Sometimes the course you want to do is not available in your area. This could be because:
There's no college nearby
Some parts of the country don’t have as many people living in them as the major towns and cities, so course providers can be scattered far and wide. You might live a fair way away from the nearest college. Public transport can be limited, so if you don’t have a car, getting around can be a challenge.
There’s no demand for the course I want to do in my area
It’s a fact that colleges can only run courses if there’s a demand for them.
The course isn’t run at a convenient time
Maybe the course you want to do is only available full-time and you want to do it part-time. It could also be only offered in the daytime, whereas you need to do it in the evening.
But don’t give up just yet! One of these solutions could be right up your street.
Alternative courses
Is your chosen course the only one that will give you the skills you need? Perhaps another course or qualification route is available. There are different routes into many jobs –such as vocational courses, academic courses or learning on the job. You can find out the qualifications needed for over 700 jobs in our job profiles. Or you can speak to an adviser on 0800 100 900 to see which alternative training routes are available. For advice on how to choose a course, visit our page on choosing the right course.
Distance learning
Also known as self study or correspondence courses, these are courses you study from home. Course materials are sent to you by post and you receive support from a tutor via phone or e-mail. It doesn’t matter where the course provider is based, as you may never have to visit them.
You’ll be surprised how many courses you can do by distance learning. See for yourself by searching our online database of courses. Just enter the subject you wish to study and tick the self study option in the study type section. However, there will be some practical courses you can’t do by distance learning – it might be difficult to train as a dancer through the post!
Learning materials can be a tuition pack, a CD ROM, an online learning package, audio cassettes/CDs or videotapes/DVDs. You can buy them or see if you can borrow them from a library.
Distance learning might suit you if:
- your weekly schedule is irregular and you can't commit to a course at a certain time each week
- you look after children or relatives at home
- you prefer to work at your own pace
- you didn't like school and the whole 'classroom experience'.
Distance learning allows you to work at your own pace and set your own deadlines, although you need self-discipline and motivation to make it work. You'll need to think about the quality and cost of the course, the qualification you'll come out with, and how to compare different course providers.
Television
Educational programmes on many different topics appear on TV. BBC Learning is a good example of this – look out for BBC Learning Zone programmes late at night in the TV listings. These often support a distance learning course, such as those offered by the Open University.
Strength in numbers
If a group of you want to do the same course you could lobby course providers to run it. If enough people want to do a course, course providers may consider running it. If you are part of a community action group such as a residents’ association you could lobby the council to provide educational services in your area. Councils may have funds to regenerate certain areas and education will play a part in that.
Re-arranging your schedule
If a course is taking place at a time you can’t attend, you could ask your employer if it’s possible to change your working hours. If the course is going to develop your skills, your employer might be flexible to support your learning. You could also ask about going part-time or working in a job share with another colleague.
Other study methods
Is the course offered as a residential course? On this type of course you’ll stay in accommodation on the site of the course provider. You may also get an adult education bursary. Visit the Adult Residential Colleges Association for more info.
Home tutoring
You can receive tutoring at home in many different subjects. Call us on 0800 100 900 for details on how to find a tutor.
Mobile learning
Some colleges and councils provide a ‘learning bus’ that visits different locations, sometimes remote areas. Typically you’ll find computers, learning materials and careers advisers on these buses. Look out for info on these on council and library notice boards.
Books
There is a wide variety of manuals and self-teaching books, such as the ‘How To’ guides and the ‘for dummies’ range. Libraries and book shops stock these and topics range from garden design to computer programming.
Relocating
Think about relocating, if this is an option for you. Colleges and universities usually provide lists of local rented accommodation.
If you'd like to talk through your options or need help in finding a course, call us on 0800 100 900. Don't worry if you can't call during the day as we're here from 8am to 10pm seven days a week. We can also advise on paying for your learning, applying for courses or finding childcare. So call us now or you can email an adviser.
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