Go the Distance!
With our wide range of distance learning courses you, or your organisation's staff, can gain fully accredited level 2 and level 3 qualifications in many different subjects from the comfort of your own home or workplace.
Courses are fully funded, meaning they're totally FREE* to any student who completes the course! Please check the entry criteria at the bottom of this page.
Distance learning courses are absolutely ideal when you'd like to gain a new qualification, but don't have the time to attend college.
With East Durham College's range of distance learning courses, students have the flexibility to complete the course in their own time, everything is done remotely via post, email, online or telephone! This includes initial enquiry, enrolment pack, resources and tutor support and robust feedback.
What Distance Learning Courses are on Offer at EDC?
To view the latest list of Distance Learning courses, please check out our course finder section.
Want to get a taste of what distance learning is about? Check it out with our video below.
Everything you Need to Know About Our Distance Learning Courses
Background
These distance learning courses are short courses to keep you up-to-date with current working practices, legislation and to reduce any skill gaps. The courses are suitable for individuals, all employers, the voluntary sector and charities.
Length of course
Each distance learning course has its own maximum length of course duration, based on the course content and the number of workbooks to complete, but the vast majority of people complete them well before their target dates.
How is the Course Assessed?
Our distance learning courses can be completed in two ways: online via our eLearning website or by paper-based assessment workbooks, of which an information pack containing reading material and workbooks are given to each learner. A small number of courses are online only.
Your first assessment should be submitted within 6 weeks; as a guidance you should allow, at the very least, 5-6 hours per week dependent upon knowledge of the subject. If you are completing your course paper-based you will be provided with freepost envelopes so you can send your first completed assessment to us and carry onto the next; if you are completing your course online, please check your account regularly.
Your tutor will email robust feedback and request any amendments / resubmissions that may be required. There is ongoing tutor support provided over the phone and email throughout the duration of your course. When completed assessments have been submitted and marked it then requires to be internally verified and ultimately certification will be applied for.
Can I Apply & Study More Than One Course?
No, you can only apply for, and study towards, one distance learning course at a time. However, as soon as you have successfully completed a course you are welcome to sign up for another one.
Can I Complete More than One Level 3 Course?
No, you can only complete one distance learning level 3 course, so please select the course that will benefit you the most.
Contact Us
For more details, please call the Distance Learning Coordinator on 0191 518 8390 or call the Student Services Team on 0191 518 8222.
*Subject to eligibility. Distance Learning courses are FREE upon successful completion and achievement.
Important Note/Eligibility
You must NOT live in an area of England with a devolved local authority (Local Government Association), such as the Tees Valley, to be able to study with us for free on a distance learning course. Your postcode will be checked upon application to ensure you are eligible for funding to study for free with East Durham College before we can enrol you onto your chosen course.
You can complete our Level 2 courses if you meet the following criteria:
- You are aged 19 or over before the start of the academic year (1st August) in which you wish to study.
- If aged under 24 you must already hold a FULL level 2 qualification or above.
- You have lived in the UK continuously for 3 years or more.
- You have NOT completed the same course before.
- You are NOT currently completing a distance learning course with us or any other training provider.
- You do NOT live in an area of England with a devolved government (this will be checked by our team upon application).
You can complete our Level 3 courses if you meet the following criteria:
- You are aged 19 or over before the start of the academic year (1st August) in which you wish to study.
- You must already hold a Level 2 qualification in English AND have completed the Level 2 distance learning course in your chosen level 3 course option.
- If you are unemployed or earn the National Living Wage or less AND already hold a FULL level 2 qualification or above.
- If you are employed and do NOT earn the National Living Wage or less, you must NOT hold a FULL level 3 qualification or above, your overall highest qualification will be a level 3 or full level 2.
- You have lived in the UK continuously for 3 years for more.
- You are NOT currently completing a distance learning course with us or any other training provider.
- You do NOT live in an area of England with a devolved government (this will be checked by our team upon application).
What Distance Learning Courses are on Offer at EDC?
To view the latest list of Distance Learning courses, please check out our course finder section.
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