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.
There are a whole range of benefits to distance learning study. You will gain valuable transferable skills such as planning, research and self-motivation and the courses can provide a fast-track to advancing your career while you continue working. The flexible courses mean you can choose when and how you study so you can work around commitments, your home life and work life!
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, telephone or teams! You will be provided with target dates, and you will be allocated your very own tutor who will contact you to arrange an induction and discuss course expectations, there will also be workshops available for you to attend and your tutor will also provide support and guidance with robust feedback.
What Distance Learning Courses are on Offer at EDC?
Our 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.
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 all 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.
Initially, there are approximately five questions to complete within 15 days of your start date, these five questions have been taken out of your first full assessment and have been implemented as a supportive measure to ensure that you are meeting the assessment criteria.
Your first full assessment is due within 6 weeks of your start date. As a guide, you should allow, at the very least, 6-7 hours a week to meet your target dates. If you are completing your course by paper, you will have been provided with freepost envelopes so you can send your first completed assessment to us and carry on to the next one; if you are completing your course online, please check your account regularly.
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 Notes on Eligibility to Study for FREE
Our courses are a level 2 / level 3 NCFE / CACHE qualification and are FREE to everyone, you can be employed or unemployed, you just need to meet the following eligibility requirements below:
Home Address
We are funded to provide distance learning courses to residents living in the North East Combined Authority (NECA), the seven local authority areas of County Durham, Gateshead, Newcastle, North Tyneside, Northumberland, South Tyneside and Sunderland.
We are also funded by the Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA), the five local authority areas of Darlington, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Redcar & Cleveland and Stockton-on-Tees. (The only exceptions are: Level 2 Customer Service, Level 2 Lean Organisation Management Techniques and Level 3 Understanding Autism are not funded by the TVCA).
General Eligibility
- You are aged 19 or over during the academic year (starting 31st August 2024) in which you wish to study.
- You have lived in the UK/EU/EEA continuously for 3 years or more.
- You have not completed the same course before.
- You are not completing another flexible/distance learning course with us or any other training provider.
- You have a good level of English to understand, engage and meet the course requirements.
Specific Level 2 Eligibility
- 19-23 eligible to use free first full level 2 legal entitlement.
- 19+ free to all learners (full or co-funded at provider level based on earnings threshold of £25,000).
Specific Level 3 Eligibility
- 19-23 eligible to use free first full level 3 legal entitlement.
- 19+ Free Course for Jobs (FCFJ) who meet the earnings threshold of below £25,000.
If you do not live in the North East or Tees Valley Combined Authority area or earn over the £25,000 earning threshold, please contact us, we can still offer our level 2 and level 3 courses on a commercial / full cost basis
If you are in doubt about any of the eligibility criteria to study for free, please contact Student Services and we will investigate your eligibility.
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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