FAQs

FAQS - DISTANCE LEARNING

General FAQs

What is open learning?

Open learning is the umbrella term we use for all of our occasional and non-residential study. You may be more familiar with terms such as ‘distance learning’, ‘extension studies’, ‘evening classes’ or ‘study by correspondence’. They refer to the same thing, a range of study materials and events for people unable to attend onsite for full or part-time study.

How much does it cost?

Click here to download the 2009/10 Open Learning fee sheet

When can I start?

Choose your own start date, whenever suits you. We don’t operate on an academic year programme, so you can start your study whenever it suits you.

Who do I need to contact to start studying?

For any information on Open Learning and to start studying, contact:
Doreen Rosser, Open Learning Administrator
doreen.rosser@lst.ac.uk
+44 (0)1923 456230

How many hours will I have to study?

Choose your own work rate. Study a few hours every week, or study whenever the opportunity arises. Choose to buy one year or three years of tutor contact time, depending on your anticipated work rate.

Can I choose which modules to study?

Yes. If you’re studying for your own development and interest, you can study whatever modules you wish. Even on accredited courses with a number of compulsory modules, there is still significant flexibility to choose the modules that interest you.

What are credits?

All our modules are valued in numerical terms called ‘credits’. Each credit represents 10 hours of study time. So a 20-credit module requires 200 hours of study; a 10-credit module requires 100 hours. This time includes study of the module workbook, reading textbooks and preparing work for assessment.

What kind of qualification will I get?

That’s up to you. We offer a full degree programme, with exit qualifications at Certificate and Diploma level, all validated by Middlesex University. We also offer internal LST awards.

But what if I don’t want another qualification?

You can also choose not to study towards a qualification at all.

Do I have to come to LST?

You can choose to come to LST to take part in occasional study weekends or Saturday classes as an extra element of your study. Meeting other students can be a rewarding experience, whilst learning with our faculty and invited speakers provides renewed impetus to continue with the home study. But you can also choose never to come to Northwood at all! The entire programme can be completed from anywhere in the world without you ever needing to visit us.

What if I decide that I want to come and study at LST?

You can start with Distance Learning and then switch into full- or part-time study (or vice versa). The study you have completed up to that point can be taken into account.

How will I be assessed?

All assessment is done through essays and projects – there are no exams.

What is the study material like?

Study material comes to you in specially written books, textbooks and DVDs (or videos). An increasing number of modules are available as computer files rather than workbooks. Instead of the paper book, (or in addition to, if you want) we can send you the study material on a CD-Rom, or email you the files. There is a discount for this.

How much extra reading will I have to do?

If you are studying for a validated qualification, you will have set texts to read. Otherwise, it is up to you, although you will be expected to do background reading in addition to the study material we provide. The study material takes the place of face-to-face lectures, but does not replace textbooks. We will provide you with extensive reading lists from which you can pick suitable items to read. In addition, our Bookshop offers a range of relevant books that you can buy at a discount if you buy three or more titles. Please contact us for more details and current costs.

Can I use the LST library?

As a distance learning student you are entitled to come and use the library during office hours, though we cannot offer borrowing rights.

Will I get any support or help?

For each module of study you will be assigned a tutor to help you with your study. (In some countries, this person would be better described as a mentor or even a professor.) They are all specialists in the academic subject, and experienced in helping people with the distinctive nuances of Distance Learning. They can help clarify things if anything in the study materials is unclear, and help you with any faith-based challenges you may encounter. They also grade your written assessments.