Is distance learning for me?

You don't need to struggle in silence. Our distance learning students are fully supported throughout the learning journey where you can reach out to friendly tutors if you need any extra help with your module content. It is always better to ask for help early on than leave it until just before a deadline. Your tutor can clarify any study elements that might be challenging you and slowing you down, and can provide guidance in what to study if you need to prioritise essential learning content. We also have additional support in place if you're looking to improve your study skills or brush up on your report writing.

If you're going through difficult personal circumstances, then we have wider support services on hand where you can make a confidential online appointment with a caring student health and wellbeing practitioner. If you're seeking career advice then we also have a knowledgeable careers team to guide you on your development journey.

Online learning doesn’t mean studying alone. You may find it helpful to keep in touch with your peers throughout your studies so you feel part of the University student community. There will be opportunities for you to introduce yourself on the learning platform and engage in rich discussion topics. As a class, you may find it useful to use social media and online groups to collaborate, share resources and support each other. You might find it beneficial to have a virtual session with a study peer on your course.

Students on distance learning courses are often based across the world, so make the most of learning from diverse individuals! Completing a degree is a tremendous achievement and you may even want to celebrate in person with your peers on graduation day.

Create a study space that enables you to learn most effectively. This might be a dedicated area or an office room with a tidy desk that's away from your tv and bed. During study sessions, try and keep a distance from common distractions which can interfere with your focus, such as social media or video streaming. There are apps which can help you manage your time and focus such as Forest or Pomofocus. Some students find that background audio helps with concentration and mood, you may find a particular genre of music, white noise playlist, or podcast can aid with your studying.

Make the most of the flexibility of distance learning and optimise your time by studying outside of the house, such as in a coffee shop, local library, at a friend's, or while travelling. Discover which times you study best. Everyone is different, some people are more productive in the mornings or after a workout or walk in daylight, others can focus better in the evenings when there's less distractions.

Set yourself achieveable and manageable goals to keep up the momentum. This could involve assigning yourself bitesized tasks such as: "I have 3 hours this afternoon to study, I will watch one lecture video, read a chapter of the core text and make notes for part 1 of the assignment." On the contrary, it would be unmanageable to set yourself a goal of completing four weeks worth of learning content in one evening which could spiral into demotivation and frustration.

Stay on top of the weekly learning content and follow the recommended completion dates set by your tutor. It's easy to fall behind when there are no lectures or seminars to attend. Modules are designed to be completed systematically, meaning you learn topics following a weekly structure and build up knowledge over time.

Maintaining a good work-life balance is important for a healthy mind and body. You may want to plan out other activities such as socialising, self-care, hobbies or fitness to take your mind off studying as to not become overwhelmed or isolated.

As with any form of studying or work, taking regular breaks is helpful for learning and can help to refresh your focus and productivity. Taking a break may involve getting a change of scenery away from the computer, going for a walk and getting fresh air, spending time with a pet, or cooking a nutritious to meal.