| Distance learning is becoming increasingly popular in | | | | Many of the new wave of home studiers choose |
| the UK, and can even produce better results than | | | | this form of learning because of the convenience |
| on-site studies for some professional qualifications. | | | | of the course structures. Many of the courses |
| One firm that specialises in remote courses claims | | | | available are configured to allow you to study |
| that 6% more people passed a professional | | | | whenever it suits you. Not only does that allow |
| accountancy course in the UK when studying | | | | people to fit their studies around day jobs or |
| remotely than passed while regularly attending a | | | | family life, but in some cases it is simply less |
| university. On a global basis, the home studiers | | | | intimidating than trying to work through a set |
| were 15% above the average, it says. | | | | curriculum in a set time. |
| Recent press reports confirm that distance | | | | Put another way, some people just don't like the |
| learning is becoming increasingly popular. One | | | | pressure a regular university can put on them. |
| report states that almost 46,000 students reading | | | | Other distance learning options include face-time |
| with a London-based university are today based | | | | with real tutors. While many remote courses will |
| remotely, compared with 36,000 in 2006. | | | | offer virtual guidance, a course that puts you in |
| Recent global economic turmoil is cited as a key | | | | regular contact with a real person might suit those |
| reason distance learning is growing in popularity. | | | | who live close to a college or university, but can't |
| Put simply, it's cheaper to work from home than | | | | attend regularly for the reasons mentioned above. |
| attend a university on a regular basis. Adding to | | | | Signing up to study a degree-level course at |
| that trend is a desire from overseas students to | | | | home isn't always the easy ride you might think it |
| gain a UK qualification without the additional cost | | | | is. Many students have to hold down day jobs to |
| of living and working in the country. | | | | fund their courses, so the financial and time |
| Of course, the concept of distance learning isn't | | | | commitments can be harsh. |
| new. It is 40 years since the UK's Open University | | | | When it comes to deciding if a distance learning |
| was first established, offering the public the | | | | course is for you, it's worth considering the social |
| chance to take professional courses no matter | | | | aspects such courses inevitably involve. A big part |
| where they were based, what their social status | | | | of attending a university regularly is that you |
| was, or how much they earned. | | | | interact with other students, which is useful for |
| Today, many leading universities offer the chance | | | | generating fresh ideas, helping you solve problems, |
| to learn from a remote location; however, unlike | | | | and of course taking you for the odd night out. |
| the original Open University, which didn't charge | | | | However, distance learning is a good option for |
| fees, many modern courses require students to | | | | anyone who is looking to improve their situation |
| pay an entrance fee. People can also choose from | | | | but doesn't have time to attend a university in |
| a number of private firms offering | | | | person, and who is comfortable working on their |
| university-grade teaching and qualifications, though | | | | own initiative. |
| the costs of those courses are likely to vary. | | | | |