| p>If you didn't get the A-Levels you needed for | | | | distance learning degree courses ranging from |
| your university choices, or even if you did and just | | | | foundation to MA level - and the best thing is that |
| can't bear the thought of being in £23,000 | | | | they allow you to keep working while you study. This |
| worth of debt in three years time, then it doesn't | | | | is typically achieved by offering more asynchronous |
| mean that further education is out of your reach. In | | | | study than is available on a traditional university |
| fact, you are probably of the generation with the | | | | course, meaning that you don't have to attend |
| biggest choice of non-uni further education | | | | lectures in real time, and you can study when it fits |
| opportunities to date. So what choices do you have? | | | | you. |
| Of course, you could do what so many successful | | | | Despite the importance of asynchronous study on |
| individuals have done and get a full-time job. But a full | | | | online and distance learning courses, it does not mean |
| time job with training will be even better, and more | | | | that such courses allow for any less interaction |
| fulfilling in the long term. An increasing number of | | | | between students and lecturers. Online technologies |
| companies are introducing comprehensive training | | | | such as chat rooms, forums, and seminars mean that |
| schemes for their workers even if they had initially | | | | there are plenty of opportunities for real time |
| not intended to offer them to those who weren't | | | | conversation should you want it. Such technologies |
| really interested. However, after the credit crunch | | | | make online learning very quick and efficient should |
| and the subsequent recession, more and more | | | | you have a question or query about the course, or if |
| businesses are understanding the need for a | | | | you want work marked or critiqued. |
| stimulated and dedicated workforce - and at-work | | | | Aside from increased flexibility and the money you |
| training is a great means to achieving this, and easier | | | | can save by working on the side, distance learning |
| to roll out with the advent of online learning | | | | courses are typically cheaper than university degrees. |
| technologies. | | | | Whereas a traditional university course will cost |
| If you are eager to start work but cannot find a job | | | | around £5,000 a year, a distance learning |
| with decent training, a distance learning course is likely | | | | degree will cost about the same amount for three |
| to be your best bet. More and more universities, | | | | years worth of study - giving you better value for |
| colleges, and independent providers are offering | | | | money, and less debt upon graduation. |