Q : What does distance learning mean?
Distance learning means studying at a location that is convenient to you. Rather than give up your job, distance learning students can continue to live at home and earn while studying.
Students studying on these course will be using specially prepared learning materials that have been written by experienced academics. They know which sections of the work students usually find difficult, and have provided user-friendly explanations and self-assessment questions to help your study.
Full answers are provided. Most study packs include a series of Tutor Marked Assignments or TMAs that provide feedback on your progress.
Q : What type of students take these courses?
Courses are aimed at new trainees, experienced process operators and technicians working in the various process industries. Applicants must be resident in the UK unless applying through employers.
Q : Why should I study?
Increased knowledge and higher qualifications will enhance both your performance in your present job and your future employment prospects.
Q : Who provides the course?
COLU provides the course materials, and can also provide tutorial support. Other centres also offer support for COLU courses. The accreditation of the course is provided either by City & Guilds (C & G) or the University of Teesside and Edexcel.
Q : What qualification could I achieve?
There is a progresion of qualifications available through COLU open learning materials. Your entry point is determined by previous qualifications and experience.
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Q : How long will it take?
Since open learning programmes are designed to enable you to work at your own pace, this varies from student to student. But typically, a C & G Level 2 or Level 3 qualification is completed in around 1 year; Bridging Programmes (C & G Level 3 Supplemenaty Studies) take around 3 to 6 months; and a full HNC will take between 2 and 3 years.
Q : What support will I be given? (see Tutorial Support)
For each module within a course you will be allocated a tutor/assessor. The tutor will mark your Tutor Marked Assessments (TMAs) and return them to you with constructive comments, but he will also be available to contact by phone, e-mail, fax or (by prior arrangement) in person, to help you with any problems you have with the work.
Q : How will I be assessed? (see Assessment)
This varies a little between the different courses but you will normally be assessed by a mixture of your Tutor Marked Assessments (TMAs) and a final interview with your tutor or an examination.
Q : Where will I undertake any practical work?
If there is practical work involved in a module then it is usually undertaken either at your support centre or at home on special practical kits developed by COLU.
Q : What resources will I have access to and who will provide books and course literature?
You will be able to use all the resources of your chosen support centre if needed, but all course books are provided by COLU and they are all self-contained apart from a few which require books of tables to be purchased.