Home study

You don't have to travel to a school, college or uni to improve your grades. If you get it right, learning at home can be just as rewarding.

"From aromatherapy to zoology, all possibilities are available at the click of a button."

What is home study?

Also called distance learning or open learning, this is the opportunity to study at home – or wherever you like! The main thing is that you don't have to go to an institution like a school or a college. With modern technology, you can study wherever you have access to a computer and the internet, and it's increasingly popular.

What can I study?

Anything! The world of study is truly your oyster. From aromatherapy to zoology, the possibilities are available at the click of a button, and can range from GCSEs to diplomas and degrees.

How do I know I'm suited to home studying?

Ask yourself: Am I self-motivated? Can I work on my own? Do I have access to a computer and the internet? Would I be happy chatting to my tutor by email or phone? Can I fit it into my working life or caring requirements? If you answer yes to most of these questions, it could well be for you.

How much does it cost?

Prices vary, but they are generally a lot cheaper than going to university or a college. You could work your way to a single GCSE for £295, or an Open University degree could cost £4000 over six years, compared to fees of £9000 for a top university, plus living expenses (£15,000 minimum).

Can I work at the same time?

Absolutely. Many of the courses are designed to compliment your work, to help you qualify for the next level, or to get you onto the course you want. The beauty of home study is that you fit it in around your work or study needs.

What about if I've got kids?

Home studying is especially good for fitting around children. Doing something for yourself can boost your self-esteem, stimulate your brain and bring you back into the world of employment with extra skills and confidence.

What if I don't have a computer?

You can still do a course, but you will have to plan a bit more. Most local libraries have computers which you can book in hourly slots – you can build up a good routine this way. But make sure that the course gives you telephone access to your tutor, too.

Home Study: The downsides

You will be studying on your own, so may feel lonely and isolated at times, though there will be message boards and virtual classrooms to interact with online.
If you have technical glitches there won't be an IT specialist on hand to help you, which can be stressful and frustrating.
You will not get the same feedback as in a classroom – you may have to be more patient and wait for your tutor to respond by email.
Not all courses can be fulfilled through distance learning, especially practical courses, such as nursing.
Distance learning must be accredited. There are many colleges that are not accredited and their courses are not legitimate, so make sure you check this out before enrolling.
Distance learning does not give you the chance to use oral communication skills, so if this is important to you, bear it in mind before choosing home study.

By Ruth Hedges

Updated:03/08/2010

Jargon Buster

The Open University:: The UK's biggest provider of distance learning
National Extension College:: 150 home study courses
Distance Learning Centre:: Vocational distance learning courses
RDI:: Online degrees, affiliated through UK universities
Distance Learning Scotland:: Virtual campus of Reid Kerr College in Scotland

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Decide whether you are motivated enough to be a home learner. Write down all the times in the last week that you completed a task unasked – from washing-up to writing an essay.
Work out how you would do the course. If you don't have your own computer and internet access, visit your local library to find out about computer access.
Make a plan of what you ultimately want to do, and work out whether this course will give you the qualifications you need to get there, or make a good start?
Talk to friends and family about how you will balance home studying in your life. It is important to have their support, too – they need to respect your time to study in peace, and might be able to help out, e.g. with childcare.
Find out whether you qualify for any funding. If you're aged 18-24, live at home with your parents and earn less than £16,510 per year, you can study with the Open University for free. Check out their Student Debt Calculator to compare the cost of home study to university.
Search through the array of courses via these suggested sites, and start planning your home learning programme!

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