Distance learning

Break free from the commitments of on-campus degree study, pursue a career you're passionate about or advance your current specialism.

This flexible study option lets you work at times which suit you as well connect with an online community worldwide. 

A great option for flexible learning

Study when and where you want without needing to attend the University

Obtain a recognised and respected qualification

Distance learning qualifications are equal value to campus-based certificates

Be fully supported and connected

Personal tutors and the student wellbeing team are on hand, and you can connect with the online learning community

About Distance Learning

Distance learning is the modern and flexible way to study a degree without attending the University. You’ll have the same status as on-campus students, gain the same qualification and be able to attend the graduation ceremony.

You'll be taught by expert lecturers and be fully supported by our distance learning course leaders through video conferencing, e-mail and SMS, so you’ll never be too far away from a helping hand.

All the learning materials you need will be available online including lectures, recordings and course material. You’ll also be able to join lively debates with your tutors and fellow students.

Distance learning courses

Interested in our distance learning courses? We offer undergraduate, postgraduate taught and research distance learning degrees, our specific course pages will tell you more about the course content.

Undergraduate distance learning courses

Postgraduate taught distance learning courses

Discover more about distance learning

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How you'll learn

Overview of how distance learning students learn and complete assessments
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Student support

We are committed to supporting distance learners, whether you need personal or one-on-one learning support
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Is distance learning for me?

Find out more about the benefits of distance learning and advice for online learning

Chat to our staff and students

We understand you might have some questions about life as a distance learning student at University of Staffordshire. We have a team of students, alongside academic and support staff, on hand to answer any questions you might have.

Chat to us

What do our students say?

The distance and financial cost of having to get to travel to university wouldn’t have worked for me, so to be able to do it from home was a huge pull. I wouldn’t have done this MA were it not for that fact that I could do it at home. The online library is a brilliant resource. Most of my dissertation was put together using resources form the online library. You also get to know people. That's what’s really interesting about distance learning, is that there’s a platform you can use to get to know each other which you would normally do in a classroom if you were physically based on campus.

Robert Trigg

MA International Relations graduate

Distance learning is extremely effective for those unable to commit to a regular location. The pace and content of my course were excellent and very engaging for someone like me, who’d been away from higher education for over two decades. My initial doubts as to whether I could return to postgraduate learning were soon overcome and I became part of a great community of distance learners. 

I can’t recommend Staffs enough to those thinking of a studying ‘from a distance’.

Ricardo Winkworth

MA International History graduate

in the UK for Quality Education

Sustainable Development Goal 4, Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024

for Career Prospects

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023

Top 5 for Social Inclusion

The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025

for First Generation Students

The Mail University Guide 2025

of Research Impact is ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Very Considerable’

Research Excellence Framework 2021

for Facilities

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023

of Research is “Internationally Excellent” or “World Leading”

Research Excellence Framework 2021

Four Star Rating

QS Star Ratings 2021