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- Distance Learning courses home page
- What courses can I study?
- What are the benefits of study by distance learning at Leicester?
- How does study by distance learning work?
- How do I apply?
- Request more information
- Frequently Asked Questions
How does study by distance learning work?
Study by distance learning is for people who wish to gain a qualification without having to attend any timetabled classes. This means that you can study in a flexible way and fit it around your lifestyle.
How will I access course materials?
Your course materials, including textbooks, will be sent to you in the post. Coursework reading is divided into chapters so they read like lecture notes, and a suggested timetable of study will also be sent.
The Library has an extensive service for distance learning students. There is an online catalogue and internet and database services. You can request books to be sent to you in the post or you may wish to make use of the photocopying service. You can also make use of your local university library if you live in the UK.
Some books are available as e-books and can be accessed on the University's Library website, as can e-journals. There is a section dedicated to distance learners www.le.ac.uk/li/distance
Having access to the internet will allow you to make use of the online learning resources at the University. Teaching and learning at the University is supported by use of an online virtual learning environment called Blackboard. It can be accessed by registered users from anywhere in the world using the Internet. Blackboard forms an integral part of the learning experience for distance learning students. Blackboard provides a learning environment that enables:
- course materials and reading lists to be published in a course site;
- online discussion between students and tutors using discussion boards and online synchronous classes, such as presentations and tutorials, with students and tutors logged into a virtual classroom;
- the creation of group areas to support group tasks such as online discussion and file exchange; and
- the setting and taking of online assessments with automatic marking and feedback facilities.
There is also a network of local resource centres around the world. We currently have centres in Cyprus, Dubai, Ghana, Greece, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Kenya, Malaysia, Malta, Mauritius, Nigeria, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, St Kitts, St Lucia, Taiwan, Thailand, Trinidad, Uganda and the USA.
Distance learning students studying with the Management Centre will have access to ULMC Direct - a web-based learning environment designed to allow you quick and easy access to an array of education based information.
How will I be assessed?
You submit essays and course work in the post; although some departments allow coursework to be emailed. Some courses include some examinations, which take place at centres that are local to you. The final stage of Master's programmes is a written dissertation on a topic agreed between you and your tutor.
Detailed feedback will be provided from your personal tutor who will be available to talk to you at the end of the phone or correspond via email.
How will the University support me through my studies?
Studying at a distance doesn't mean that we will leave you to it. Our experience in this kind of delivery means that you can expect a strong network of support available to you. You will need to think about where and when you are going to study, and how regular study time will fit into your life, and you will need to prepare a place or places that will provide you with the most comfortable and convenient environment to study - this may be at home, at your place of work or in a study centre.
The support staff from your programme will be able to advise you about how best to do this. You will be sent a handbook that details who everyone is in the department and provides you with contact details. Tutors will always be available to you to discuss any aspects of your study either by phone or email.
Some programmes offer residential courses and summer schools. Although attendance is recommended, it is voluntary. Our networks of local resource centres in different countries also offer support. Sometimes teaching events may be organised in collaboration with local partners.
The University encourages local networks of students studying via distance learning with us. The networks mean students can receive peer support from each other.
