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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe Different Types of Online Courses<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
While there are many types of online courses, they will fall into one of two categories. They\u2019ll provide you with either a recognised qualification or certificate award, or you\u2019ll receive a certificate of completion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The online course type, level of study and awarding body, will determine the award you\u2019ll receive once you pass.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Regulated qualifications are those such as GCSEs, A Levels and Access to Higher Education Diplomas. These demonstrate that you have gained a qualification approved by both a UK Regulator and recognised Awarding Organisation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The courses that offer you a certificate of completion or achievement, do not provide approved qualifications. The difference being you have completed a course \u2013 gaining knowledge and insight – but you\u2019re not qualified <\/em>in the subject.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These courses do not involve extended study periods or a formal \u2013 regulated \u2013 exam at the end of the course.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This isn\u2019t to say that these courses aren\u2019t of value. The value is determined by what you hope to achieve from studying. Studying to upskill for work or learn a new hobby is of great value if it meets your desired outcome.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To become accredited, online course providers need to go through an evaluation and accreditation process. Performed by a reputable third-party accrediting agency who will confirm if they have met established education standards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ofqual (the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation) regulates all awarding organisations no matter how they deliver their learning. This makes sure students are protected and the courses are fair in terms of materials provided, coursework and exams undertaken.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So, an A Level in Economics<\/strong><\/a> offered by different providers will deliver the same level of education.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Online courses are also created in collaboration with subject experts. This guarantees the material studied is relevant. For example, universities help to create the Access to Higher Education Diplomas<\/strong><\/a>, which ensures students cover the most up to date material.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So, the regulated qualifications received from distance learning providers will be indistinguishable from those offered on campus. These accreditation standards and processes are in place to ensure you receive the same rigorous level of education.<\/p>\n\n\n\n All coursework is equally challenging whether courses are delivered on or offline. With both modalities held to identical educational standards. Your work will also be assessed as it would be in a regular classroom. Through assignment marking and proctored exams, you can be sure your grade is earnt through hard-earned knowledge and skill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The qualification is the achievement earned, online is simply the mode used to receive the education.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While the regulated qualifications attained through off and online courses are the same, the stigma around distance learning still exists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many online students worry they\u2019ll be viewed differently from \u2013 or even, inferior to \u2013 those studying the \u2018traditional\u2019 way. The reality is, distance learning can positively differentiate you. Helping you to stand out against others competing for the same role or university course placement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Whether it\u2019s on your personal statement, job application or in an interview, you can promote benefits of the way you learnt. Framing your relevant skills, knowledge, experience and determination to learn, in a way that makes you memorable from the rest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Plus, if you\u2019re going back into education at a later stage, chances are you have work experience that they don\u2019t.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Online course graduates can demonstrate:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your ability to prioritise tasks, meet deadlines and arrive to work on time are all enviable traits. The flexibility offered by distance learning can make it hard for some students to stick to a work schedule. Demonstrate how you effectively managed this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Work and university life often involve working on numerous projects, overseeing long processes, or attending back-to-back meetings on diverse topics. Online students typically have to juggle responsibilities such as parenting, work, studies and a time for loved ones. Talk about how organised your life so you could do all this and manage to achieve your grades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Often the people you are competing with have gone to work or university straight from school. Online students tend to have additional experience that can greatly benefit their application. Working in dynamic environments, with others of all ages, backgrounds and nationalities. This can show that you are confident working with others, navigating the workplace or the university campus you are applying to. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The self-motivation and initiative associated with distance learning is an extremely attractive trait. Not to mention the fact you\u2019ve thrown a commitment to learning in into the mix of a busy life. Both qualities are necessary for university level study and the workplace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Education and study generally provide a host of transferrable skills. Recognising the extended skills developed through distance learning can make your application shine. Putting to bed any negative connotations associated with online courses and showing exactly why you\u2019re the perfect fit for the position.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Stonebridge Associated Colleges<\/strong><\/a> is a leading UK distance learning provider who works with several leading Ofqual regulated Awarding Organisations. The certificate award received upon successful completion of a regulated qualification contains both the logo of the Awarding Organisation and relevant UK Regulator. Along with the full qualification title and qualification number.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re interested in taking an online course to achieve a regulated qualification, you can confidently do so with Stoneb<\/strong><\/a>r<\/a><\/strong>idge Associated Colleges<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Are-Online-Courses-Recognised-2.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nHow Online Courses and Providers are Regulated<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWill My Online Qualification be Viewed Differently?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Time management<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Organisation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Confidence<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Independence & ambition<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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