Concerned I have been ripped off (re: distance learning course)

hollydays

missbiggles1 wrote: »

From their website,


"UK Learning College is registered with the UK Register of Learning Providers: UKPRN 10031248"

However that is for the company called edistance learning which is dissolved, not UK learning college.but the number may be based on the owners name in which case that is ok.

pinkshoes

Did you get to speak to a human?

November_Rain

Had a reply via email this morning. They managed to answer my query so all is okay for now. I still have my doubts but I can cross that bridge if and when I come to it.

halibut2209

The original post


"This is embarrassing for me to admit to but here goes.

I have been keen on the idea of broadening my photography skills and making them into a living (even if it's just on the side) for a while now. As I work varying hours I decided home learning was the most convenient route for me to go down. I had a look at some online courses in photography and, after looking into what the courses offered, I decided the best option for me was one being offered by the UK Learning College. It was more expensive than other courses I'd looked at but it seemed more in-depth. I decided to take the plunge and enrol on the course.

However, as I was not familiar with the UK Learning College and I have heard some horror stories about cowboy education firms, I went to Google to look for reviews and the first result I got was from Trustpilot, so I had a look on there. All looked good, with the reviews being mostly positive. Only one problem, I later discovered the reviews were in fact relating to the similarly named Home Learning College. Nothing whatsoever to do UK Learning College, as far as I'm aware. By the time I realised my error though I had already paid for the course.

Anyway, once I'd enrolled I was confused as to what the next step was. I thought it was just a case of being a login and going from there but I have logged in a few times now and I am none the wiser. I understand I am due to receive some of the course materials via post, but from what I can gather that's just the supporting materials.

I have tried five times now to get hold of them via phone and every time I have been stuck in a queue and asked to leave a message if I so wished. Very suspicious! I sent them an email a few hours back but I am currently awaiting a reply.

Going back to the Trustpilot thing I have not been able to find any reviews there for the right company nor elsewhere, except for a small handful which are mixed at best. I only really checked Trustpilot before as it is one of the best ones if not the best.

If worst comes to worst, what can I do about it? I should add I made the payment via Paypal if that makes any difference. Could I take it up with them?

I'm a bit annoyed with myself too here. I feel like such an idiot, but that's another story."