www.opencollege.info For Distance Learning?

clarabell1984

RufusFrog wrote: »

Sorry I posted my first reply before I read this. If you are not sure whether distance learning is for you or what you want to study then a good idea is to 'dip your toe in the water' with a short course and see if you like the subject matter / learning style. The OU does a range called 'Openings' (http://www3.open.ac.uk/courses/search/showmeopeningscourses.shtm) but there are many other fine distance learning providers out there!

My OU prospectus cam through yesterday so I am going to have a good look at that.
Are there any providers that you can reccommend?

RufusFrog_2

Sorry - I was afraid I was wrongly giving the impression that I thought the OU were the only way to go - the National Extension College is one other organisation I've heard is kosher although I don't know how their qualifications are regarded by employers. I don't know how you find out whose diplomas are widely accepted except perhaps ringing up the HR departments of potential employers and asking?

Oldernotwiser

clarabell1984 wrote: »

My OU prospectus cam through yesterday so I am going to have a good look at that.
Are there any providers that you can reccommend?

As you already have an HNC, any qualifications below level 4 will be a retrograde step for you. The OU will give you a certain number of points for the qualification you already have (probably about 120) so by studying with them you could be working towards a full degree as well as exploring an area that interests you. Even if you're not interested in working towards a degree and only want to study one or two units, you can always tell an employer that you're aiming for a full degree with the OU which ought to be impress them.

Don't worry about the "Openings" courses as you've already studied at this level. Also, the NEC is certainly reputable but you're unlikely to get any funding for their courses, unlike the OU.

simon123

Claire, I can really recommend the OU.

I studied with them for two years and due to that I have just got onto my dream course and am over the moon.

Their standard of teaching is really high and their qualifications are regarded as valuable because it illustrates you are able to work alone and motivate yourself.

As posted above, a very large percentage of people have most if not all of their course paid for by funding so unless you earn a huge amount this shouldn't be too much of an issue.

Hope this helps

Si

wolfehouse

as you are in scotland, the social support agencies are having a big hiring campaign just now because housing support for people with mental health problems or drug and alcohol problems is becoming the way forward (glasgow is closing all its hostels and moving people to 'scatter flats'.

There are a handfull of these organisations (aspire, gowrie care, loretto, s.a.m.h. etc.) who are always looking for staff to work one to one supporting these folk. They would train you and you would be earning and be able then to decide if it was for you. You could phone around and see if anything is going.

DrFluffy

I would NEVER trust a company with that sort of website domain!

Generally, the best places to start when looking for distance courses are:
1) Learn Direct - https://www.learndirect.co.uk
2) National Extension College - https://www.nec.ac.uk
3) Open University - website details already given above.

Good luck with it!