The most obvious example of a distance learning provider in the UK is the Open University but many other Universities also provide distance learning and e-Learning courses. Courses are generally studied over a longer period of time, and have a degree of flexibility about when study can be undertaken. Teaching is delivered through assignments sent by post or email, completed and returned to the course tutor, who then provides feedback and support by post, email or phone. Increasingly, distance-learning courses include a combination of teaching methods, including e-learning, where teaching is delivered over the internet. However, relatively speaking, this is still in its infancy and some Universities and courses have more experience with this mode of teaching than others.
If you choose to study by distance learning and/or e-Learning you will have greater time flexibility, and will be able to undertake courses offered by Universities elsewhere in the UK, or even elsewhere in the world. These courses can be particularly useful if you move around a lot or if you do not have a regular weekly routine. However, if you want to benefit from a postgraduate community, or to participate in a course where debates and discussions with other students are a key factor, distance learning may not be appropriate for you. However, you should also be aware that many distance learning programmes include some form of study meeting, although possibly only once a year.
