Distance Learning Courses

Distance Learning – Giving You an Equal Opportunity to Invest in Yourself

How so?

Because no matter what your background, educational achievements (or lack of them) distance learning will open up a new world of knowledge, skills and meaningful qualifications.

The use of distance learning transfers the “learning centre” (school, college, university) to “your chosen location”. This can be your home, a coffee shop, travelling abroad or journeying to and from work. JK Rowling started her first Harry Potter novel on a train from Manchester to Kings Cross and wrote many of them in The Elephant House a coffee shop in Edinburgh. Choose your most comfortable place to study.

Distance Learning – The step change that freed us all to enjoy Life Long Learning

Distance learning as a concept, whilst being a revolutionary idea, developed into a practice initially at a slow pace. As early as 1728 the Boston Gazette was advertising a correspondence course through the early days of a postal service (distance learning!) for a new shorthand system. In the 1840’s Pitman did the same in the UK. And in 1858 The University of London opened “The External Programme” giving distance learning total respectability. This was followed by many other universities and in 1969 The Open University began a revolution by offering everyone the opportunity to gain a degree through distance learning via TV programs and correspondence. The explosion in technology since then has been mirrored by an explosion in the distance learning field. You can now study and qualify for degrees and doctorates, accountancy, web design, childcare, dancing, fitness instruction, cognitive behavioural therapy or whatever takes your fancy. The door of knowledge has been well and truly kicked open by distance learning.

Distance Learning – Benefits you in many ways.

You don’t need any prior qualifications – Most distance learning courses are open to everyone with or without any other qualifications so whatever your circumstances are be confident that you can enrol, you can enjoy the course and you can get an accredited qualification.

You can start and finish when you want – There are no such things as terms, semesters, enrolment months and exam times. This is distance learning that fits around you, not you around rigid college based rules and regulations.

It offers you amazing flexibility – When you study and where you study is up to you. You’re in charge. This means that you can fit it round your family commitments, your work responsibilities and your social calendar. This is where distance learning beats college/university education hands down.

With distance learning you set the pace – If you have time to spare and want to qualify quickly then you can do so. However if you have just a few hours a week, then there is no pressure. Take your time and enjoy the course. Contrast that with the relentless timetable of a traditional college course!

There’s no peer pressure or public embarrassment – Because you are studying in private you avoid the disruptive effects of noisier students and do not feel that you are in a competition. Nor are you embarrassed because you are unsure of certain techniques or previously learned facts.

Distance learning costs will be much lower than college costs – Why can we be sure of that? Because there are no buildings to maintain, heat and clean. No rates to pay. No lecturer’s fees. No IT staff and equipment costs. So the actual course costs are nearly always a lot lower than a similarly graded college course. On top of that your personal costs will be minimal compared to the regular travel and parking expenses.

Distance Learning with Stonebridge – There are no disadvantages

What about ongoing support? – A carefully chosen and fully experienced friendly tutor will work with you on a one to one basis.

How do I know if I am making good progress? – There are periodic assignments that help you review your learning. These are submitted to your tutor who will then offer feedback to let you know just how you are doing.

Are the qualifications accredited? – As a genuine distance learning provider Stonebridge ensure that all our courses are accredited by appropriate nationally recognised bodies. You can be sure that your qualification is bona fida.

Can I pay by instalments? – We recognise that even though are overheads are kept to a minimum enabling us to offer real value for money, monthly payments are popular with most of our students. For this reason most of our courses do have a monthly payment plan.

Do the costs cover everything? – Unlike some other Distance Learning Colleges we quote an all inclusive enrolment fee.

Will I miss the buzz of college camaraderie? If you enjoy sharing experiences and learning with others then our Student Forum is the place to keep in touch with fellow students.

Distance Learning with Stonebridge – A summary

Learning is a lifelong journey that should be both beneficial and enjoyable. It is the pursuit of knowledge for personal or professional reasons resulting in;

• Greater self fulfilment
• Increased confidence
• Better social inclusion
• More active citizenship
• Improved personal development
• Enhanced employability. 

Whilst distance learning does need self motivation, careful planning and a determination to “finish the course” we at Stonebridge promise to support you in that quest. We promise to provide enlightening courses supported by dedicated tutors resulting in excellent qualifications. We promise to be with you each step of that journey as you enjoy and benefit from your instructive, authoritative and time-proven distance learning courses with us.