pay it back?
You won’t pay back your loan until you’re earning over £25,000 per year and then you’ll only pay back 9% of earnings above £25,000. This means if you earn £27,000 per year you would only pay back 9% on £2,000. That equates to only £15 a month
How do I apply for a loan?
It’s easy to apply for a loan, you can apply online .
You’ll need a National Insurance Number before any money can be paid to the college or training organisation on your behalf and you’ll need some form of identification to apply, e.g. passport or birth certificate. You need particular information about your course which you can ask the college for on a ‘Learning and Funding Information Letter’.
Our UK Provider Number is: 10007938
Support for 19+
Advice and guidance on courses, internal and external progression, student finance, travel etc can be delivered from our team of Advisors.
Appointments can be booked by email via:
- [email protected] or call 01472 311222 extension 311 or 217
- [email protected] or call 01472 311222 extension 472
- [email protected] or call 01472 311222 extension 472
What our learners say
Frequently Asked Questions
Need to know an answer to a question? Our frequently asked questions (FAQs) will help you find answer. Please click on the question links below to find the answers your looking for, alternatively if you cannot find the answer on our frequently asked questions page you can contact us here.
I’ve never done a distance learning course before. What is involved?
Distance Learning means that you learn where and when you want, using the learning materials provided to you upon enrolment.
You read through the information and work through the activities in the workbooks and then answer the questions in the assessments. As there are no requirements to attend tutorials/classes, you need to be satisfied when you receive your materials that you can meet the requirements of the course and the deadlines we issue you with.
We do have tutors available to help if you get stuck on any of the course material.
Distance Learning is ideal for people who aren’t able to attend a college based course and can work around life at home. However, we don’t advise enrolling to the course if you anticipate personal/family or work issues that may prevent you committing a minimum 4 hours a week to study
When is the start date for the course and is there a deadline for enrolment?
You can enrol at any time throughout the year, so there is no deadline for applications. Your start date will be the day you contact us for your induction, once you have received the learning materials.
How long does the course take to complete?
All of our courses differ in length and you can find the duration for each individual course on the course pages. The longest course takes 28 weeks to complete and the shortest takes 4 weeks to complete.
How much time do I need to commit to completing the course?
As most of our courses are Level 2 (the equivalent of a GCSE) we advise you to commit a minimum of 4 hours per week to be able to manage the deadlines comfortably and fulfil the learning requirements.
How much does the course cost?
Our Level 2 courses are funded by the government, so are free to all applicants who meet the eligibility criteria.
Is the course accredited?
Yes, all of our courses are accredited by national awarding bodies, which are displayed on the course information pages
What is the eligibility criteria?
You must currently be living in England, have been living in the UK for the last 6 months and must not have completed a qualification with units similar to those that are in the course you are applying for.
You also need to have a minimum Level 1 qualification in English, which is the equivalent of a GCSE Grade D. (For the Information, Advice or Guidance course, you must have a minimum Level 2, equivalent to GCSE Grade C)
Can I do more than one course at a time?
No, you may only undertake one course at a time, but as soon as you have successfully completed your course you can enrol on another course straight away, you can enrol upto 5 courses per academic year.
Do I get deadline dates for the assessments to be completed by?
Yes, the nature of distance learning means that you learn independently without the support of classroom tutorials and by giving you deadlines it helps to keep you focused and engaged. You can request an extension of your deadline by completing the request an extension on-line form
What if I can’t answer a question?
Please get in touch with us. We can put you in touch with one of our qualified assessors who can talk you through what is required.
Do I get the course free even if I’m not on any state benefits?
Yes, we are proud to be able to offer our courses free of charge to everyone regardless of whether you are in employment or not. You must however meet the eligibility criteria to enrol.
Will I receive a certificate?
Yes, you will upon completion. Depending on the course you apply for, this will either be an e-certificate or a paper-based certificate.
Get in touch
Want to get in touch? We’d love to hear from you. Here’s how you can reach us…